ARTICLE 1

Section I

The San Joaquin Valley Football League: The San Joaquin Valley Football League (also known as the SJVFL) is an Adult Amateur Football League often defined as Semi-Professional, Minor Professional or Minor League Football.

League Mission:It is the mission of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to provide good clean family friendly entertainment in a safe and professional, non-violent environment. Our objective is to promote winning in a fair manner with unparalleled sportsmanship.

·        Players, coaches and staff members of each team will maintain appropriate behavior on and off the field.

·        No excessive profanity will be tolerated during games especially when players are standing near the sideline where fans can hear it.

·        Players should not address any fans unless in a positive manner and NEVER during a game.

·        Fighting or threatening of players, referees, coaches, league officials or fans will bring automatic permanent ban from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        Profanity towards any Coach, Referee, or League Official will result in your immediate expulsion from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.  There are no exceptions to this rule.

·        Any team caught cheating or violating league rules to win a game will be removed from the San Joaquin Valley Football League as well as forfeit all games played.

·        Teams are not allowed to use players that are under contract from other teams or from any team in a different Semi-Pro league without permission from the Commissioner of the SJVFL.

Section II

League Membership

1.Registration: The first step is to complete an application for membership.  You must complete the application thoroughly.  Missing or misleading information will result in your application being denied.

2.Cost of Membership:  The 2021 San Joaquin Valley Football League dues are $300.  must be paid on or before Febuary 1st, 2021.  Failure to make your initial payment by the deadline established will result in your application being terminated and membership denied.   Any team that has not paid their dues in full by the deadline date will be ineligible for membership for the 2021 Season.  There will be absolutely NO REFUNDS under any circumstances.

3.Minimum Requirements:  All teams must have the following ALREADY IN PLACE before membership will be accepted:

1.Teams must show proof of a home field. (not a requirement to be accepted in league)  You must bring proof of the signed agreement with you to the owners meeting.  Failure to provide proof will result in your team being removed from consideration.  All fields must be GAME DAY READY!  Fields will be checked for approval validity.

2.Teams must provide proof of field insurance.  You must bring proof of field insurance with you to the owners meeting along with a copy of your field rental agreement. Proof of insurance will be checked.

3.All teams are required to have complete matching uniforms.  This includes both HOME (Dark) and AWAY (White) jerseys.  There is NO EXCEPTION to this rule.  Any team that does not have both Home and Away uniforms will have their membership immediately revoked.

4.Join the San Joaquin Valley Football League with the intent of honoring ALL rules and bylaws.

4.Expectations: All teams are expected to follow the rules of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to the letter in the intent in which they were written.  We will immediately remove any team that refuses to abide by ALL League rules and bylaws or teams that try to alter the meaning of the rules and bylaws.

1.Teams are expected to read and thoroughly understand the rules and bylaws.

2.Teams are expected to have a coaching staff; not players or player coaches who are playing in the game acting as coaches. They must have a minimum of two (2) sideline coaches.

3.Teams are expected to enforce all rules and bylaws regardless of player, staff member or any member representing or speaking on the team behalf.

4.Teams are expected to thoroughly go over the rules and bylaws of the league with every member of their organization and ensure that they are understood and enforced at all times.  There is no one person bigger than the team and no one team bigger than the league.

5.Teams are expected to budget for a 10-game regular season and 4-game playoff system that may require travel of more than 3-hours.

6.Teams are expected to be able to budget for 5-game officials throughout the regular season as well as any home playoff game.

Failure to meet and maintain the expectations of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will result in immediate termination of your membership.

Section III
New Members:  New members will be placed in a mentoring program with a current member to assist with making the transition into the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

1.New members must have their league dues paid in full by the deadline date.  There will BE absolutely no extensions.  Failure to meet deadlines will result in your membership being immediately revoked.

2.New members must assign a staff member (not a player) to communicate weekly with their mentor to share in the progress of their transition.  This includes but not limits assistance with league paperwork, question regarding league rules and bylaws.

3.New members must be in good financial standings with the San Joaquin Valley Football League and its member.  The San Joaquin Valley Football League will not accept any applicant that has willingly or unwillingly caused a financial hardship to an active member.

4.New members must have the resources to complete an entire season which includes but not limits preseason, regular season and post season.

5.All members must show a plan of how they intend to make it through the entire season including but not limited to preseason, regular season and post season if applicable. In their plan they must show where they intend to receive the bulk of their finances i.e., player fee’s, sponsorship, loan, etc. This must be presented at the owners meeting (date to be announced). Teams that do not have this information available will not be considered for membership.

6.New members are required to attend all league sponsored functions i.e., owners meeting, family reunion and weekend of champions.  

  

ARTICLEII

Executive Officers:  The San Joaquin Valley Football League is governed by its members.  Every team in the San Joaquin Valley Football League will have a member of their organization act as a representative of their voice.

League Commissioner
  Responsibilities shall include:

·        Schedule all meetings of the league.

·        Call all meetings of the league to order.

·        Conduct all meetings of the league.

·        Make temporary appointments to fill office vacancies.

·        Assist with the development of the League.

·        Oversee the success of every team and its players.

·        Oversee league play-off and championship games.

·        Use deciding vote when teams are deadlocked in any decision making process.

·        Rule on proposed discipline and course of action taken for teams and players that violate league policy.

·        Act in the best interest of the League regardless of vote outcome.

 

Director of Football Operations
    The Directors responsibilities shall include:

       ·        Assist Commissioner with the development of the League.

·        Recording of all discussions and transactions of league meetings.

·        Mail hard copies of all documents of league activity to officers and team representatives.

·        Assist teams in maintaining field locations and to make sure they abide by league standards .

·        Contact teams regarding meeting locations.

·        Attend meetings and give suggestions concerning league growth.

·        Keep record of all league disciplinary reports, course of action taken and results.

·        Keep an accurate file of all team rosters, player profiles and injury waivers to be turned into the league. 

·        Responsible for checking to make sure that every document is complete and will report all incomplete documents to the league Commissioner in a timely manner.

·        Report any violations of league paperwork that HAVE not been turned IN by the deadline date.

·        Responsible for making sure the teams have a website with current information. 

Treasurer

   The treasurer responsibilities shall include:

·        Collect and deposit all league dues.

·        Keep accurate record of all transactions.

ARTICLE III 
Section I

Communication:  Communication is the very essence of the success of the San Joaquin Valley Football League, therefore all members of the League are required to be available at all times and must have A minimum home phone, business phone or cell phone. If a member does not meet the minimum requirements he/she will have their membership revoked.

Communication Requirements:

·        Members must obtain and maintain a functional website that is updated at least once a week.

·        Members are required to have a valid working phone.  All calls must be returned within 24-hours of receipt regardless of importance.  If it is a call regarding an issue; a follow up call must be done within 48-hours of the reported problem with a resolution.

·        Members must have a valid working email address.  You are responsible for checking your messages daily and confirming that any messages sent to you from the San Joaquin Valley Football League has been received.

·        Members may not use any social network to discuss league business of any kind.  They may use social networks to promote their team’s upcoming functions but may not discuss any league issues or results of league issues at any time. This includes tweeting during meetings, having unapproved additional members on conference calls or sharing information that is deemed to be league business without the knowledge of the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

Any member that is found to be in violation of any rules of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will be permanently removed from the league; this includes owners, coaches, players and staff.

Section II

Chain of Command: All teams must follow the appropriate chain of command when filing a complaint against a player, coach or team in the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

Chain of Command for Players

·        Coach

·        Owner

·        Commissioner

Chain of Command for Teams

·        Owner

·        Commissioner

Section III

Reporting Game Day Problems: If there is a critical issue during a game; you must contact the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League Immediately.  If there is no answer then you must leave a message addressing the problem and if there was a viable solution then you must inform the Commissioner of the resolution. 

ARTICLE IV   

Section I 

Players and Team Rosters: All players must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age or older and not playing a high school sport.  For insurance reasons players under the age of eighteen (18) are not allowed to play in any league games until the following game after their eighteenth (18th) birthday.  Teams may use a roster spot for these players but they are NOT allowed to participate or dress out until the assigned date.  Notification of date of birth must be submitted to the League one week prior to the player turning eighteen (18). Parents or guardian must sign a waiver release to allow 17 year old players to play. Only on approval by Commissioner. 

·        All players must sign paperwork provided by San Joaquin Valley Football League which includes, Player Contract, Injury Waiver, Player Profile and Code of Conduct.  Once the player has signed the paperwork; the team owner must also sign all 4 forms acknowledging signature before submitting it to the SJVFL. 

·        All players must submit a photo to the San Joaquin Valley Football League for the official website roster identifying themselves as a member of said team before they are allowed to participate in the SJVFL.  Failure to submit all required documents will result in the player(s) being ineligible.  Any player that is not on file or any paperwork turned in incomplete will result in that player being considered ineligible.  Players will have the opportunity to submit corrected paperwork as long as it is submitted to the league by the deadline dates.   There will not be any allowance for extensions regardless of reasons.  All paperwork must be submitted correctly, NO EXCEPTONS!

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League will permit each team to carry up to fifty seven (57) players. Teams may not carry any additional players as the San Joaquin Valley Football League does not have an injury reserve, practice squad or taxi squad.

·        First roster submission of up to 57 players must be turned in by no later than Feb. 27th 2021 deadline.  After the Feb. 27th deadline, you may not add any players until the next roster opening at which this time you may add enough players( new Players only) to get your roster up to the 25-player limit. 

·        A player is an eligible member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League once the League has received the player’s paperwork and it has been verified that it is signed, initialed and dated correctly.

·        All contracts must be in the possession of the San Joaquin Valley Football League’s Commissioner by no later than March 1st, 2021. Failure to submit ALL paperwork by the established deadline will result in your players being eligible until the next available roster deadline.  There will be NO EXCEPTIONS and NO EXTENSIONS to either deadline. 

·        All hard copies of player’s paperwork must be mailed; they may not be faxed or emailed and must be received by the established deadline dates. 

·        All teams are required to maintain an active roster minimum of 25-players at all times.  Any team that does not maintain the minimum will be subject to review and possible dismissal.

·        Failure to meet the roster minimum of active players will result in your team being ineligible for participation in the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        Any team caught in violation of the roster rules intentionally or unintentionally will be immediately removed from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        Once a player signs with a team, he cannot under any circumstances play with another team or in any other league (during the same season) unless he is released from his previous contract by the Team, the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League. If a player owes money or property with a team he has signed with he can not be released until debt is paid .

·        Any player that chooses to violate his contract by playing with another Semipro, Adult Amateur, Minor League or Minor Professional League outside of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will be permanently banned from participating in the San Joaquin Valley Football League. 

·        It is required that every player in the San Joaquin Valley Football League act in a professional manner at all times.  Any player that does not act in a manner conducive to the San Joaquin Valley Football League’s Code of Conduct will be suspended indefinitely by the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League

·        If you have a person listed on your roster but do not have paperwork for that player, he will be immediately removed from the team’s roster and considered ineligible for the remainder of the year.

·        Hard copies of all paperwork must be in the league's possession on or before the first deadline date of March 1st, 2015   Any player not listed on the official league roster that is posted on the San Joaquin Valley Football League website as well as filed with the San Joaquin Valley Football League will be considered illegal. 

·        It is the policy of the San Joaquin Valley Football League that roster checks are done before every game.  Any player that has not been checked before the game will be considered illegal and ineligible to participate in the game.  The exception to this: the owner must notify the other team in advance that a player is going to be late; however upon his arrival which must be “BEFORE” the 2-minute warning of the 2nd Quarter, the player must be checked in by the referee crew and opposing team’s head coach prior to him being allowed to participate in the game.  No late player(s) will be allowed to participate in the game after the end of the 2nd quarter. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in disciplinary action including but not limited to forfeiture of the game, suspension and termination of membership.

·        All players must sign paperwork provided by San Joaquin Valley Football League which includes, Player Contract, Injury Waiver, Player Profile and Code of Conduct.  Once the player has signed the paperwork; the team owner must also sign all 4 forms acknowledging signature before submitting it to the SJVFL. 

·        All players must submit a photo for the official website roster identifying himself as an official member of a San Joaquin Valley Football League team member before they are eligible to participate.  Failure to properly submit all required documents correctly will result in the player being ineligible. 

·        Any player that is not on file or any paperwork turned in incomplete will result in that player being considered ineligible.  Players will have the opportunity to submit corrected paperwork only once during both signing periods.  Once the deadline has come, they must wait the appropriate waiting times.

·        Non-roster personnel suited for a game upon discovery will be ejected from the game.  The head coach will be ejected from the game and the team will be assessed a fifteen (15) yard penalty for non-sportsman like conduct.  The team in violation will forfeit the results of the game, and be removed from the San Joaquin Valley Football League for violation of league rules.

·        Every game in which an illegal player has played will be considered a forfeit upon an investigation. Any team caught in intentional violation will result in your team’s immediate dismissal. Teams are not allowed to add players for the purpose of using them for the playoffs. Players must be on the opening day rosters to qualify for playoffs. No exceptions to this rule. Teams will not only forfeit game but also be subject to fines or bannishment.

             Sideline Personnel: No team is allowed to have non-SJVFL personnel on the sidelines at any time, for any reason.      This includes family members, friends and visiting players from other teams. All sideline personnel must

have approved paperwork( website waiver) signed and filed by the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        All personnel on the sidelines of a league game must be placed on a personnel roster previously submitted to the San Joaquin Valley Football League. 

·        All non-team personnel must be listed on the official San Joaquin Valley Football League's team roster on the San Joaquin Valley Football League website.

·        All sideline personnel shall be required to meet the same standards of conduct as players, coaches and officials.  Any sideline personnel that does not act accordingly will be permanently removed and will not be allowed on the sidelines for the duration of the season along with a report being submitted to the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        Any coach that has been ejected from the game for disciplinary reasons i.e., excessive profanity, unprofessional conduct, etc., will be fined $50.00 which must be paid within 72-hours of the occurrence.  Failure to pay the fine will result in an indefinite suspension and possible expulsion. 

·         If a coach or player is suspended by the San Joaquin Valley Football League, he may not attend any games until the suspension is lifted.  Failure to comply will result in the immediate dismissal from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

Section II:   

Games: Roster checks must be performed at every game, NO EXCEPTIONS!

o   The San Joaquin Valley Football .

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·        All games are played on Saturday.  If a team is in need of a Sunday game, they are required to submit in writing or via e-mail to the  prior to the awaiting game.  You must document the reason for the request.  The visiting team will have the right to request the game be changed to their home field if it can be played on Saturday.  If a Saturday game is not permissible then the league will approve a Sunday League will play all games in accordance with the rules of the National Football League (NFL) with a few modifications.

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League will play a Ten (10) game regular season schedule beginning on March 6th, 2015 and concluding with the San Joaquin Valley Football League Championship Game .

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League holds its members to a higher standard when it comes to sportsmanship and violence.  Because of this we are very selective of the games that we accept with non-league members therefore ALL preseason and non-league games need to be approved by the League Commissioner.  Any team that fails or refuses to get permission will be removed from the San Joaquin Valley Football League substitute.  If by chance a Sunday game cannot be accommodated and no compromise can be made then the decision will be made by the San Joaquin Valley Football League Commissioner .

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·        Moderate End-Zone celebrations will be allowed however excessive celebration will be assessed a fifteen (15) yard UN-sportsmanlike penalty on the ensuing play.

·        Playing fields must meet the requirements set forth by the San Joaquin Valley Football League Commissioner .  All fields must be GAME DAY READY and in accordance with San Joaquin Valley Football League regulations.  Failure to meet this requirement will result in your team being immediately disqualified from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        If applicable, the Home team is required to provide room in the press box for videotaping; the visiting team receives “PRIORITY” space for filming.

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League DOES NOT USE a running clock.  If there is a clock malfunction, then and only then will the officials keep time on the field.  If the officials refuse to honor the no running clock rule, they must be reported to the league commissioner promptly.  Officials who do not act in a manner that is deemed professional will be banned from participating in any future games with the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        All team owners are responsible for cleaning up their sideline after the game.  $50.00 fine will be paid to the host team, if the visiting team does not clean their sideline after completion of the game.  Failure to comply; will result in disciplinary actions by the owners of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.  It is the responsibility of the host team to present visual documentation in a timely manner.  All fines must be paid in full within 24-hours of receiving notice.

·        Home teams must have a trainer on site and easy access to medical help by telephone.  The home team’s trainer must be able to render services to the visiting team in case of a player injury upon verbal consent. The trainer is not to be a player, coach or anyone actively participating as a member of the current game.

·        Home team is responsible for payment of ALL officials. This includes preseason, regular season and playoff games. YOU MUST HAVE 5-OFFICIALS!

·        Each Team is responsible for using a competent chain crew.

·        All chains must be on the opposite side of the field away from the press box for accurate filming.

·        Water and Ice will be made available to the visiting squad upon their arrival and must be checked during each quarter of the game.  IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HOST TEAM TO RETRIEVE THE VISITING TEAMS COOLERS AND FILL THEM.  Failure to provide Water and Ice upon arrival will result in a fine of $50.00 which must be paid in full before the next scheduled game.  Refusal or failure to pay the fine before the deadline date will result in your team’s immediate dismissal from the San Joaquin Valley Football League .

·        The use of or having in the possession of:  illegal drugs, paraphernalia and physical altering substances or equipment, including illegal or concealed weapons, or the threat of using a gun on the premises of a game are prohibited and will be grounds for automatic expulsion from the league as well as legal actions being taken by the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        No use of alcoholic beverages and/or tobacco on game fields (including sidelines and locker rooms) before, during and after a game. Any player that is caught with alcohol on campus will be banned from league with no appeal.   A field that supports the selling of alcoholic beverages is allowed within the fan designated area (bleachers). 

·        Fields without a fan-designated area are required to establish a twenty-five (25) yard barrier from the field.  FRIENDS AND FANS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON ANY TEAMS’ SIDELINE AT ANY TIME.

·        Players are never allowed to consort with any fans, friends of family during the course of the game regardless of the reason.  Any player that is caught fraternizing with a fan during the game will receive an automatic 2-game suspension which is non-appeal-able.

·        Playoff game day is Saturday.  If the home team does not have a facility for the scheduled game they MUST contact the League by no later than Monday prior to game day.  The visiting team will have the opportunity to then host the game on the scheduled date.  If the visiting team cannot obtain a field, the following day (Sunday) will be substituted in place of Saturday.  If the original host team still cannot obtain a field then the original host team will forfeit based on not meeting the requirements set forth by the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        All games must have a minimum of two (2) identifiable security personnel.  If there is an expense incurred it will be at the expense of the home team.

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League will post kick off times on the league website.  All games are required to start on time.  In case of emergency there will be a thirty (30) minute grace start time for the home team and forty-five (45) minute grace for traveling teams with proper notification. The SJVFL Commissioner has final say when game must start late.

·        You must have the league minimum of twenty five (25) players to start a game, only the League Commissioner can determine if it is in the best interest of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to allow a game to be played without having the minimal number of required players.

Section III

Delays and Postponements: Postponements due to weather may be made up during a league bye week or if available a Sunday game may be played in place of a Saturday game if applicable.  Any weather postponement must be approved by the Commissioner.

If a game is delayed at the start of the 3rd quarter and “IF” there are no dates for conclusion of the game then the score from the first half will count as the final score.

Section IV

Halftime: Halftime will consist of one 12-minute quarter.  If a team is late causing a delay in the start time then the halftime will be reduced from 12-minutes to 10-minutes.  No official has the right to reduce the time if a game is started when scheduled.  In the event there is an overtime period there will be a 5-minute intermission period before the start of overtime.

Overtime (Regular Season): The rules for overtime during the regular season will remain in accordance with the NFL regular season rule of sudden death.

Overtime (Postseason): In 2010 the NFL adopted a new method for postseason overtime.  Below is the method that the SJVFL will adopt in accordance with NFL Rules.

·        Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner.

·        If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal on its initial possession, the other team shall have the opportunity to possess the ball. If [that team] scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If the score is tied after [both teams have a] possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.

·        If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime period, or if [the overtime period's] initial possession has not ended, another overtime period will begin, and play will continue until a score is made, regardless of how many 15-minute periods are necessary.

Section V

Fighting and Profanity: The San Joaquin Valley Football League is a ZERO TOLERANCE League.  We do not tolerate violence or threats of violence of any kind.  Any violence or threats of violence be it verbal or physical will result in your immediate dismissal and permanent ban from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.  There are absolutely NO APPEALS on bans regarding violence.

·        Any representative of a team fighting shall be ejected from the game, removed from the property and banned from the San Joaquin Valley Football League indefinitely.  This includes; playoff, championship and all-star games as well as forfeit any awards that may have been granted to him for his performance.  Depending on the severity of the offense; legal action may be taken. There are absolutely NO APPEALS on bans regarding violence.

·        Any Player that is ejected from a game, the owner of that team must notify the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League as soon as the game is over via telephone with Full names and description of the incident regarding all parties involved.  No immediate decision will be rendered until all parties involved have been spoken with.  All parties involved must be available by no later than Monday of the following week to provide as much information as possible, failure to contact the Commissioner by this time will result in the maximum punishment allowed.

·        Any incident regarding violence will require game film (if available) from both teams.  Failure to produce film can result in a delay in the decision making process.

·        Any player that is ejected for excessive use of profanity will be suspended for no less than two (2) games.  No appeal will be granted. 

·        If a player is ejected during the playoffs he will not be eligible for the remainder of the playoffs nor all-star game and must sit for a period of 3-weeks (not including preseason) the following year. If a team uses an illegal player during a playoff game that team will forfeit game and not be allowed to continue playing in the SJVFL.

·        Any player that uses profanity or threatens a League Official of the San Joaquin Valley Football League at any period will be permanently banned from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        Any player that shows a lack of sportsmanship including refusal to meet at mid-field after the game, shaking the hand of the opponent or walking away without acknowledging their opponent will be banned from the SJVFL permanently.

·        Any player that removes his equipment in an act of disgust or acts of unprofessional decorum on the sidelines or any player that leaves the playing field and goes into the stands for any reason during the game will be banned indefinitely by the Commissioner SJVFL  The team owner and opposing owner must report this act to the league commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours from the occurrence.

·        Any player that throws any equipment in an act of disgust will be banned from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

Section VI

Forfeits and Cancellations: San Joaquin Valley Football League is a ZERO TOLERANCE League pertaining to violence and forfeits.  We will not tolerate forfeits for any reason.  Any team that willingly forfeits a game will be permanently banned from any participation with all members of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

o   There are only three types of cancellations: weather related, critical accident related and death related.  All other forms of cancellations will be considered forfeits.

o   Any member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League willingly accepting games with a team that has been removed from the San Joaquin Valley Football League due to forfeits will also be immediately removed from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

o   Teams that petition for membership into the San Joaquin Valley Football League do so with the understanding that they must have flexibility when it comes to scheduling.  Once a schedule is posted it is up to the teams to work out any scheduling concerns two weeks prior to the game’s scheduled time and date.   All solutions must be in writing to the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League within 24-hours of the arrangement being made.

o   Teams may only cancel a game in the event of a death or serious accident to one of its members. You must contact the owner of the opposing team as well as the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League .  You must be able to show proof that such an event occurred.  Failure to do so will result in your cancellation being considered a forfeit as well as your immediate dismissal from the San Joaquin Valley Football League violation of Article IV Section VI paragraph 1 regarding zero forfeits.

ARTICLE V:  

Section I

Teams Uniforms: In accordance with NFL Rules each team must have complete MATCHING game uniforms.  This includes having one set of Home (dark) jerseys and one set of Away (white) jerseys.  There will be no exceptions to this rule.  If you must have your game uniforms before the start of the season, failure to comply will result in your immediate dismissal from the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

o   Every team must have a set of complete Home (dark) and Away (white) uniforms before the start of the regular season.

o   Teams that are going to have a player’s names on the back of the uniforms must have them on all uniforms.  All names must be correctly spelled and match the official roster that has been submitted to the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

o   The player’s last name is the only acceptable way to display a player’s name, i.e., no nick name or aliases. In a case where two players share identical spellings of a last name, the first initial may be added followed by a period along with the last name.

o   Each player shall be dressed in accordance with the NFL rules.  Game jersey with numbers either screen print, tackle twilled or sublimated on front and back.  Matching game pants and matching game socks. Uniforms must be tucked in at all times Failure to comply with uniform rules will result in your player’s immediate 2-game suspension.

o   All helmets MUST be painted the same color and color shade. Helmets that do not match may NOT be worn at any time during the season.  Failure to comply will result in an automatic 2-game suspension.

o   If a team has helmet decals, they must be placed on ALL helmets.

o   Thigh pads and Knee pads are suggested but not required.

o   Players may wear visors.  NOTE: The San Joaquin Valley Football League recommends a clear or lightly smoked visor however any visor color may be worn at the player’s own risk. The head official has the right to ask any player to remove the dark visor if they so desire.  Failure to comply will result in the player being removed from the game and a 15-yard UN-sportsman like penalty being assessed to the team and an automatic two game suspension for being ejected from the game.

Section II

Game officials: The hosting team must have a minimum of five (5) field officials.  No game will be permitted with a number less than 4 unless prior permission from the Commissioner has been granted.  This must be done one week prior to the upcoming game.

·        Any official that officiates in the San Joaquin Valley Football League must act in a professional manner at all times. Any official that acts or speaks in a manner that is deemed unprofessional will be immediately and permanently removed from his duties and never allowed to officiate in any other games involving members of San Joaquin Valley Football League

·        Each official shall be dressed in accordance with NFL rules. All officials must have their certification number on the back of their uniform shirt identifying who they are.

·        All officials must be listed on the official website of the San Joaquin Valley Football League under their head of officials.

·        Each official shall have complete knowledge of ALL NFL and SJVFL rules.

·        All officials must be state certified and have proof of such certification. 

·        All officials must become certified through the San Joaquin Valley Football League

·        Each field official shall be an adult over the age of 25 and have a minimum of 2-years officiating.

·        Each official must be “unbiased” and honest without regards to the outcome of any game. Relatives of player’s coaches or owners may never officiate any game that they are participating in. Any team or official violating this rule will result in their immediate dismissal from participation in the San Joaquin Valley Football League .

·        If a crew of officials fails to show for a game for any reason shall never be used by the San Joaquin Valley Football League ever again.

·        If an official acts in a manner that is deemed unbecoming an official or refuses to adhere to the San Joaquin Valley Football League By Laws; that crew will never be used again for any reason. If a team is caught using officials that are deemed ineligible, they will forfeit the game pending an investigation, and disciplinary action taken.

·        If an official acts in an unprofessional or incompetent manner or is showing a bias attitude against the visiting team, the opposing team may have that official removed from the game.  If this action is taken, a full report must be made to the San Joaquin Valley Football League commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident by both teams stating their version of the events.  A review of that official will be assessed and pending the outcome, he may never work future games in the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

ARTICLE VI  

Section I

Representation of the San Joaquin Valley Football League: It is the goal of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to obtain exposure for its members via the use of internet, radio.  Occasionally there will be media outlets that request information regarding teams in the San Joaquin Valley Football League as well as the League itself.   In the event you are asked to do an interview regarding the San Joaquin Valley Football League you must first get permission from the Commissioner to act as a representative on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.  Any member of the league that acts on his or her own as a League representative or spokesperson without the consent of the Commissioner of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will automatically have their membership revoked.

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League has never nor will ever represent itself as a professional football entity, nor minor league farm system.  The San Joaquin Valley Football League is an Adult Amateur League by all definitions including Semi-Pro and Minor League; any member misrepresenting the San Joaquin Valley Football League as anything other than an Adult Amateur Football League will have their membership permanently revoked.

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League does not act as a “scout” for any professional entity and does not nor will ever promise an opportunity for a player to make it to the “next level”. 

·        The San Joaquin Valley Football League carries an amateur status therefore we do not pay players.  Any team that pays its players will be considered to carry a professional status therefore would be ineligible to participate as a member with the SJVFL and its members.

Section II

Message Boards and Social Networks:  While it is not the intent of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to censor anyone’s views or opinion, there is a higher level of respect that we demand from our members. This includes players, coaches and/or fans acting on behalf of players and coaches.  We understand that social networks such as Twitter, Facebook are free open speaking forums that the majority of players use this to speak recklessly regarding their views and opinions of players and teams in the SJVFL as well as other adult amateur league’s throughout the country. 
We cannot control what a person writes or say’s in an open forum; however we can determine whether or not it violates the San Joaquin Valley Football League Code of Conduct.  We the San Joaquin Valley Football League have the right to dismiss any person or person’s deemed in violation of our Code of Conduct based on our opinion. 

Section III

League and Team Websites: The San Joaquin Valley Football League takes pride in its web presence therefore it is often being maintained on a daily basis. Teams in the San Joaquin Valley Football League are required to have and maintain a web presence at all times.

o   It is the responsibility of the members of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to submit your articles, press releases, video clips and other information in a timely manner.  Failure to submit your information in a timely manner will result in a delay of your information being posted.

o   Each team is required to have at minimum a “basic” website that is maintained with current information such as scores, upcoming opponents and schedules.  Because there are so many free site builders out there; this is not optional.

o   Each team is required to have a valid working email address.  It is the responsibility of the team to check for messages daily as this will be used as the primary means of communication.

o   While it is not a violation of any rules of the San Joaquin Valley Football League, we ask that our members that use theme music on their website please limit your selections to non-racial lyrics and music that has no lyrical profanity. 

Reporting Scores and Game Summaries: It is the responsibility of the team to submit scores by quarter.  This can be done via text message at the end of every quarter.  It is also the responsibility of each team to submit the following by no later than 10pm Sunday: 

·        Score by quarter breakdown AND final game score directly after the game.

·        Player of the game for your team must be submitted via email by the Sunday 10pm deadline

·        Player of the game statistics must be accompanied with the nomination this must also be emailed.

·        Game statistics must be submitted by no later than 10pm Sunday evening.

·        A summary detailing the way the game was hosted, any issues or complaints, and any issues regarding game officials must be submitted by no later than 10pm every Sunday

ARTICLE VII

NON LEAGUE MEMBERS: It is the intent of the San Joaquin Valley Football League to work with other Adult Amateur Football entities’ as a show of brotherhood.  While we are willing to reach out to everyone; they must meet our criteria before we extend our hand.  Therefore the following must be in order before a member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will consider a relationship with any outside organization:

·        Members of the San Joaquin Valley Football League are allowed to host and participate in games and events with teams that are not members of the San Joaquin Valley Football League as long as they seek permission from the Commissioner and meet the criteria of the San Joaquin Valley Football League’s Board of Directors.

·        No member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League shall participate or host any game against a team that has an outstanding debt against a member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League. All debts must be paid in full before consideration will be given to non-league members. Proof that the debt had been cleared must be presented before seeking permission to participate in an activity involving a member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League.

·        Because the San Joaquin Valley Football League is a Zero Tolerance League, ANY non-member seeking a game or looking to host an event;  must show in advance a plan of action regarding how the team/league handles violence and/or threats of violence before permission will be granted.

·        Due to the nature of Adult Amateur Football; any team seeking a home game must also accompany the San Joaquin Valley Football League with a home game during the same season unless an agreement is made to do otherwise.

·        Any non-member team that acts in an unprofessional manner while visiting or hosting a member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will forfeit any future opportunities to participate in future events, this includes but not limited to games, tournaments, scrimmages, etc.

·        Any team that schedules a game then cancels or forfeits without proper notice; will be permanently banned from participating with any member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League including games, tournament, scrimmages, etc.

·        Any team that vandalizes, steals property, or acts in a lewd manner or has behavior detrimental to a member of the San Joaquin Valley Football League will be banned from ever participating in any event with the San Joaquin Valley Football League which includes games, scrimmages, tournaments, etc.

·        Non-member teams are required to have all of the information available at the time of request.  This includes: field address, kickoff times, locker room information, and potential hotel information.  Failure to have the necessary information can and will delay our decision as to participate in your event.

·        IF A NON-LEAGUE MEMBER IS HOSTING:  they are required to act as gracious host and provide enough ice and water for a 4-quarter football game.  This includes providing ice and water during warm-ups and during half-time.

·        All non-member teams must allow adequate filming space for San Joaquin Valley Football League staff members. 

·        All non-league members must contact your San Joaquin Valley Football League opponent to ensure that the game details have been worked out and everything is running according to plan.  If there is a problem it must be address by that time.

·        All non-league members are required to submit roster by no later than the Wednesday before the game.

·        No call, no show = Forfeiture = Permanent Ban.

 

Addendum to Bylaws  2/2/2021

 

 

Excessive Profanity/Racial Slurs : $50.00 Fine plus 2-game Suspension

Non-compliant to Covid-19 protocols set in place by SJVFL: $50.00 Fine $50.00 Owner Fine 

Addressing the Crowd During Game Time: $25.00  Fine

Profanity Towards Any Coach, Referee or League Officials: $50.00 Fine

Playing for Another Team While Under Contract: $150 Player Fine and $150 Owner Fine

Ejected Player(Regular Season): $50.00 Reinstatement Fee plus 1-game Suspension

Ejected Player(Playoffs): $50.00 Fine plus 3-Game Suspension

Removal of Equipment: $25.00 Re-instatement Fee

Helmets of a Different Color: Immediate Ejection, Team Fine Of $50.00 plus 1-game Suspension

Not Dressed in Accordance with SJVFL Rules $50.00 player fine Per-infraction ,Immediate Injection and 2-Game Suspension.