Regina Minor Football abides by the Canadian Amateur Football Rules and Regulations.
Over the history of Regina Minor Football, weigh-in's and weight loss controversies have always plagued the league. After seeking medical and legal advice over numerous weight loss concerns, Regina Minor Football is taking action. Check out all the details contained in our Weigh-In Policy. and restricted players
As a society, it is expected that people behave in a proper and civilized manner when at football functions. Common sense and respect for one another is expected. Players, coaches, parents, spectators, and volunteers are required to adhere to the codes of conduct outlined by RMF and Canadian Amateur Football. Abuse of any type directed at participants, officials, or any persons working within the operations of the football environment will NOT be tolerated! RMF Game Day officials, along with referees, reserve the right to halt game play if severe infractions are observed. Removal of the offending person(s) from the facilities may be deemed necessary if the offense continues. Regina Minor Football appreciates your cooperation in making football an exciting, positive experience for everyone!
Table of Contents
1.0 Registrations
2.0 Fair Play (12 on 12 off)
3.0 Game Conduct
4.0 Atom Division Rules
5.0 Game Ejection and suspensions
6.0 Team Practices
7.0 Fair Play
8.0 Kicking Rules
9.0 Social Media and Electronic Communication Policy
1.0 Registrations
1.1 All players must register with the League office by the registration deadline.
1.2 Late registrations will be accepted subject to space availability.
1.3 Player placements are at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
1.4 Prior to participating in games, all players must be registered, fees paid in full, and weigh-in completed.
1.5 Player eligibility to be determined by the RMF Registrar.
1.6 Mighty Mites Division requirements:
a) Must be aged eight or nine in the year of registration
1.61 Atom Division registration requirements:
a) Must be aged ten or eleven in the year of registration
b) Maximum weight 115 lbs (see weigh-in policy) Players over 115 lbs must play in an ineligible offensive line position
1.62 Pee Wee Division registration requirements:
a) Must be Twelve or Thirteen years old in the year of registration
b) Maximum weight 140 lbs (see weigh in policy) Players over 140 lbs must play in an ineligible offensive line position
1.63 Bantam Division registration requirements:
a) Must be Fourteen or Fifteen years old in the year of registration.
b) Any player registered with RMF is not eligible to play in a high school football game, until the registered players Bantam season is complete.
1.7 Registration refunds
a) The Registration Fee is non-refundable
b) After August 31st (registration closes) Division Fees are non-refundable.
2.0 Fair Play (12 on 12 off)
The fair play rule is intended to assist coaches in the development of all players regardless of their individual skill level and to reduce, if not eliminate, two-way playing.
2.1 Coaches must fill out and submit the Coaches Game Sheet to the designated league official prior to kickoff. This game sheet must include and stipulate:
a) Offensive players
b) Defensive players
c) Remaining players
d) Special teams players
e) Injured players
f) Absent players
g) Disciplined players (reason & length)
2.2 Coaches must list all registered players on every game sheet in numerical order. Failure to list all players on a game sheet properly will result in the following penalties:
1st Offense – the minimum is the coach must complete the game sheet properly and receives a written warning. The maximum is a 10 yard delay of game penalty and a written warning.
2nd Offense – Head Coach receives one game suspension.
3rd Offense – the Team loses 2 points in the standings.
2.3 Players can only be listed on one side of the ball. Only at half time can a coach move players from one side of the ball to the other side of the ball. These changes must be documented with the designated league official at half time. Coaches should make an attempt to place an equal numbers of players on offense and defense. If a coach chooses to not have an equal number of players or more than 1 extra player on one side of the ball, and injuries cause the team to have less than 12 players on the lesser side, he will complete the half (or game) with less than 12 players on the field. Players can be moved at half time.
2.4 Kick offs and kick returns are unrestricted. Both offensive and defensive players can participate freely.
2.5 Defensive player substitutions on Punts and Field Goal Attempts are restricted to kickers, punters and long snapper. If there is a defensive substitute as a punter or kicker on a punt, FG attempt or convert attempt, the ball must be kicked. If there is no kick, the ball is turned over at PLS or PBD whichever is closer to the offending teams goal line. There are no offensive substitutions allowed on the defensive side of Punt Returns, FG attempts or converts. Players must be identified on the Coaches Game Sheet prior to the start of the game.
2.6 If injuries or missing players etc. cause a team to have less than 24 players, players can play on the other side of the ball. However, a player can only play a maximum of 3 series in a row. Example play offense, play defense, play offense, then sit.
2.7 Coaches should make an attempt to place an equal numbers of players on offense and defense. If a coach chooses to not have an equal number of players or more than 1 extra player on one side of the ball, and injuries cause the team to have less than 12 players on the lesser side, he will complete the half (or game) with less than 12 players on the field. Players can be moved at half time.
2.8 Violation of these rules is subject to review by the RMF Rules & Regulations Committee with possible disciplinary action.
(Rules updated as of the 2012 season)
3.0 Game Conduct
3.1 All games are played under The Canadian Amateur Rule Book For Tackle Football.
3.2 The RMF reserves the right to add/modify rules with the primary objective of safety to the players and in the interest of fairness.
3.3 Home team has choice at the start of the game.
3.4 Two (2) timeouts per team per half of one (1) minute duration. To be administered by the referee. One (1) coach per team can enter the field of play (anywhere on the field) to talk to his team regardless of what team called the timeout, but only during designated timeouts. Coaches must leave the field of play when instructed by the Referee. When exiting the field coaches will head directly to the sideline.
**3.5 Game Lengths: All RMF games will consist of four (4) quarters of twelve (12) minute durations. The last two (2) minutes of the second (2) and fourth (4) quarters will be stop time. The clock will stop on all scoring plays, injuries, measurements, or lengthy referee conferences.**In the Bantam Division the clock will also stop on change of possesions, penalties and incomplete passes. The clock will restart as per amateur rules.
3.6 No overtime will be played during the regular season.
3.7 Playoff overtime: As per Rule1, Section 3, Article 6 in the 2012-2013 Canadian Rulebook for Amateur Tackle Football. This is stated under 'RMF Playoff Game Tiebreaker' in our Policies and Procedures Section.
3.8 All 'no yards' penalties will be 10 yards.
3.9 When jerseys of opposing teams are too similar, the home team will change. (Wear white with reversable jerseys)
4.1 The Atom Division will be 9 man football.
4.2 No kick offs are allowed. To start the game, the Home team has the following options:
a) Start on offense
b) Start on defense
c) Choice of ends
d) Defer choice to second half. The ball will be scrimmaged at the applicable 45 yard line.
4.3 No punts are allowed. If the offense elects to "punt" the ball, the referee will move the ball twenty yards towards the opposition's goal line where the opposition will then take over possession of the ball. If the line of scrimmage is within 30 yards of the oppositions goal line when the "punt" occurs, the ball will be moved no closer than ½ the distance to the goal line. No scoring can result from a 'punt".
4.4 No converts can be attempted by kicking. The scoring team has the option of the convert attempt as follows:
a) scrimmage play from the 2 ½ yard line = one (1) point.
b) scrimmage play from the 5 yard line = two (2) points.
4.5 When a team has a safety touch scored on them, the opposing team receives the ball at the 55 yard line.
4.6 For the first four games of the Atom season, the schedule will be set in the pre-season. In order to provide competitive games for all teams and to try to avoid lopsided scores, teams will be seeded and scheduled to play their last three regular season games against teams of similar strength.
4.7 When an individual player scores an offensive touchdown, it will be worth 6 points. Each subsequent touchdown scored by the same player will be worth 1 less point (5,4,3,2,1,0,-1,-2........)
5.0 Game Ejections, Suspensions and Appeals
5.1 Any player, coach or team official ejected from a game is automatically suspended from participating in the next game in any capacity and may be subject to further disciplinary action pending league review. No appeals are allowed.
5.2 From time to time, playing and non-playing members, coaches and officials involved in RMF activities become involved in incidents contrary to our Code of Conduct that result in corrective or disciplinary action. Regina Minor Football Appeal Procedure
6.0 Team Practices
6.1 Teams from all divisions are not allowed to practice the day after a game.
6.2 Atom teams may practice 3 times per week. Peewee and Bantam teams may practice 4 times per week.
7.0 Fair Play
The following Fair Play policy is for ALL divisions.
7.1 Coaches will now list the starting (6, 9, or12) players on both sides of the ball.
7.2 The rest of the players will be considered the remaining players.
7.3 Remaining players must get on the field for a minimum of half the game (2 quarters).
7.4 Coaches must designate how they will get these players into the game on the game sheet by marking the letter of the method beside the Scout team players name. There are only four methods to install these players. When rotating 3 players no player will sit out more than 1 play, series, quarter, or half in a row.
- Method A (Alternating Plays): Player is on the field every other play. Example: Wide receivers take turns running the plays in.
- Method B (Alternating Series): Player is on the field for every other series. Example: A linebacker plays every play of all the odd series and sits out during the even series.
- Method C (Alternating Quarters): Player is on the field for every play for 1 quarter of each half. Example: A defensive back plays the first and fourth quarters.
- Method D (Alternating Halves): A player is on the field for every play of the first or second half. Example: One quarterback plays the first half of the game then a different quarterback plays the entire second half.
7.5 A coach cannot change the method they will be using during the game.
7.6 At half time a coach can change if he was using method A, B, or C.
7.7 If a coach is disciplining a player (and sits him out for more than a quarter), the coach can only use method A or B for the remainder of the game.
7.8 If a coach has less than the required amount of players and needs to have players play on both sides of the ball, a player can not play 4 series in a row. Players must sit out a series after three series. (Example….Play Offense, Play Defense, Play Offense, sit out a series) .
8.0 Kicking Rules
8.1 Kicking Rules for the Points-After-Touchdown (PAT): The ball will be placed at the 5 yard line: If the ball is put into play on an offensive play (run, pass, fake kick) and the team is successful in scoring the team shall be awarded 1 point. If the ball is place-kicked or drop kicked through the uprights, the scoring team shall be awarded 2 points.
8.2 Kicking Rules for Field Goals: Ball pinned inside the 30 yard line: If the ball is place-kicked or dropped kicked through the uprights, the scoring team shall will be awarded 3 points. Ball pinned on or outside the 30 yard line: If the ball is place-kicked or dropped kicked through the uprights, the scoring team shall will be awarded 4 points.
9.0 Social Media and Electronic Communication Policy
Background
Social media and other electronic tools have become very popular ways for people to communicate. Within a youth sport organization, there are many positive and constructive uses for these tools, as well as some negative and damaging uses of them. These policies will provide guidelines for constructive uses of social media within teams and RMF as a whole, and will also outline prohibited uses of social media within teams and the entire organization. This policy includes social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, TeamSnap, Twitter, Messenger, etc.. It also includes digital communication like E-mail, texting and other electronic messaging tools.
Generally, positive electronic communication use includes sharing information like providing updates and reminders, expressing thanks, communicating uplifting messages, sharing action photos, etc..
Unfortunately it has become common in our society for people to express unfiltered opinions and complaints electronically as soon as they have a problem or negative emotion. This behavior is very detrimental if it takes place within a context like a youth sports organization. Social media and electronic communication should never be used to address issues, problems, concerns and complaints. Things like that should be dealt with face-to-face or with a telephone conversation. As well, any form (written or with images) of bullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation or threats will not be tolerated. Racist or sexist comments are completely inappropriate. Any communication of a sexual nature, or involving illegal use of drugs or alcohol are also strictly prohibited.
This policy applies to all members of Regina Minor Football including board members, staff, coaches, managers, parents, players, volunteers and officials. It applies to the use of “official” RMF or team social media and electronic communication, as well as to the use of any other social media or electronic communication that contravenes this policy.
9.1 RMF Organizational Use
a Social media are very effective to provide information and updates to a broad base of people in a short period of time. For that reason, RMF will use social media platforms to promote our programs in the following ways:
i. Information about upcoming events (program registration, coaching clinics, games, AGM and other meetings, Football Saskatchewan events, special events, etc.).
ii. Provide game updates and action photos.
iii. Provide information involving RMF partnerships (health care, training opportunities, etc.).
b. E-mail is a convenient way to distribute information to a large number of people quickly and without cost. For that reason, RMF will use E-mail in the following ways:
i. Information about upcoming events (program registration, coaching clinics, games, AGM and other meetings, Football Saskatchewan events, special events, etc.).
ii. Provide information involving RMF partnerships (health care, training opportunities, etc.).
c. Occasionally, formal communication may need to take place within the organization, and E-mail may be used:
i. To conduct the day-to-day business of the organization among board members, with sponsors, supporters, business partners, sport organizations or other groups or individuals.
ii. By RMF to send a letter addressing a discipline situation with a team, player, parent, coach or manager.
iii. By a player, parent, coach or manager to submit a formal complaint to RMF. This should be done only after appropriate face-to-face or telephone conversations about the issue have taken place.
9.2 Team Use
a. RMF Teams may use social media or electronic communication to facilitate communication and promotion within their team. The following guidelines for team use of social media and electronic communication must be followed:
i. E-mail or social media team groups/chats can be used for the following purposes:
1. Providing team information (schedule details, reminders, thank yous, game previews and summaries, etc.).
2. For team members (players or parents) to request information regarding scheduling etc..
ii. The following guidelines must be followed within teams that use E-mail or social media groups/chats:
1. Private social media groups used within teams must include all immediate stakeholders (coaches, manager, players and parents).
2. Any direct electronic messages between a coach and a player/group of players must include at least one other coach and the team manager.
3. Sharing subjective game analysis, criticism, opinions, arguments, complaints etc. must not be done on electronically.
a. This type of communication must take place person to person (by telephone or face to face conversation) and must follow established team and RMF guidelines.
i. Wait 24 hours before addressing a complaint or concern within the team (unless the concern involves the immediate well-being of a person).
ii. Parents should communicate with the team manager before addressing a coach with a complaint or concern.
9.3 Inappropriate Use of Electronic Communication
a. Use of electronic communication and social media that violates this policy and is detrimental to Regina Minor Football or any team or group within the organization will not be tolerated.
i. If the violation relates to RMF as an organization, it will be dealt with by the RMF Discipline Committee and will result in appropriate consequences including but not limited to:
1. A verbal reprimand.
2. A written reprimand.
3. A suspension from involvement in any RMF activity.
4. Loss of membership (for the individual and possibly for the individual’s family) from RMF.
ii. If the violation relates to a specific team, it will be dealt with at the team level by the coaches and manager (they are welcome to consult with the RMF Discipline Committee for advice) and will result in appropriate consequences including but not limited to:
1. A verbal reprimand.
2. A suspension from involvement with any team activity
3. Removal from the team.
a. If the consequence does not include removal from the team, it is reasonable to expect the individual to apologize to the team as a whole or to specific individuals affected by the inappropriate electronic communication as appropriate.
b. An individual may appeal a discipline decision to the Regina Minor Football Board of Directors. If the board decides that an appeal is warranted, they will appoint a committee comprised of at least one member of the Board of Directors and at least one non-member of the Board of Directors that is a long-standing member of RMF with an established positive reputation.
