TABLE OF CONTENTS

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QUICK REFERENCE

HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH US……………………………….        Inside Front Cover

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY…………………………………………     2                                                                                                                      

GENERAL GUIDELINES

              I.      PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM……………………………..     3

            II.      COACHES & MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES…………..      3

          III.      PLAYER ELIGIBILITY………………………………………….      4

         IV.      ORGANIZATION OF TEAMS………………………………….     4

           V.      EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS……………………………….     5

         VI.      ORGANIZATION OF THE GAME…………………………….      5

       VII.      REQUIRED PLAY TIME……………………………………….      6

     VIII.      PLAYERS REQUIRED AND AVAILABLE PLAYERS………     6

         IX.      SUBSTITUTIONS………………………………………………      6

           X.      OFFICIAL GAME……………………………………………….     6

         XI.      PLAYING FIELD AND GROUND CONDITIONS……………       6

       XII.      SCOREKEEPING……………………………………………….   6

     XIII.      SEASON AND STANDING……………………………………..   7

   XIV.      REFEREES………………………………………………………  7

     XV.      RULES OF THE GAME…………………………………………   7

   XVI.      PLAYING THE GAME…………………………………………..    7-10

A COACH IS A ROLE MODEL…………………………………   inside back cover

DAVENPORT ASSOCIATED DADS’ CLUB

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

This policy should be read and followed by all persons participating in any Davenport Dad’s Club sport!

Before, during, and after the game the following will be enforced:

1.  Players, coaches, assistants, parents, or spectator MAY NOT make insulting or negative remarks, directly or

     indirectly to or about opposing players, officials, or spectators or commit other acts that could be

     considered unsportsmanlike.

2.  Players, coaches, assistants, parents, or spectators MAY NOT directly or indirectly make comments to or about

     the officiating crew or otherwise badger the officiating crew.

3.  Officials will give one warning to a coach or other person(s) for misconduct.  Upon second infraction

     the coach or person(s) will be ejected from the game site and subject to further disciplinary action as decided by the Dads’ Club Board.  If further misconduct occurs the game may be forfeited.

4.  Penalty for violating rules of conduct or the tolerance policy will lead to the temporary or permanent

     expulsions of anyone involved.

5.  Penalties for violations which occur following a game will be enforced during the next game.

6.  If there is a physical altercation between a coach, other team representative or an official, they are subject to suspension for a period to be determined by the N.Y.S.C.A. Coaches Committee if they are a coach and the Dads’ Club Board if they are a parent or official.

OVERVIEW OF RULES

1. Call the Dads’ Club Soccer Info line at 326-6080 for rain out information.  No One will call you!!!
2. Coaches should sign the referee’s game report at the end of each game.

3.       Spectators must watch the game from the sideline opposite of the players.

4. Players may not wear any type of jewelry other than a medical I.D. bracelet or necklace.  These I.D.’s must be taped to the person.
5. Blood Rule:  Player must immediately leave the field.  Any blood must be covered or clothing changed.  Substitution rule takes effect.

            And most importantly….PLAY FAIR J    PLAY SAFE J    HAVE FUN !!!!!!

DAVENPORT ASSOCIATED DADS’ CLUB

FLAG FOOTBALL PROGRAM

GENERAL GUIDELINES

I.  PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM:

We will make our game fun for our players, not a glory for ourselves, we will, by our actions and attitudes practice true sportsmanship, remembering that by our examples, we are teaching the young and contributing to the forming of their character.  We will teach our young players to win with humility and to lose gracefully.  We will strive to teach the skills of the game with patience and understanding.  We will praise when deserved and encourage, not condemn, when a mistake is made.  We will remember that the feelings and welfare of our players are far more important than the outcome of any game.

These are the truths that the Associated Dads’ Club is dedicated to and they will be followed by one and all without fail.

II.  COACHES/MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

A.  Each manager is personally responsible to read these guidelines, the Official Rule Book, any

     information sheets provided, and information on schedules.   All Coaches and Managers

     should fully understand the Dads’ Club Program.

B.  It is the Coach and Manager’s responsibility to make certain that each player on his/her roster

     is eligible.  Any ineligible player in any game will cause a forfeit.

C.  Make certain that each player follows the uniform and dress codes, jewelry off, no metal spikes,

     etc.     

D.  There must be one ADULT, 18 or older at all practices, games, and team activities.  In the

     absence of an ADULT the game will be forfeited.

E.  Each Coach/Manager is personally responsible for his conduct and sportsmanship as well as

     that of his/her coaching assistants, players, parents, and other spectators.  Abusive language

     or actions, which are not becoming of good sportsmanship, will not be tolerated.  

 For disciplinary purposes any manager who allows misconduct shall be disciplined the same as if he/she were guilty of the misconduct. 

F.  Set a good example for the players and fans.  This means ALWAYS acting and dressing in

     good taste, to at least the degree required of players and NO USE OF PROFANE OR

     ABUSIVE LANGUAGE.  NO BEER, LIQUOR OR TOBACCO CONSUMED DURING

     GAMES OR PRACTICES, NOR AROUND THE TEAM.  Coaches may wear shorts.     

G.  See that every player plays at least his or her required time in every game (league or tournament)

      providing they have fulfilled the required guidelines set for all players.   

H.  Required that team members and fans pick up their litter after each game.  It takes only a

     couple of minutes and helps keep our parks and schools clean.  Take a sack with you if there

     are no garbage cans at your field.

I.  DO NOT ARGUE WITH THE REFEREE!  Direct questions in a positive manner at the appropriate time (i.e., between quarters and after the game).  Noncompliance with this can result in removal of coaches and players and/or forfeiture of the game.

J.       Coaches must attend the N.Y.S.C.A. Coaches Clinic to improve coaching skills and help keep the program moving forward.

  K.  If a player, team, coach, assistant coach, or spectator habitually violates any of the guidelines or official rules as outlined in this rule book, is habitually abusive to the referee or players, or threatens a referee with physical violence (EVEN ONCE), they will be subject to denial of further participation in the program.  This decision will be made in accordance with the N.Y.S.C.A. guidelines.

III.  PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

A.  Any boy or girl enrolled in the Davenport or North Scott Community School Districts and surrounding areas are eligible to play.  There are no tryouts.  A signed contract and fee must be turned in prior to practice and game play.

B.  Boys and girls must play in the division which corresponds with their grade at the time of

     sign-ups.  Divisions are:

                        Grade Level                 Sides                           Ball Size

                                                Kind & 1^st                      7 vs 7                            PeeWee

                                                2^nd & 3^rd             7 vs 7                            Junior

                                                4^th & 5^th                         7 vs 7                            Youth

Note:  The Flag Football board may, at their discretion, change number of field players and grade divisions to meet fluctuations in registrations.

            C.  Players must have presented an official contract signed by a parent or guardian and the fee paid          

                   BEFORE taking part in any practice or game.  There are no tryouts to qualify for teams.

D.  Players must play on a team from their own school with the following exception:

                        1.  If a school does not have enough players to make-up a complete team, their players

     will be placed on a team as near their neighborhood as possible.

IV.  ORGANIZATION OF TEAMS

A.  The school coordinator or school’s DADS’ CLUB (if one exists) will be responsible for getting

     and returning the contracts for their school and seeing that teams are divided in accordance

     with the guidelines below.   All contracts and money are to be handed into the League

     Chairperson for the Associated Dads’ Club on the designated turn in night.

B.  The School Coordinator will solicit the cooperation of the school principal and physical

     education instructor in enrolling and dividing teams.

C.  Every boy and girl who wishes to sign up for DADS’ CLUB will be assigned to a team.  No

     tryouts will be held.

D.   Teams shall be selected by grades, with (as possible) an equal number of boys/girls from each

       grade.  Every attempt MUST be made to balance teams.

 E.  Players must present their contract and fees by the deadline.  A  late fee will be

     assessed to all late contracts, if accepted and rostered.   

F.  Teams shall be named.  No commercial sponsors shall be allowed for team names or

      uniform or hats.

G.  Teams should be composed of 11 to 14 players.   

H.  No new teams may be organized and added to a division AFTER final roster turn in to the

    Association.

I.  Rosters are subject to approval by the League Chairperson and the football committee prior to

the start of the season.  They may rule a transfer of players for valid reasons, such as a

change of residence or to balance teams.  Rosters for schools not following the provisions for

distribution will be redone by the football committee to insure balance.

J.  Exceptions and additions to rosters after the deadline or the start of the season may be

     made, under the following circumstances through the Youth Sports Director:

1.  If an otherwise eligible youth moves into the Greater Davenport Community School District

     they may be added to a team that is need of a player.

2.  If a team’s roster falls below 10 players

     This player must meet the player eligibility rules.

V.  EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS:

            A.  ALL DADS’ CLUB PLAYERS MUST WEAR:

1.      All players must wear approved  Dad’s Club reversible shirts.

2.      Each player must wear flag belts for games supplied by Dads’ Club.

3.      Players wearing illegal equipment will not be allowed to play.

4.      The following is a list of equipment that will be considered illegal:

A.     Head gear unless it’s a sweat band or a bandana;

B.     Jewelry of any kind; NO EARRINGS, JEWELERY OR HARD HAIR ACCESSORIES

C.     Pads or braces worn above the waist;

D.     Shoes with metal, ceramic or detachable cleats;

E.     Shirts or jerseys that do not tuck in;

F.     Leg or knee braces made of hard unyielding material.

5.      Flag:   Each player on the field will wear two flags attached at the waist.  They will be opposite each other on each side of the player’s hips.  The flag belt will be worn snug around the waist to prevent turning of the flag belt when being removed.  The flags must be a minimum of 12 inches long and 1-1/2 inches wide.

6.      Dads’ Club will provide flags for games.  Home team (listed first) must supply game ball.

7.      K/1^st and 2/3 grades will use the Junior size Footballs.  4/5 grades will use the Youth size Footballs.

8.      MOUTHGUARDS are highly recommended as well as pants/shorts that do NOT have pockets that can be snagged and torn.

9.      Stick-um and other substances similar in nature are illegal.  No padding or headwear shall be allowed.  Offending individual will be penalized for unsportsmanlike behavior, and removed from the game until substance has been removed from their person.

10.  Shoes with velcro fasteners or that tie must be worn.  Soles may be smooth with rubber

                               cleats (no hard wedged shaped plastic) Metal of any description is illegal.

11.    The Associated Dads’ Club does provide rule books for managers/coaches.

B.     Breaking into an equipment box by a coach, manager or players will be just cause for removal from Dad’s Club program.

.VI.  ORGANIZATION OF THE GAME:

A.  The official football rule book handed out to coaches and managers will be used by all

     divisions.  Official football rules will be played as stated in the book unless rescinded by a

     DADS’ CLUB provision, should one be issued.

B.     Home team shall have the option of starting on offense or defense. The defensive team will choose what end zone they wish to defend.

C.  Games will start on time.  If a team is not ready to play at scheduled starting time, they will

     forfeit the game.  When more than one game is scheduled, between games warm-ups will be

     allowed for both teams only as time permits as determined by the referee.  Game time is

     start time.  All coaches meetings, team warm-ups, etc., MUST be completed prior to game time.

D.  Opposing managers must meet together with the referee at mid field prior to start of the

     game to discuss any questions or ground rules.  Disciplinary actions, etc., must be made

     known at this time.

E.     Home team (first team listed on the schedule) will provide a volunteer linesman for the game.

      Duties are to move the down markers at the instruction of the game official.

VII.  REQUIRED PLAY TIME, ETC.

A.  EVERY PLAYER ON EACH TEAM MUST BE PERMITTED TO PLAY TWO

     FULL QUARTERS IN EVERY GAME, provided they have attended practice sessions and

     followed the DADS’ CLUB provision for proper dress, behavior, etc. 

VIII.  PLAYERS REQUIRED FOR GAME AND AVAILABLE PLAYERS:

A.  The game will be played with two teams consisting of seven players each. 

      A team MUST have a minimum of six players to start, continue, and finish a game to avoid forfeit.

      A team having less than six players during the course of a game may finish the game, but will

      forfeit such game.         

            NOTE:  If you are aware before game day that you will not have the minimum number of players to field a team, you should call the Dads’ Club Office.  If you arrive at a game and you find you are short players you should play a game using “borrowed” players from the opposing team.  (The team that has to borrow players will forfeit the game.)

IX.  SUBSTITUTIONS:

A.     All players are required to play two full quarters.  Substitutions can only be made between quarters.

Exception:  Players injured may be substituted for between plays with notification of opposing coach      and referees.  Injured players may not return to play until the following quarter.

X.  OFFICIAL GAME :

A.     Regulation games will consist of four ten minute quarters, three minutes between quarters,

       and one five minute half-time.

B.     Timing: The clock will run continuously stopping only for player injury and officials time outs.

            1.  League point standings are as follows: (for 6-8^th grade only)

WIN - 2 points               TIE - 1 point       LOSE - 0 points

2.       NO POINTS ARE KEPT FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 5^TH GRADE.

C.     Rained out games will be rescheduled by the league chairperson if weather and field availability                                       

      permit.  

XI.  PLAYING FIELD AND GROUND CONDITIONS:

A.     Playing surface is 20 (or 30) yards wide and 60 (or 80) yards long with 10 yard end zones.

B.     In case of bad weather or unsafe playing conditions, the Youth Sports Director along with the referees will decide whether the games can be played or if they should be canceled.

C.     Games are played in the rain.  Games may be postponed/cancelled with heavy rain and or lightning.

XII.  SCORE KEEPING:

A.    The referees will keep game card on the field.

B.     Game card is to be signed at the end of the game by both coaches.

XIII.  SEASON AND STANDING

A.      The season will begin in October and end in November. League standings will only be kept for 6-8^th  grade for seeding purposes if there is a tournament.

XIV.  REFEREES:

A. Referees will be hired and work for Davenport Associated Dads’ Club.

B.      The referee has FULL JURISDICTION from the time he/she enters the playing field until he/she leaves the playing field.  His/Her decisions are final.

C.      Referees will call penalties when they are needed. Not all penalties may be called if the infraction does not directly influence the outcome of the play in question. The officials will act as instructors on the field. The Dads Club Flag-Football program is an instructional league here for the enjoyment and education of our children with less emphasis on winning.

D.      The referee can stop or terminate the game (by blowing his/her whistle) for:

1.       Infringement of the rules by players, coaches or spectators.

2.       Severe weather (heavy rain, lightning, tornado, etc.)

3.       Injury to any player on the field.

            NOTE:  ONLY THE REFEREE CAN STOP A GAME.

XV.   RULES OF THE GAME:

1.      One coach for each team may be on the field for direction between plays.  (Please, this is for organization and order of the game, not to become part of it.  Use restraint and good judgment during each play.

2.      Teams are allowed up to three (3) official coaches during the season, one (1) head coach and two (2) assistant coaches.

3.      Practices – You may not exceed three (3) activity days in any given week, this includes games and practices.

4.      On field coach must be at least 10 yards behind ALL PLAYERS by the snap of the ball or a five (5) yard penalty will be called.  Once the offensive line is set, on field coach may not talk to players or otherwise engage in any act that the referee interprets as coaching, included (but not limited to) motioning or making gestures to direct a player where to line up or where to react.  First Offense will be a warning, second offense will be a five (5) yard penalty.

5.      No protests.  All referee decisions are final.

6.      Fumbles – No fumbles.  If the ball carrier losses control of the football past the line of scrimmage, whether or not the ball hits the ground, the play is ruled dead in the possession of the offense at the spot at which the ball came out.