LEAGUE BY-LAWS
As approved 12/8/23
PREFACE – NAME & PURPOSE
Northern 28 Youth Football League (N28YFL, or the League) is organized by representatives of the following youth football organizations: Deer Lakes Youth Football, Freeport Youth Football Organization, Rams Youth Football Organization, Ford City Youth Football, Saxonburg Spartans, and Hampton Junior Football. These individual organizations, known as (the Clubs), joined together to promote the development of young people through participation in organized football.
The goal of the N28YFL is to promote good sportsmanship, scholarship, teamwork, self-discipline, personal growth, commitment, and physical fitness within a safe environment. The focus will be on team development and achievement rather than individual performance. The adult administrators and coaches will endeavor to assist each individual player in reaching their own potential, with emphasis on team participation. In accordance with this concept, all N28YFL organizations agree that only team statistics will be maintained, recorded, and publicized.
Clubs will roster their players into TEAMS according to DIVISIONS based on League guidelines relative to the age and weight of the players. Divisions will be determined by the Membership and may be changed from time to time when such change is deemed to be beneficial to the Members.
Article I – MEMBERSHIP / DUES / FEES
The Members are a class consisting of the aforementioned Clubs along with any additional Clubs approved as Member Clubs at a future date. All additional Clubs must receive majority approval of Member Clubs to become Probationary Members of the N28YFL. In order to be considered for membership, a club must be interviewed by the entire board, be recommended and pay a non-refundable application fee. The amount of said application fee shall be ($100.00) ONE HUNDRED dollars. After approval, the League shall permit a Club to participate in the N28YFL as a Probationary Club for one (1) season, during which it will be the obligation of Member Clubs and League executives to evaluate whether they are worthy of membership. Special attention will be made to adherence to N28YFL goals and methods, in addition to observation of league rules and policies.
After one (1) season, the Member Clubs will hold a private election to determine if the Probationary Club shall be granted Member Status. Said election must pass by 1-off vote. The Member Clubs may choose to have a Probationary Club serve one (1) additional season on probation in lieu of a final election. Said decision must pass by majority vote.
Probationary Clubs shall have NO powers of Membership.
Each Club will appoint or elect, in accordance with their rules, one person to be their official Representative to the League. Additional persons may be authorized by the Clubs to serve as Alternate Representatives. If said authorization is in question, the League will secure validation
from Club’s highest ranking executive. In all matters, each Club will have only one (1) vote. Proxy votes shall not be accepted. In order to maintain order at League Meetings, the Chairman may limit participation to Official Representatives only.
LEAGUE DUES will be set at $500 (FIVE HUNDRED) dollars per year and adjusted when necessary by a majority of Member Clubs. In addition, special assessments may be set when necessary. Dues shall be paid by April 30th of each year. Teams shall not be scheduled to participate in the League games until dues and any special assessments have been paid.
All Clubs must notify the League before the last regular meeting of the year if they will participate in the upcoming season. No new Teams can be added after the March regular meeting.
In order to participate in the N28YFL season, each Club must roster a Team in each of the (3) Divisions.
The first year a Club cannot field a Team, the Club will be placed on probation. The second consecutive year, at the same level, a Club does not field a Team, the League will vote on dismissal of that Club (majority vote).
Article II – OFFICERS
The League Officers shall be elected during the first meeting of each calendar year and serve a term of one (1) year. The Officers of the N28YFL and their duties shall be as follows:
PRESIDENT – Shall be the chairman of all meetings of the membership. In addition, the president shall serve as the chief executive officer of the league. The President shall resolve all tie votes. This includes scheduling and disputes.
VICE PRESIDENT – Shall serve in the same capacity as the president when the president is unable or unavailable and shall assist the President with said duties.
SECRETARY – Shall keep all records of the League and shall be responsible to accurately document all actions of the organization.
TREASURER – Shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all League Funds and to report the status of the same on a regular basis.
The Officers shall serve as the Executive Committee of the League. The Executive Committee shall conduct the business of the organization, whenever matters must be acted upon, before a regular membership meeting can be held. All decisions of the Executive Committee shall be decided by a majority.
All disciplinary issues should be discussed by the executive board. A recommendation of discipline should then be brought to the entire organization for a vote. The entire organization will vote on the recommendation presented by the executive board. A majority vote will determine the discipline.
When a special meeting is unable to be called within the required 24 hour notice required by the sunshine law, an appeal of a decision made by the executive board can be requested. The decision of the executive board shall never supersede the vote of the entire body of the organization,
Organization on Probation cannot hold an executive position and cannot for 1 year after being on probation.
If an officer is unable to complete their term, the Executive Committee shall elect a replacement from the League Representatives to serve the remainder of that term.
Article III – RULES
Rules of the League will be established by the Members. All rules must be approved by a majority of the Membership.
All rules and by-law changes or additions must be presented at the first monthly membership meeting held each calendar year. These presentations will be voted upon at the next monthly meeting.
In the absence of a specific N28YFL rule, the rules of the WPIAL shall govern.
Article IV – ORDER / MEETINGS
Regular Meetings:
The membership will hold regular meetings at times and dates that shall be stated in the League By-Laws. Meetings will be held in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order. Meetings may be only changed or canceled under extreme emergency or when it is not possible to have a quorum.
Special Meetings:
Special meetings shall be held at the call of the president, all members shall have a 24 hour notice. Such notice to state the purpose of the meeting. No other business but that set forth and clearly stated in the notice shall be transacted at such special meeting.
Meeting Place:
Regular and Special meetings shall be held at a place agreed upon by a majority of the Executive Committee.
Regular League Meetings are held during the following months at 7:00PM, the third Monday of that month. Meeting days can be changed with at least one week's notice and published. Listed also is the meeting’s main purpose:
January February March April August
October
Election of officers / Rule change motions and discussions Rule change vote
Schedules handed out Collection of dues Roster submission (If roster changes are made after this meeting the club making changes has to send an electronic copy with the changes)
Playoff / Super Bowl Planning
Article V – RECRUITING AREA
Each Club will limit the recruitment of players to their school district or specific boundaries approved by a majority vote of the N28YFL.
Each club will recruit kids that attend school in the district in which the club is part of. Players who attend a private school (parochial) will be considered an eligible player for the Club where the player resides.
A Club that has a Team that is unable to roster fifteen (15) players by the first day of conditioning of that year, may accept players from an adjacent school district to attain fifteen players, up to a maximum of 20, as long as there is no youth program in the adjacent district. The Club must notify the League by the Friday before the first day of conditioning of their plan to seek outside player
If a school district does not have a youth club then potential players can play for the closest available club.
If a school district has 2 youth programs the player and parent can choose between those 2 programs. However, that player has to continue playing for the same club and cannot switch year to year unless released by the club they chose.
Players from a Club who move to an adjacent school district with no youth football program may continue to play for the Club that they are rostered on until they finish that program.
If a Club rostered an illegal player, at any time during the season, that Team will forfeit all games in which that player was on the roster and the result will be a final score of 10-0 in favor of the opposing Team. This decision cannot be overturned by an executive session.
Article VI – AUXILIARY GROUPS
Cheerleading, pom pom, color guard, bands and other groups may be created by the individual football Clubs. Their participation in League activities, including practice, is only permitted as a result of their auxiliary status. These groups shall be governed by the Club. The League will recognize these groups as an auxiliary of the Club.
Article VII – AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of a class consisting of all Clubs holding full voting privileges.
Article VIII – DISSOLUTION
The Organization may dissolve the League by unanimous vote at a Special meeting for this purpose.
In the event of Dissolution, any remaining assets shall be divided equally among the League Clubs after all statutory requirements, legal obligations, and outstanding debts have been paid.
N28YFL RULES
SECTION 1 – Coaches
The N28YFL takes the well-being of all players very seriously. Therefore, it is the obligation of each Club to establish proper procedures assuring that all coaches are worthy of their position. Coaches should set an example of good sportsmanship and fair play at all times.
Coaches are considered to be any person involved in the instruction of any player.
All coaches must appear on the team roster & wear a coaching ID with picture while on the sidelines. Only rostered coaches are permitted on a sideline per game. Head coach is responsible for anything that happens on the sideline if they permit any non rostered coaches on the sideline.
Head Coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
The Certification (Act 33 and 34) or National Background Check of all coaches is required.
All coaches are responsible to carry out League and Club rules and policies. Proper conduct shall be the responsibility of each Club.
The Head Coach is responsible for the conduct of his staff.
If a club has multiple coaches from the same division ejected during the same game the head coach should also serve a 1 game suspension. If that same division has multiple coaches during the same year ejected at the same division the head coach has to serve a 1 game suspension.
If an organization has ejections in multiple games, at the same age level, this will result in the organization being placed on probation.
SECTION 2 – Registration
The parent or legal guardian shall provide written consent for each child to play.
Proof of age is required – a certified copy of a Birth Certificate is the preferred document. Other documents, such as a passport or baptismal certificate, Skyward Printout or equivalent to verify school registration at school may be accepted, subject to the approval of the League.
SECTION 3 – Divisions
Weight / Age Divisions shall be as follows:
Small – 115 pounds maximum, (may strip down to underwear/must have game jersey) 8 years old maximum.
Middle –135 pounds maximum, (may strip down to underwear/must have game jersey), 10 years old maximum.
Big – 160 pounds maximum, (may strip down to underwear/must have game jersey), 12 years old maximum.
Weights shall be determined using the N28YFL Weigh-in Procedure.
Age shall be player’s age as of June 1 of the year of participation.
SECTION 4 – Rosters
All official rosters must be submitted to the League during the August monthly meeting, using the official roster format distributed by the League. A player should have to provide proof of school district either with a report card from the previous year or with the online enrollment from the current year. Official Rosters must contain at least the following information:
Name of Club Division Team Name
Player's proper name, listed last name first, numerical # order –by game jersey Player’s home legal address
Player’s birth date Player's school district
Player’s picture with current game jersey number
Assistant Coaches’ Names
Head Coach's name, phone numbers, address & email address Club President's name and phone number
Any special medical condition for a specific player shall be noted on the roster.
Proof of age should be available within 48 hours if requested.
Roster size: Maximum - there is no League maximum; Clubs may establish guidelines of their own.
Three (3) rosters, one per division, must be turned into the League at least 72 hours prior to a player’s participation in a League game.
Additions to a roster must be turned into the League at least 72 hours prior to a player’s participation in a league game. Roster additions will not be accepted after Wednesday of week 3 by 5pm.
Ineligible players – for roster purposes –players shall be considered ineligible if:
unable to provide proof of age
unable to obtain parental consent
physically unable to participate in a safe manner.
Rosters can be protested at any point during the season.
SECTION 5 – Practice
Practice in pads shall not begin before the Monday of the week of August 1st, with the exact date being approved and announced by the League. Practice in pads is defined as wearing any of the following equipment: shoulder pads, pants with thigh and hip pads. Violations of this rule, for the first offense, shall result in (1) a Special Meeting of the League, and (2) organization is on one calendar year probation and forfeit the 1st game. Weight training and non-contact practices are permitted at any time.
SECTION 6 – Game Field
The home Team is responsible for the preparation of the playing field in accordance with WPIAL standards. In addition, they must provide the necessary equipment and personnel to conduct the game. The League shall arrange for 4 game officials. The home Team is responsible for paying the officials before halftime of the final game.
Games will be conducted in accord with the WPIAL rules unless specified otherwise in the N28YFL Rules.
Game Ball – Teams shall provide a game ball for each game. Game balls shall be: (or equivalent)
8 & under – Nike Composite 1000K or Wilson Leather K2 10 & under – Nike Composite 1000J or Wilson Leather TDJ 12 & under - Nike Composite 1000Y or Wilson Leather TDY
Emergency care: Home Team is required to provide, for the benefit of both teams, a paramedic, EMT, or physician, with proper training and equipment (WPIAL standards), at the game field.
First down chains shall be placed on the sideline of the home team. Field must have at least one set of goal posts. If only one set is available, teams may change ends of field for PATS and field goals.
Charging admission to N28YFL games is to be $3 per adult and no charge for children under 12.
SECTION 7 – Games
10u/12u teams must be able to field at least 11 eligible players in order to start a game. 8u can be played with 9 players (this can result in 11 vs 9). Minimum of 8 players to continue the game. Game quarters shall be ten (10) minutes. If the teams are tied at the conclusion of regulation time; WPIAL rules will apply for overtime.
All games will start at the original predetermined time; unless agreed on by coaches to start earlier. Halftime will be ten (10) minutes. Additionally if a game goes to overtime this will be adjusted.
Mercy Rule- Starts at 28 points. once the mercy rule is in effect, any kickoff that does not travel 15 yards will result in the receiving team maintaining possession and starting on their own 40 yard line.
All games will be officiated by (4) game officials
Protests – Any protest must be submitted to the League President within 48 hours after a game is played. The President will arrange for a Special meeting (limited to Officers and League Representatives) within the next 48 hours, where each side can present their version of the situation. The remaining members would perform a simple majority vote on a resolution. The President would vote to break a tie unless from one of the Organizations involved in the protest. If necessary, the tie breaking vote would then fall to the next uninvolved, non-representative officer; Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary in that order.
Report of game scores –Home Team is responsible to report all scores immediately following the conclusion of the day's final game.
SECTION 8 – Weigh-in
Weigh-In will be conducted in accordance with the N28YFL weigh-in procedure (Appendix I)
SECTION 9 – Playoffs / Super Bowl Game
The Northern 28 Youth Football League Super Bowl shall be held after the conclusion of the regular season schedule. Playoffs will occur at all 3 age levels.
The League Officials will award trophies to the N28YFL Super Bowl Champions and the N28YFL Runner-Ups at a presentation ceremony held at the conclusion of each division’s game.
Clubs will have the opportunity to host the Super Bowl Games on a rotation basis.
In the event that the regular season record does not clearly establish which teams qualify for the playoffs, or in what seeding position, the following tie breaker system shall be used:
WPIAL TIE-BREAKING SYSTEM HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPETITION
If teams A, B and C are tied for second place, and team A has a 2-0 record in head-to-head competition, then team A gets second. The system then reverts to head-to-head competition to determine third and fourth place. If team B beat team C, team B would be third and team C fourth.
If teams D, E and F are tied for third place and all three are 1-1 in head-to-head competition, the system goes to Gardner Points. If they tie in Gardner Points, the system goes to the WPIAL Point- Differential System. In this case, let’s say that team D has more points in the “Point-Differential System,” and thus finishes third. The system then reverts to head-to-head for teams E and F. Team E beats team F; Team E gets the fourth-place spot.
If four teams are tied for second place in a section: In head-to-head competition among these teams, team A and team B are both 2-1, while team C and team D are 1-2. In this case, team A and team B then revert to head-to-head. Team A beats team B, so team A is second and team B is third. Then, to break the tie between C and D for fourth place, again revert to head-to-head. Team C beat team C, team C is fourth.
GARDNER POINTS SYSTEM
If head-to-head competition does not break ties among three or more teams, the Gardner Points System is used. Here is how the Gardner Points System works:
Only section games are used.
Teams are awarded 100 points for each win.
The winning team gets 10 points for each of the defeated team’s victories. For example, team A
beats team B. Team B has a 3-3 section record, so team A gets 30 points.
Add up the Gardner Points for all teams that are tied for a playoff spot in a section. The team with
more Gardner Points gets the spot. If there is a tie in Gardner Points, the WPIAL Point-Differential System is then applied.
WPIAL POINT-DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM
If neither head-to-head competition, nor Gardner Points breaks the tie among three or more teams, then the WPIAL “Point Differential System” is used. Here is how the system works:
Only section games are used.
A maximum of 10 points is earned in a victory and a maximum of 10 points is lost in a defeat. Any
team receiving a forfeit win will receive +10 for that contest. If forfeit is approved by WPIAL Office,
team with the forfeit loss will receive -10 for that contest.
Points are based on comparative scores.
For example, a 14-7 victory is worth 7 points for the winner, and a minus 7 points for the loser. A
20-10 victory is worth 10 points for the winner and a minus 10 points for the loser. A 35-7 victory
results in only 10 points for the winner, and a maximum minus 10 points for the loser.
Add up the points in the “Point Differential System” and the team with more points breaks the
deadlock among tied teams.
If there is still a tie among three or more teams after head-to-head, Gardner Points and the Point-
Differential System, the committee will determine the qualifier.
COMMITTEE DETERMINATION
If head-to-head competition, Gardner Points, and the WPIAL Point-Differential System does not break a tie among three or more teams, the committee will determine the qualifier.
SECTION 10 – Discipline / Enforcement
Ineligible players – If an ineligible player is permitted to participate in a game, the Team shall forfeit the game and the Club shall be placed on probation for the remainder of the season. If another eligibility violation occurs while the Club is on probation, the Club will forfeit the season for all Teams. The following shall be considered as ineligible players:
Any player living outside of a Club‘s League-approved recruiting area that has not been granted exception
Any player not properly registered and rostered. Coaching violations – If a coaching violation occurs, said coach shall be put on probation for the remainder of the season. If another violation is committed by the same coach, his Team shall forfeit their next game and the Club will be placed on probation. If any coaching violation occurs while the Club is on probation, the Club shall forfeit the season for all three Teams and will be placed on probation for the calendar year.
Ejection from a game:
Player Ejection – When a player is ejected from a game by the game officials, the Team’s League Representative must report the ejection to the league by noon of the Monday following the game. The League will provide notice to all Clubs prior to the next scheduled League game. The player shall also be suspended for the next game. Notice is required as above. If the same player is ejected a second time, the player shall be suspended for the remainder of the regular and post season. Notice is required as above.
Coach Ejection – When a coach is ejected from a game by a game official, notice is required. The coach shall also be suspended for the next game. If a coach is ejected a second time during the same season, they shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
All called targeting penalties will result in an automatic ejection.
If a player commits an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the offending player must be removed from the field for one play.
If the same player commits a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, in the same game, the player will be ejected from the remainder of the game.
SECTION 11 – Non-WPIAL Rules
At rules meeting head official will receive a copy on N28YFL special rules and sign a copy of it and will be kept on record
Point after Touchdown: 2 points for a successful kick, 1 point for a successful run or pass play from scrimmage. Extra points – 1 point awarded for successful run/pass from the 3 yard line. 2 points awarded for successful run/pass from the 5 yard line. 2 points awarded for successful kick from the 3 yard line.
After a lead of 28 points the mercy rule will come into effect. Any kickoff that does not travel 15 yards will result in the receiving team maintaining possession and starting on their own 40 yard line.
Free Punt: (For 8 & under ONLY) Team must declare punt to umpire, no rush, no release down-field until ball is kicked. Punting team must align in a punting formation, with the punter at a depth of at least five yards. Receiving team must have 7 players positioned on the line of scrimmage before the ball is kicked. A kneel down with the ball by the punter will result in a dead ball spot. A snap out of the end zone shall result in a safety. Otherwise, the punter will be allowed to retrieve a bad snap and punt the ball freely. Once the ball is kicked, normal rules apply. As an option, the punting team may elect to have an official spot the ball 25 yards down-field from the line of scrimmage. This rule applies only to weeks 1-4. Starting in week 5, there will be no option for a 25 yd walk off. All punts will have an automatic fair catch (no muffed punts). The ball is dead where it is fielded or where the ball rests. There will be no returns. Kicking team must kick - no fake punts.
**NOTE: Free punt rule is intended to increase the numbers of punts attempted and promote the development of these particular skills for our younger players.
8 & Under Coaches on Field: 8 & under teams will be allowed to have one (1) coach on the field instructing the players. However, when the offense breaks their huddle, all coaches will be positioned away from the line of scrimmage behind their deepest player, or 10 yards, whichever is greater.
See Appendix II for additional 8&Under Division rules.
SECTION 12 - Equipment
Football shoes shall have rubber or plastic cleats/spikes. No metal cleats/spikes can be used.
Headsets are permitted by team use, regardless of whether or not an opposing team is using them. Additionally the 8u level is permitted to use headsets, including the 1 coach that is on the field.
APPENDIX I – N28YFL WEIGH-IN PROCEDURE
There shall be an official weigh-in before each game. Each Club is permitted for any badged, approved board member, coach, or staff member to be their weight master. The weigh master shall supervise and conduct the weigh-in for each team. Spectators are to be away from the scale. Either Club‘s weigh master shall have the right to remove any persons from the weigh-in area. The home team shall provide a bar-type or electronic scale.
Before weigh-in, both Team’s weigh masters will check and set the scale. The scale shall be placed on a hard, level surface. Once the scale is set and checked, there will be no further pre weigh-in checks. No one other then the weigh masters and the player being weighed shall be at the scale during weigh-in.
A player shall be considered overweight if the balance beam touches the top stop on a bar-type scale. A player may officially weigh in a maximum of (2) two times.
All players must report to the scale in numerical order with their game jersey on. Once properly identified, players will be allowed to remove any articles of clothing or equipment before stepping on the scale.
Any player who weighs-in overweight may request a re-weigh for verification. Re-weighs will be conducted after the rest of the team has been weighed. The weight masters will notify the Head Coach of each team when a player is overweight and ineligible to play. Overweight players must remove all equipment from the waist up, except their game jersey, until the completion of their game. Weigh-in should be conducted 30 minutes prior to game time for the first game’s teams and during half-time of the prior game for subsequent teams. Late arrivals shall be weighed by the same weight masters as soon as possible. No player shall be weighed-in after half-time of their game or after the weigh-in of the teams for the next game has begun.
Early weigh-ins are allowed for players who are close to the limit for their Division. A chart is to be displayed in the weigh-in area to record early weigh-ins. The chart will be signed by authorized personnel from both teams for each early weigh-in.
Any questions, complaints or procedural problems must be brought to the attention of both Clubs’ League Representatives for prompt resolution. Such resolution shall be reached prior to game play. Any weigh-in problems must be reported to the League President or Secretary by noon of the Monday following the occurrence.
APPENDIX II– 8 & UNDER DIVISION GAME PLAY
To streamline and simplify game play for the 8 & under Division, games will follow all 10 & under Division rules with the following exceptions:
Games will consist of (10) minute quarters and a ten (10) minute half time period. Each team will be allowed the normal allotment of three regulation timeouts per half.
There will be extra point tries after touchdowns.
Scores will be posted on the scoreboard
Penalties: All infractions observed that affect the start or result of a play will be called, plus personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct. The 40-second play clock will be utilized. However, officials will be enabled to use their judgment and only penalize extreme and/or intentional delay. Teams will be encouraged to utilize timeouts when needed to prevent delay penalties
No kickoffs. Teams will start at their own 35 yard line (50 yard line after safety) (See amendment Feb 19, 2014) This rule applies only to weeks 1-4. Starting in week 5, there will be no option for a 25 yd walk off. All punts will have an automatic fair catch (no muffed punts). The ball is dead where it is fielded or where the ball rests. There will be no returns. Kicking team must kick - no fake punts."
One (1) coach per team is permitted on the field, however, once the offense breaks their huddle, all coaches must be positioned behind their deepest player. No “Chess” moves at the line will be permitted. If this is violated a delay of game penalty will be issued. After 2 penalties are assessed in the same game any subsequent violation will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. (This will be enforced after week 4)
No Blitz” rule specifies a maximum of 6 men in the box on the defensive line, (all other players must be at least 3 yards off the ball) and these are the only defenders who can charge across the line of scrimmage. Once the quarterback hand-offs or attempts to run, all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage
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