METROPOLITAN SPRING
FOOTBALL LEAGUE
I. Purpose and Mission
A. The Metropolitan Spring Football League, hereafter referred to as either the MSFL or the League, is comprised of a group of Minor League Football teams who are striving to bring the world of Minor League Football to a more professional level. They will do so by operating with integrity and respect for the game of Football and for the people involved with each team. This includes but is not limited to, the Ownership, Coaching Staff, Support Staff, Players and Game Officials
II. Governing Body
A. The MSFL team owners shall comprise the Governing Body of the MSFL. While many teams are co-owned each team is allowed one vote regarding all decisions. All decisions regarding any aspect of the operation of the MSFL, including but not limited to Administrative, Financial, Team Admittance or Expulsion and Execution of Competition will be submitted for discussion and then voted on by the MSFL Organizations that are current and in ‘good standings’ of all of its responsibilities to the MSFL League and it’s Officials. A vote must pass with a majority vote. A quorum of 7 must be present at League meetings and at least 7 must participate in decisions via email. A tie will be decided be decided by the commissioners. Each team has 48 hours to respond to email.
III. Season I
A. The MSFL will consist of 10 teams in its first opening season. The MSFL will pay all REF Fees for the FIRST league game of the season. Thereafter each team is responsible for the REF Fees for the remaining of the season.
B. The MSFL will continue Organizational Operations through the 2017 season in accordance with the revised By-Laws amended on at the March 1, 2017.
C. The MSFL teams will compete in the Spring Season with operating League dates of March 18, 2017 to June 30th, 2017 and Opening Day of play will be on March 18th, 2017 with a kickoff classic on March 11, 2017.
D. There will be [2] Conferences, with a designation of:
North: South:
E. There will be [10] Regular Season games
F. There will be “ONE” Bye weekends in the Post Season schedule and that will be Memorial Day weekend, May 27th, 2017. Should a make game be needed from missed the Regular Season Schedule. The game would then be played on May 27, 2017.
G. Playoffs will begin June 3rd, 2017. Round 2 on June 11th 2017, culminating in the Championship Game on June 18th, 2017
H. Playoff Format for the 2017 Season will be the “Top – 4 teams by record. (Top 4 from each Conference)
I. No Playoff game will kick off prior to 1pm. If the higher seed team with the home field advantage cannot secure a field for 3pm then the higher seed team will travel to the lower seeds field. If neither team can provide at field at 1pm the game will be assigned by the league at a neutral site.
J. No Regular Season Game will kick off prior to 1pm.
K. ABSOLUTELY No 2017 Games will be played on Sundays. All game will kick offs are to be on Saturday's ONLY.
IV. League Fees
Prior years MSFL Championship Organization is exempt from League Fees
A. League Fees for Season 1 will be a total of $900.00 are due on 2/6/17.
B. Liability Insurance is by each individual team’s responsibility. Certificates of Insurance must be forwarded to the League Administrator no later than February 25, 2017 or prior to the team’s first Try Out, whichever comes first. See also Section XIX
C. A team’s position in the League will not be guaranteed until the League Dues Deposit and Certificate of Insurance is received.
D. A team in not considered in good standing until league dues are paid in full, field permits are on file as well as the teams liability insurance documentation.
E. In the event of a team “FORFEITURE”, the team will be held responsible for REF fees of $300 for that scheduled game.
V. Game Officials and Fees
A. The MSFL Organizations has agreed that for Regular Season play, that the total game officials needed and required is 6.
B. The MSFL will be utilizing Game Officials approved by the MSFL Commissioner.
C. Payment of Officials Fee’s will be due on the Thursday at 7:00 pm the week of the scheduled game. The league in turn will make payment for games to the Officials directly. Monies not paid by 7pm the Thursday prior will result in an automatic forfeit for the next week’s game and a $25 fine.
D. The payment of officials for scrimmage games will be the sole responsibility of the team making the arrangements for the scrimmage. Whatever arrangements exist between the two teams is strictly between them.
VI. Application Fees and Requirements
A. Each team is required to fill out an application fee to join the MSFL. Each team must provide the following information with their team application:
1. A $50.00 application fee (Non-Refundable) is required by all new teams applying to the league. The fee will go towards your league fees if your team is accepted. The total league dues for ALL teams are $900. (The league dues DO NOT include the $300 Forfeit Fee)
2. You the owner of your MSFL team understand that if for some reason you break a rule resulting in an infraction handed down by the league that your team could be placed on probation again for another year.
Once teams are accepted into the MSFL, the teams will be provided a game schedule and will be given a deadline of February 20, 2017 to provide the following.
VII. Rosters
A. Teams of the MSFL will have no more than a 60 man roster.
B. Rosters for Weeks 1 to 3 are to be submitted to the MSFL website by 11:59 pm each Wednesday evening. The Webmaster will then lock the rosters for all teams until all games of the week have been played and reported.
C. If teams elect to not provide an updated weekly roster or an updated roster is not received by the MSFL by the Wednesday midnight deadline, then the previous weeks roster will be used and locked for the following Saturday's game.
D. Rosters on teams’ website must include the following;
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Players facing the camera. No side views
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Player in his jersey with no obstruction of the jersey number
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Players Position
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Photo is taken up close, and background is cropped out.
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Photos on website are no less than 3" tall and 2" wide
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(Height and Weight are optional)
E. Rosters for the 2017 season will freeze just prior to the 3rd game and must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm Midnight on Wednesday 4/13/17.
F. Any team caught with players not on the roster will forfeit the season and be removed from the league without refund of fees paid.
G. Any team caught paying players for playing, or being compensated in any way, will forfeit the season and will be removed from the league without refund of fees paid.
VIII. Field and Game Day Operations
A. Visiting teams are “REQUIRED”, to communicate to the Host team by FRIDAY 7:00 pm the following information:
1. Roster {turned into the League by Wed.}
2. All teams are required to bring their own Ice & Water
B. Home/Host teams are “REQUIRED” to acknowledge or communicate earlier
1. Jersey Color Host Team will be wearing
2. Any field or pre-game coordination/restrictions
C. Individuals that own a team and wish to participate as a player on the active roster are allowed to do so.
D. Both teams are responsible for their players on the sidelines and to clean up the sidelines when the game is done. Failure to clean up your sidelines will result in a fine of $100.00 to be paid to the Home Team. Teams wishing to claim this fine must provide before and after photos that are time stamped and they must be submitted to the League Administrator no later than Monday at 5pm following the game.
E. A team that is 45 minutes late to game will lose their 1st half time outs and the option to choose the half. Unless, the traveling team contacts the home team to inform them of their situation. (Examples: bus mechanical malfunction, weather conditions affecting travel, road hazards such as accidents etc.)
F. The visiting team must be allowed access to the field two hours prior to kickoff for warm ups unless an act of Mother Nature prevents access. Regardless, both teams get the same amount of time and place to warm up.
G. Fields must be the standard NFL regulation size 120 yards by 53.3 yards (360 feet by 160 feet) and the goal post must be the standard NFL or the traditional "H" design and made of the proper steel material. Goal posts made of PVC Piping are NOT being acceptable. THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE BY-LAW, FOR THE SAFETY & LIABILITY OF THE PLAYERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INTEGRITY OF THE MSFL.
H. All Goal posts must have goal post pads on them. If they do not have them absolutely no play will ensue and the game will be forfeited to the Visiting team. THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE BY-LAW, FOR THE SAFETY & LIABILITY OF THE PLAYERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INTEGRITY OF THE MSFL.
I. Fields must be lined 2 hours prior to kickoff and must be cleared of any debris. If not, there will be no game played and the game will be forfeited to the Visiting team.
J. All fields must have the correct sideline markers and end zone pylons. *Orange cones are NOT acceptable and are considered a safety hazard to the players. Soft, collapsible road hazard cones are acceptable.
K. Liability regulations require that all fields have a clearly marked 5 yard buffer zone around the field starting from the out of bounds extending outward to keep fans from being near or on the field unless a natural barrier is already in place. (Example: running track, fence, etc.)
M. Host teams are expected to have the MSFL "Code of Conduct" posted at the field and /or written in the program for fans to be able to see while attending a game.
N. Host teams are expected to handle security and well-being of all fans attending. Host teams are expected to deal with unruly fans before, during and after a game.
O. Host team fans will be placed in the area designated near where the home team uses as a bench. Visiting teams will not be placed behind the home field fans in the effort to distract the team.
P. There will be a twelve minute halftime with a three minute warning from officials. If the host team requests an extended time for half-time shows they must notify the visiting team and game officials before Wednesday of game week.
Q. Absolutely NO games will be scheduled for play on any Sunday. If circumstances determine that this is the only option, the game must be started no later than 1:00pm and be agreed upon by both teams.
R. Host teams MUST provide the chain crew. Individuals participating on the chain crew must be a minimum of 15 years old.
S. No member of the chain crew can carry any of the following while on field:
* Radios
* Cell Phones
* Video Cameras
Anyone found with the above devices on them, will be required to hand over items to the home team. They will be returned after the game.
T. Each team is requested at the notice of the visiting team to provide ice & water for the game. Visiting teams are to make request on their Friday communications to the Host Team prior to the game.
U. It is the Losing teams responsibility to request a running clock. They must call timeout and request a conference with the winning team Head Coach. At that time a running clock can be requested and agreed upon. At that point the winning team in a sign of sportsmanship should run the ball to run the clock out.
V. Teams must also text final scores to League Commissioner at 240-765-4977 by 11pm the day of the game played.
IX. Venue or Date Changes
A. If a host team or visiting team is seeking a venue or date change of a league scheduled game the following process must be followed:
1. Scheduling conflicts should be worked out prior to the beginning of regular season play between the two teams involved, league representatives and head of officials.
2. If a final decision cannot be reached then the Governing Body of the MSFL will determine the date, time and venue of the game in question. Any non-compliance by either team after a decision is reached can result in a forfeit to the non-complying team.
X. Team & Uniform Apparel
A. Tinted face shields are up to the discretion of the head referee. He must be able to see your eyes and if he asks a player to remove his face shield the player must comply. Exceptions will be made only with written documentation from a certified doctor. The player must sign a waiver to release the team, league, league officials, and game officials from all liability. ABSOLUTELY NO MIRRORED FACE SHIELDS ARE PERMITTED.
B. All under garments which are visible must match team colors as presented to the league. For example, Under Armor for a team with the colors red and black must be either red or black. Players will be given an opportunity to remove or remedy the violation but if they refuse they will be removed from the game.
C. Game Helmets, Pants, and Jerseys must all match on game day or the team will be fined $100. Date and time stamped photos of violations are to be submitted to the MSFL.
D. The visiting team must call the opposing team about team jersey conflicts. If a jersey is torn and not repairable during the game the opposing team must be notified of number change prior to player taking the field. This includes numbers coming off or tears or holes that would expose personal equipment to others. The MSFL asks that teams contact each other on the Wednesday prior to the game, to verify uniform colors being worn.
E. Players violating the league uniform policy code under the MSFL rules will be asked to fix it prior to the start of the game by the officials. Failure to comply will result in a (1) one game suspension.
F. It is required that players wear the proper equipment including helmets, shoulder pads, thigh and knee pads.
G. Players knees are covered when the player is standing.
XI. Footballs
A. All footballs must be the Official NFL game ball, the “Duke”.
B. Each team is required to have at least two game balls at each game and must have a backup ball ready for the officials should a ball be lost or damaged during the game.
C. Game Officials can ban any ball from the game they feel is not fit to be used.
D. Synthetic balls or collegiate/ HS balls with the white stripes are banned from game use.
XII. Game Conduct
A. Obscene Language during the game by players, coaches, team representatives or team guests on the sideline will not be tolerated:
1. The entire team and coaching staff will be warned during the Pre-Game meeting.
2. This will be handled by the Game Officials as per NFL Rules and could result in 15 yard penalties and ejection from the game.
B. Taunting of the opposing team, staff or players WILL NOT be tolerated either from the person who instigates it or the person who retaliates. Both can be ejected from the game.
1. First Offense - 15 Yard Penalty
2. Second Offense - 15 Yard Penalty & Ejection from game and $50.00 fine for each incident thereafter.
C. Threats to the opposing team, staff, and players WILL NOT be tolerated.
1. Game Officials must be notified immediately. Game Officials must then notify the coaches of each team. Police are to be notified by either the coach or the Head Official.
2. If Threats continue, the threatening Player is ejected from the game and police are notified of the player name.
3. The Game Officials or Local Authorities, have the right to stop the game at any time threats are made against anyone at the game.
4. Any player or coach caught threatening a Game Official, other players or coaches will be expelled for the season without refund of fees paid
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D. Fighting
1. Any and all game ejections for fighting are subject to Official and League review.
2. Penalties for such will be determined after the review and could incur fines, suspensions and League expulsion.
3. If a player is ejected for any reason he is to remove his jersey and equipment and vacate the sideline.
XIII. Forfeits
A. Host team does not have a home field by the Thursday prior to game time. If the designated home team does not have a field to play on then they forfeit their right to host the home game and must then travel to the opposing team’s home field. If the opposing team does not have access to their home field, the original host team will automatically take the loss. A forfeit awards a 21-0 win to the opposing team.
FORFEITURE can be deemed for the following:
B. Field is deemed unsafe to play on by the Head Referee and the opposing teams Head Coach.
C. Field is not properly lined to league specifications or missing such equipment as down markers, chains, goal posts as verified by the Head Referee and the opposing teams Head Coach.
D. Visiting Team does not show up or has not made contact with the league or host team prior to game time as outlined in Section IX – Field and Game Day Operations, Letter D.
E. A team using an ineligible player who has not been released from or not in good standing with a team formerly played for within the league.
F. Teams not meeting financial obligations to the league by the league mandated dates.
G. If a team forfeits a game for any reason, except that which is beyond the team’s control, the team “WILL NOT BE ALLOWED” to participate in the playoffs regardless of season record.
XIV. Forfeit Fees
A. $300 fee paid from the FORFEITURE Team to the Refs and will lose one (1) division game. Forfeiting team must reestablish “Good Standings” in the FORFEITURE Acct. by Wednesday prior to the next game.
B. Teams that have two or more FOREFEITURES will be expelled from the MSFL with no reimbursement of any/all League Fees, or monies deposited.
C. A team will not be held accountable if a game cannot be played because of an act or nature, vehicle malfunction or local government (recreation councils) overriding field usage for that game. If this occurs all attempts will be made to make the game up.
XV. Player Eligibility
A. An eligible player must meet each requirement as below:
1. A player’s contract with a team is only valid for [1] season, February 1, 2017 to June 30th, 2017. These must be completely executed before a player plays one down for the team paid in full the teams Registration and/or League fees.
2. Any player wishing to be released from their contract to play for another MSFL team must meet all former team’s obligations. No player can play for another MSFL team without a written release from the former team owner.
3. Player is in good standing with his previous MSFL team and is free of any outstanding fees, uniforms, or equipment that is the property of the team.
4. Player is in good standing with their current team.
5. All Players must be a minimum of 18 years old in order to play in the MSFL.
6. Player is not compensated in any way to play. This will result in the player being suspended and the team forfeiting games that the player played in.
7. Should a team, PRIOR TO WEEK #3, cease operations, fold, or is removed from the MSFL, players on the defunct team is free to pursue another MSFL team without any penalty of payment of fees to the players previous MSFL team.
8. No player can play for another team in a different league during the same Spring season.
B. Any of the following will deem a player as ineligible:
1. A player is still under written contract with a current team that plays for another team during the time period of their current contract without a release.
2. A player that has participated or dressed in uniform on game day during the current season with or without a written contract.
3. A player who is not in good standing with their former team (Example: Still owes team dues, equipment or uniforms to former team)
4. A player who has not properly complied with league rules on any fines, suspensions or other punishments handed down by the league but participates with current team during a game.
5. All teams are required to announce to the league that a player has left their organization and if they are eligible to play for another team making the player a free agent. That team should issue, in writing, a release from their team indicating that said player has met all obligations to the team and has been released to play for another team. Any team that signs a player from another MSFL team is required to check with the former team and the league before any player can suit up for their current team. If a player is found playing for a new team without being released and acknowledged by the league and the former team can risk forfeiting any and all games that the offending player played in with his current team.
6. Any team wishing to file a written grievance (email or fax) with the league about such matters as ineligible players or forfeits must present their arguments and or evidence on the matter no later than the Monday after the scheduled game against your previous opponent so that the commissioner can make a ruling by Friday prior to the following weeks game.
7. All written grievances will be kept on record by the league and can be used as evidence if the commissioner deems it pertains to a recurring issue with an offending team.
XVI. Owner Obligations and Contract
A. All MSFL owners, coaches and players are to refrain from “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the”* Metropolitan Spring Football League. We are an association of individual team owners, coaches and players and should recognize that the MSFL is the sum of its parts. Therefore, any behavior that constitutes a violation of the above will result in immediate ejection from the league, with all rights to any fees paid forfeited.
This includes but is not limited to, criticism or maligning an owner, coach or player in any way, verbally, in writing or on the internet. The appropriate action to take in a conflict is to go to that person directly or bring it before the owners of the MSFL.
Each individual team owner/organization is responsible for the behavior of their coaches, staff and players and will be expected to deal with all violations of the above in a manner which causes said behavior to cease. Failure to do so will result in ejection from the MSFL.
B. Team owners will meet all financial obligations as set forth in the By Laws of the MSFL.
C. Team owners will uphold and abide by the By Laws of the MSFL.
D. Team owners will not recruit from other teams within the MSFL. A successful association is defined by the success of the organizations within it.
E. Team owners will attend all League meetings or send a representative who has the power to vote for your organization or designate another team.
XVII. Game Rules
A. The MSFL will use NFL rules with the following modifications:
CONCUSSION AWARENESS: If a Certified Medical Personnel on site examines and evaluates, and deems a player unsuitable for return to play, Organizations are encouraged to adhere to that recommendation.
1. Protection of the Long Snapper: During field goal and punting situations the defense cannot line up over top of the snapper. This is to protect the long snapper from being hit while his head is down.
2. Gunners are free to leave their set position after the ball has been snapped. No one else can leave their set position until the ball has been kicked.
3. A (2 yard) arc violation will be enforced to protect the receiver who is tracking that ball and must be given a chance to catch the ball or call for a fair catch.
4. Overtime: The MSFL will follow the current NFL PLAYOFF overtime procedures which were implemented by the NFL for 2011 post season play. (Field Goal in OT does not end the game) A game will not exceed 5 quarters in regular season play. Post season games must have a winner, therefore will continue until a winner is determined.
5. Coin toss: The winning team may choose to receive the ball or defer to receiving the ball in the second half of the game.
6. Absolutely NO CHOP BLOCKS will be permitted.
7. Only the Offense can score from the 2 yard line on the extra point.
8. All extra points are attempted from the 2 yard line.
XVIII. Liability Insurance
A. All teams in the Metropolitan Spring Football Leagues are “Required” to carry Liability insurance either through the league provider or through an independent carrier.
B. All teams are required to list as additional insured’s all fields, practice facilities and areas where events are held under the team’s name before holding any events, try outs, practices or games.
C. If a team uses an independent carrier then a copy of the certificate listing the MSFL, as well as all venues as additional insured’s, must be provided to the league for record and review.
D. The MSFL will not be held responsible for any non-adherence to these rules.
XIX. MSFL Code of Conduct
A. All MSFL Owners, Coaches and Players are required to sign and abide by the MSFL Owners Code of Conduct appropriate to their role in the MSFL.
B. All MSFL owners, coaches and players are to refrain from *“conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the” Metropolitan Spring Football League. This includes but is not limited to, criticism or maligning an owner, coach or player in any way, verbally, in writing or on the internet. The appropriate action to take in a conflict is to go to that person directly or bring it before the owners of the MSFL. We are an association of individual team owners, coaches and players and should recognize that the MSFL is the sum of its parts. Therefore, any behavior that constitutes a violation of the above will result in immediate ejection from the league, with all rights to any fees paid forfeited.
C. All MSFL Owners, Coaches, Staff and Players will refrain from recruiting from any team within the MSFL. At no time should any member of any MSFL team approach a player of another MSFL team with the intention of acquiring that player to be a part of their team. Players are free to change teams once the season has ended and all obligations to his former team are met.
D. No MSFL Owner, Coach, Staff Member or Player will be allowed to leave an MSFL team and start another team within the MSFL for a period of one year. No MSFL Owner, Coach, Staff Member or Player will be permitted to leave an MSFL team to coach for another MSFL team for a period of one year.
*Taken from the NFL Personal Conduct Policy
XX. League and Team Communications
A. Each team must provide the following to the league:
1. Two working phone numbers (one land line and one cell phone number, or two cell numbers)
2. A working email address of the owner, coach or team representative.
3. MSFL teams will provide the number for the local area hospital closest to their home field and it is suggested to provide numbers or addresses for local restaurants, lodging, etc.