We will strive to create a football environment that focuses on allowing programs to introduce incoming players to their program’s culture, system’s, routines, tempo and intensity. Many of these teams are led by some of the regions most respected coaches and staffs that wanted a renewed focus on preparing the next wave of student-athletes for the high school level. We will aim for an organized, rule-centric, highly competitive Spring Football Series.
Tackle Football Leads:
· Gladiator League will manage Tackle Football for ages 6u-10u
· SECFL League will manage Tackle Football for the 6th &7th grades
· DMV Tackle University will manage tackle for the 8th grade
GAME DAYS:
Games will be played on Saturday and Sundays to allow for maximum flexibility and field availability.
PRICE:
$400 per team
GAME DAYS:
Games will be played on Saturday and Sundays to allow for maximum flexibility and field availability.
PRICE: (6-8th)
$400 per team (TEAM WILL PAY REFEREE FEES)
RULES:
A. Make up games (rain-outs) / rescheduling will be handled by the MMFL Board Of Directors
B. Music may only be played during a game at a team timeout, at the end of a quarter or at halftime, or after a touchdown. Announcers are allowed, but the announcer shall not disparage the opponents in any way over the microphone or broadcast.
C. Chains will be on the visiting sideline and the visitors will provide a chain crew!
VIII. PLAYING RULES AND GAME RESULTS
A. MMFL will follow the National High School Federation Rule Book except where noted.
1. Point after touchdown will be (1) point for run or pass; (2) points for kicking
2. Games will be four (4) twelve minute quarters with the clock controlled by the referee. The game clock will be governed by Federation rules with the following exception: the clock will stop on change of possession. The referee will start the clock when the down marker is set and the ready for play whistle is blown. The clock will start on the snap if the previous play was out of bounds, an incomplete pass, or a team time out was granted.
3. Maximum of two (2) Overtimes if necessary at all divisions in the regular season. Overtimes will be played out until there is a winner in the playoffs. Game results must be recorded by the Head Coach and reported to the league. Also, any ejections that occur in the game, or any other incidents must be reported to the Director or Football Operations at this time by both coaches. Failure to report will result in disciplinary action against the coach, team and/or organizations.
B. If a team cannot provide enough players to start (9) or continue (8) a game (amended from the National High School Federation Rule Book), the opposing team will be awarded a forfeit win. The score will be reported as it stands at the time of the forfeit if the opposing team is winning or 2-0 if there is no score at the time of forfeit or if the opposing team is losing. Any team that forfeits due to lack of players is responsible for reimbursement of the referee fees for that game. Forfeits for lack of players are strongly discouraged and the forfeiting team is subject to further penalties at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the Rules Committee.
C. Any player who is ejected from a game must remove his shoulder pads immediately and may remain on the sidelines for the remainder of the game. He will face a suspension of a minimum of one game. Any coach who is ejected from a game must leave the premises immediately and will face a suspension of a minimum of one game. All coaches serving a suspension will not be allowed to attend his team’s game while on suspension and must not be on the property where the game is being played during the game. Players serving a suspension may attend the game on the sidelines in street clothes. Failure to comply will result in additional suspensions or expulsion.
D. Teams must be prepared to take the field and begin play 15 minutes prior to the official start time noted on the MMFL Schedule at the discretion of the site director.
E. Teams taking the field during pregame from the end zone shall not pass the 35 yard line. A violation will result in a suspension for the offending head coach of no less than one week.
F. Once the score difference is 27 points the clock will continue to run as long as the game has entered the second half. There will be no kickoffs for the trailing team – they will take possession of the ball at the 50 yard line.
G. Suspended games - Player Eligibility: If a game is suspended in the first half, all players who were present and eligible to play in the original game may participate in the resumption of the game. Any players who were not present or eligible for the original game may not participate in the resumption of the game. If the game is suspended in the second half, only players who were eligible and present at the original game may participate.
IX. AGE AND GRADE GUIDELINES
MMFL has designated divisions of play based on age and grade for football. The age determination date for the season is August 1 of each year. All players may have any birth date between August 2 of the current season and August 1 of the following year.
Ø 12U which is 6th Grade is designed for the players who are no older than 12 years of age as of August 2nd of the current year and not in a grade higher than 6th Grade.
Ø 13U which is 7th Grade is designed for the players who are no older than 13 years of age as of August 2nd of the current year and not in a grade higher than 7th Grade.
Ø 14U which is 8th Grade is designed for the players who are no older than 14 years of age as of August 2nd of the current year and not in a grade higher than 8th Grade.
X. SCOUTING
Any representative of an MMFL team or organization can film his own team’s practices or games. Any representative of a team or organization can film any other team’s regular season or playoff games. No representative of any MMFL team or organization can film any other team’s practices or private scrimmages. Private is defined as a contest held between only one other team or organization not opened to the public. No representative of any MMFL organization may attend another MMFL organization’s practice unless on official MMFL business along with the prior approval of both organizations heads. No representative of any MMFL team or organization can film any other team’s coaches or sideline activities during games at any time.
XI. TIE BREAKER PROCEDURES
A. Tie breaker procedures for a balanced schedule
1. Record/Winning percentage
2. Head to Head
3. Coin Toss / Card Draw
B. Tie breaker procedures for an unbalanced schedule
1. Record/Winning percentage
2. Head to Head
3. Total winning percentage of all your opponents
4. Coin Toss / Card Draw
XII. COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
A. Uphold all rules and regulations of Metro Maryland Football League League.
B. Assure that each coach and organizational official has access to and has read all league regulations.
C. Assure that each player knows and obeys the Players Code of Conduct.
D. No coach shall make any physical contact with a player or coach of the opposing team for any reason at any time except for customary greetings during the pre- or post-game handshake or in administering aid in an emergency situation.
E. Any coach or team official that knowingly allows an ineligible player to participate in a game will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
F. It is deemed proper ethics that anyone who knows in advance or has strong suspicions of an ineligible player should contact the Board of Directors.
G. Accept decisions of the game officials on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials.
H. Together with game officials, be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team’s fans and spectators. Any fan that becomes a nuisance and is out of control is the responsibility of the coach and should be removed from the area by that coach and his Field Marshall.
I. Do not leave the coach’s area to shout instructions from sidelines.
J. Do not criticize players in front of spectators, with gestures and loud noises, but reserve criticism until a more private situation arises.
K. Do not criticize cheerleaders, an opposing team, its players, coaches or fans, by word-of – mouth or by gestures.
L. Refrain from using abusive and profane language to anyone connected with the game, as a spectator, player, opposing coach or game official.
M. Do not deliberately incite unsportsmanlike conduct. An instruction to players to “get” another player or attempt to impose bodily harm to opposing players is considered incitement.
N. Abstain from drinking of alcoholic beverages and smoking on both game and practice fields.
O. Avoid running up scores. When a team leads its opponent by a total of 27+ points, they must make every possible attempt to hold the score down.
P. Assure that no player practice or play in a game without proper equipment.
Q. Remove from a game or practice, any player when slightly in doubt about his health, whether or not a result of injury, until competent medical advice is available.
R. Assure that a player’s scholastic achievement does not suffer because of participation in MMFL.
S. Any coach who actively solicits a player from another member organization by either making telephone calls, contacting players through any form of electronic communications or visiting players will be penalized.
T. Only one “Speaking” Coach is allowed in the huddle on the field during a game time out. A second coach may provide water to the players.
XIII. PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
A. No fighting or hitting, kicking, striking or otherwise abusing opponents, teammates or cheerleaders at any time before, during or after a game, scrimmage or practice game, unless the action occurs in the course of normal events that would be acceptable to a football play such as, but not limited to, blocking, tackling, jamming a receiver, attempting to avoid a block, attempting to dislodge the ball, or by accident.
B. No verbal or physical intimidation by making gestures such as victory laps, “we’re number one” chants or other attempts to “bring down” or otherwise demean will be tolerated.
C. Disrespectful behavior or derogatory comments aimed at cheerleaders nor purposeful physical actions into the cheerleading area are permitted. (i.e., running into cheerleading areas when play is not in proximity.)
D. Report to your coach any knowledge of an ineligible player or “ringer” on your team or another team.
E. No dirty or illegal playing techniques will be tolerated.
F. No talking back to officials, teammates, opposing players or coaches will be tolerated.
G. No profanity or childish displays of temper will be allowed at game or practice fields.
H. Disciplinary problems at school or unsatisfactory classroom performance will not be tolerated.
NOTE (ARTICLES XII & XIII): VIOLATATION OF THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN A MINIMUM OF A FULL GAME SUSPENSION FOR THE FIRST VIOLATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION FOR UP TO THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON FOR THE SECOND VIOLATION. ANY DECISION BY THE BOARD IS AT ITS DISCRETION AND WILL BE FINAL. HEAD COACHES WILL IMMEDIATELY REPORT PLAYER OR COACH EJECTIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE AGE GROUP COORDINATOR BY 12:00 NOON THE DAY AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME.
XIV. PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
A. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this code of ethics.
B. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, cheerleaders, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports events.
C. I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of any personal desire to win.
D. I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
E. I will provide support for coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.
F. I will demand a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free sports environment for my child and agree to assist by refraining from their use at all youth sports events.
G. I will remember that the game is for children and not for adults.
H. I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
I. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
J. I will always address any issues with my child’s coach in private.
K. I will promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience within my personal constraints by assisting with coaching, being a respectful fan, providing transportation or whatever I am capable of doing.
NOTE (ARTICLE XIV): VIOLATATION OF THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN A REVIEW BY THE RULES COMMITTEE AND THE BOD AND VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES UP TO AND INCLUDING SUSPENSION FOR THE SEASON.