Rules Of Operation

 Discipline: Franklin Youth Football Association (FYFA) believes the lesson of discipline is an important aspect of the training received by all group participants.  FYFA operates under the theory that the lessons of football will be with our participants for not only as long as the play; the lessons of discipline will be with them for life.  As such, FYFA has established specific rules of conduct which, if violated, will result in swift & certain punishment.  Please note, this is not all-inclusive & is subject to amendment by the Board of Directors.

Forms and Fees: All required forms and fees must be completed and submitted in full at the time of player equipment hand out to participate in any practice.

Attendance: If a participant misses all or any portion of practice, unless excused, he or she will be held accountable to the following:

• One Practice - held out for one quarter of that week's game
• Two Practices - held out for one half of that week's game
• Three or more - held out for the entirety of that week's game

The player or parent/guardian is responsible to contact the HEAD COACH prior to the start of practice or the absence will be considered unexcused regardless of cause. Attendance will be taken before each practice begins.

Excused absences from practice or games are, but not limited to the following:

• Religious Classes
• Required School Activities
• Weddings
• Funerals
• Dr. Appointments
• planned Family Vacations

Unexcused absences:

• Brewer Games
• other sport practices
• Great America, etc.

Practice held within the first week is a league mandated conditioning of ten (10) hours and attendance is required by all participants (prior to player-to-player contact).

Cancellation: Practice and/or games will be cancelled ONLY in the event of lightning and/or another extreme condition.  Decisions for cancellation will be made at the game/practice fields.  In the event of threatening conditions, be prepared to pick up your child early - participants will be evacuated from the field to safety until a parent arrives.

Insubordination: FYFA believes the process of teaching discipline involves learning basic rules of respect & authority.  As such, incidents determined to be acts of insubordination to coaches, officials, administrators & others will be dealt with as follows:

• First Offense - verbal warning given to participant & parent
• Second Offense - written notice given to participant & parent & a one (1) game suspension
• Third Offense - removal from the FYFA program

Please note - any participant arrested or cited for a violation of the laws of the State of Wisconsin or the ordinances of the City of Franklin, will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis with the penalties ranging from written reprimand to suspension.

Team Rosters:  Football team rosters will be selected by the coaches of that grade level under the supervision of the Board. The teams will be selected through a Board approved process and will be designed to create team number and skill equality. Teams will be selected at the end of the first week of practice in the month of August with the rosters posted on the website as soon as possible. There will not be an "A" or "B" team. We will strive to the best of our ability to create equally talented teams. Players will be designated as part of the "Black" or "Gold" team/squad and will remain with that team/squad for the season. Due to player development, loss of players who choose not to play football again, new players moving into Franklin, injuries, etc., teams will be re-selected every year. It is the feeling of the Board that this process will provide the best possible experience for the kids in the FYFA. Any changes to teams/squads requires approval from the FYFA Board.  Note: we are unable to accommodate requests to be  on a specific team or be on the same team with a specific person.  

Parental Participation: FYFA encourages & welcomes parental involvement on committees & other FYFA organized volunteer groups.  FYFA reminds parents that they must, during games, practices & all other FYFA functions, conduct themselves in an adult-like manner.  Behavior of parents which undermines the mission of FYFA & which is considered to be disorderly, abusive or otherwise inappropriate will not be tolerated.  

24-Hour Rule:
Before contacting your coach, the FYFA President or any FYFA Board member with complaints regarding on-field activities, playing time concerns, etc. you are required to observe the 24-Hour rule and wait a complete day before reaching out to any of the above mentioned people.  All complaints & comments by parents relating to on-field activities will go first through the President. The President will be responsible for arranging a meeting between the appropriate parties as needed.  For any inquiries regarding playing time, please contact your child's team head coach.
Additionally, FYFA will NOT address any third party or anonymous phone calls, emails, etc.

Fees: $300 for football participation. Any additional child in the same family will be discounted to $175.  Coach's kids receive a $100 discount.
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Each participant is required to sell a minimum of 20 boxes of cookie dough OR there is a $200 Opt-Out.

Equipment: All equipment issued to players is the property of FYFA. If any equipment is lost or damaged due to negligence, the participant will be responsible for the repair/replacement costs.

Playing Time: FYFA does NOT guarantee equal playing time at any grade level. Playing time will be based on performance and effort & attendance during practices and games. Evaluations will be completed weekly by coaches.

REFUND POLICY:

1. Refunds:  All refund requests must be submitted in writing either by mail or e-mail and are subject to a $25.00 administrative fee.  The dates below represent the refund schedule for 2018:

• 3/1/2023 - 8/6/2023:    100% of fees less $25.00 administrative fee.
• 8/6/2023 - 8/10/2023:  50% of fees less $25.00 administrative fee.
• No refunds of any amount will be granted after August 10, 2023.

 Catching a Kick: high school rules state the receiver must be given an unhindered opportunity to catch the football.  There is no two-yard halo.

Pass Interference: can occur anytime the ball is in flight - there are no uncatachable passes in high school.  There is not a five yard bumping area for defensive backs - a defensive back may make contact with receivers anywhere on the field until the ball is thrown.

Pass Interference Penalty: penalty is fifteen yards from the line of scrimmage.  The ball is not placed at the spot of the foul.

Defensive Pass Interference:  penalty is fifteen yards from the line of scrimmage.  The ball is not placed at the spot of the foul.

Kick-Off Positions: college rules require a minimum of four players on each side of the kicker.  No such requirement exists in high school.

Intentional Grounding: can happen on any pass from anywhere on the field.  In college & pro games, the passer may avoid grounding when outside the tackles.

Neutral Zone Foul: if a defensive player jumps offsides it is an immediate penalty.  The player is not allowed to get back onside before the snap.

Kick into the End Zone: is a touchback and cannot be run out of the end zone.

Try for Point: the ball becomes dead once the kick is no good of the defense gains possession.  The defense cannot score any points on an extra point attempt.

Extra Point Attempt: kicking = 2 points.  Running/Passing = 1 point.

Unsuccessful Field Goal: if the ball crosses the goal line, it is given to the defense at the twenty yard line.  It is not returned to the spot of the kick.

Timing: in youth football, the quarters are eight minutes in length - high school timing rules are used.  The clock stops after a first down & starts when the ball is ready for play.  The clock stops after change of possession & starts with the snap.

Overtime: is only played at the A level (8th grade).  All other levels end in a tie.  The "four plays from the ten yard line" procedure is used.

C Defense (6th grade): teams are allowed a maximum of six defensive players within five yards of the line of scrimmage prior to the snap of the ball.  This rule is only in effect outside the defensive team's five yard line.

Player Weight: a ball carrier is defined as receiving the ball behind the line of scrimmage.  No ball carrier or offensive back in the offensive backfield may exceed below listed weights without equipment:

• A Level (8th grade) - 160 pounds
• B Level (7th grade) - 140 pounds
• C Level (6th grade) - 120 pounds

 Please follow the guidelines below to care for your equipment.  If you take care of it, it will take care of you!

Helmet: Outside should be cleaned with mild soap & water solution or a soft scrub cleaner.  DO NOT use any harsh chemicals or cleansers (i.e.: thinners, turpentine or abrasive cleaners).  Clean the inside of the helmet using a damp cloth to remove salt (sweat) build-up from the padding.  The inside of the helmet should also be sprayed with a mild disinfectant solution.  Allow the helmet to air-dry in an upright position.

Shoulder Pads: Clean with a mild soap & water solution inside & out.  No harsh chemicals should be used.  Use disinfectant solution on all padded areas.

Jerseys & Pants: Machine wash cold-warm water with a mild detergent.  Pre-soak to remove heavy stains.  Air-dry.  DO NOT bleach, dry clean or use in automatic dryer.
Suggestion - use an automatic dishwasher detergent

Pads (hip, tail, thigh, knee, arm, hand, elbow, neck, collar & rib): Hand wash cold water with mild detergent.  Air-dry.  DO NOT bleach, use harsh chemicals or use in an automatic dryer.

Football Helmet Inspection List:

• Inspect your helmet prior to each use - NEVER wear a damaged helmet
• Foam padding should be in proper placement
• Foam padding should show NO signs of deterioration
• Check for cracks in vinyl or rubber covering on air/foam
• Protective system should never be altered or removed
• Check shell for cracks
• Check all rivets, screws, velcro & snaps to ensure they are properly fastened

If any of the above inspections indicate a need for repair or replacement, notify your coach.  This is the participants' responsibility.  Please take the time to care for your equipment.  Each participant is given the use of equipment - it must be properly cared for so it will last.