SPRING 2011
Florida Lacrosse Association
LEAGUE OPERATIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS
(Section ___________________ of the Bylaws)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1.0.0 Policy
Article 1.1.0 General
Article 1.2.0 Eligibility
Article 1.3.0 Equipment
Article 1.4.0 Practices
Article 1.5.0 Games
Article 1.6.0 Reserved
Article 1.7.0 Conduct
Article 1.8.0 Protests
Article 1.9.0 Reserved for future use
Article 1.10.0 Penalties
Article 1.11.0 Reserved for future use
Appendix #1 Reserved
Appendix #2 FLA Annual Rules Update – 2010 – Boys
Appendix #3 FLA Annual Rules Update – 2010 – Girls - Reserved
Appendix #4 FLA Game Summary Report
Appendix #5 FLA Official Team Roster
Appendix #6 FLA Exchange Roster
Appendix #7 FLA Coaches Code of Conduct
Appendix #8 Reserved
Appendix #9 Heat Index Policy
Appendix #10 -- High School Pyramid Chart Reserved
1.0.0 POLICY
1.0.1 The purpose of the Florida Lacrosse Association (“FLA” or the “League”) is to provide the boys residing within the geographical boundaries of Florida a healthful, enjoyable leisure time activity and as a corollary to develop qualities that may help them in later life: sportsmanship, team play, and integrity, as well as to prepare them for high school and advanced club play.
1.0.1.a It is the expressed purpose of the FLA to set policy, regulations and rules in conformance with nationally and state recognized high school and youth sports and lacrosse organizations for the purpose of administering youth lacrosse in Florida. Furthermore, FLA will be responsible for scheduling games and paying for game fields, paying for and providing qualified officials for each game and from time to time providing training for coaches, officials and field commissioners. FLA will administer a website for the posting of rules, schedules, and links to member club websites, tournaments, and clinics, as well as provide general announcements. As deemed appropriate for each division, league standings will be recorded week-to-week during the season. Play-offs, if any, will be regulated, administered, and recorded by the League.
1.0.1.b Currently there is only one (1) region (the Central Florida Region) participating in the FLA. When applicable, new “Regions” will be added to the organizational structure of the FLA for the expressed purpose of unifying the rules of play, regulation, and conduct, for youth lacrosse in the State of Florida. The governance of Regions will be identified at the time of inclusion.
1.0.1.c Each “Club” will be responsible for organizing itself into a viable legal organization that recognizes the authority of FLA, manages registration and collection of funds, recruits qualified coaches, orders and provides uniforms and field equipment, sets practice times and provides and pays for practice locations. Clubs will be responsible for their own insurance and websites. Clubs will be required to pay to a nominal per team per season fee for the cost of administering the league. Funds must be transferred to the league prior to the first game of the season and for any late registering teams the fee will be due upon receipt of the club application. Clubs may choose from time-to-time to waive club fees for players. This will not waive the Club’s responsibility to pay to the League the Board approved team fee. The League must have a positive two-thirds vote of the board to change the fee. FLA shall charge each club the same team fee. The League may vary fees for each division (by example only: Senior Division - $250 per team; Lightning Division - $25 per team.)
1.0.1.c FLA Board Structure: Each “Club” will designate a single board member from their respective club to sit on the FLA Board. At the first meeting of the FLA Board, a Chairman will be elected and will be responsible for the conduct of the Board and setting the agenda. Three (3) mandatory committees will be formed from the FLA Board each sitting a minimum of three (3) members each: an Executive Committee, a Rules Committee, an Eligibility Committee and a Scheduling Committee. Other functions will need to be delegated as well, such as website master, Training Coordinator, Tournament Coordinator, and Officials Coordinator. These positions are not required to be filled by FLA Board members and can be volunteers at-large. Each board member has one vote. A quorum must be seated at every meeting in order to conduct official business. A quorum consists of a simple majority of the board. Meeting minutes must be kept and filed. A positive two-thirds vote is required of the FLA Board to modify these regulations.
1.0.2 All teams must be sponsored by an organization governed by a Board of Directors or other responsible legal entity recognized by the State of Florida. New organizations must apply in writing to the FLA Board for approval by that body for assignment to appropriate divisions under these rules. A positive vote by two-thirds majority of the FLA Council is required for admission to FLA. Organizations comprising the FLA must enter all players in all sponsored teams in this league within the grade and age limits established within these rules. Clubs must provide each player for each team a unique number. Jerseys for each player must either be reversible with a light and dark combination or two (2) jerseys must be provided with one being a light color and the other a dark color.
1.0.4 Divisions shall be based on the following modifications to the US Lacrosse Youth Council (USLYC) age definitions: High School Division – U-17; Senior Division – Grades 7 and 8; Junior Division – Grades 5 and 6; Lightning Division – Grades 3 and 4; and Bantam Division – Grades 1 and 2.
1.0.4.a Reserved.
1.0.4.b Scheduling will be done using the priorities as determined by the Florida Lacrosse Association (FLA).
1.0.4.c The Scheduling Committee shall place teams from the member clubs in divisions and levels as directed by the applicable “Club Matrix” (to be defined by the Scheduling Committee) and any approved waivers.
1.0.4.d 1.0.5 It is the goal of the League that each player participate in every regular and post-season (if any) game a minimum of 25%. This policy shall not be cause for game protests. However, coaches found guilty by the Executive Committee for repeatedly not complying with the intent of this goal will be brought before the full Board of Commissioners for consideration of eligibility to coach within the League. This goal shall not apply towards any League and Club sanctioned travel, select and elite teams that the stated purpose of the team is to provide a competitive and performance based format.
1.0.6.1 Boys: There shall be a maximum of 22 and a minimum of 16 players listed on a team roster except by approval of the Executive Committee. Clubs with multiple entries within a division must have the same number of players plus or minus 4 per team. Waivers may be requested for more than 22 players or under 16 players.
1.0.7 No new teams may be added to the league after the close of registration for any given season. Final rosters are to be turned in to the league Chairman the Wednesday before the first league game. Previously unregistered new players may be added to rosters up to the first game of the season with the FLA Chairman’s approval in advance. All player additions to these rosters will be sent to the league Chairman by Wednesday of the following week.
1.0.8 All field assignments and directions shall be turned into the league no later than 14 calendar days prior to the first game of the season.
1.0.9 All new head coaches must complete within two (2) seasons the US Lacrosse Coaches Education Program – Level One Course (either online or at a certified clinic) to qualify them in the rules of the game, coaching fundamental techniques, player safety, care of injuries, and leadership of children and young people by the beginning of their second season of coaching. Assistant coaches are encouraged to complete the US Lacrosse Coaches Education Program – Level One Course. Consideration for experience and past performance can be assessed by the Executive Committee and course requirements can be reduced or waived.
1.0.9.a It is a goal of FLA to have all coaches achieve US Lacrosse Certification (for more information on certification see http://www.uslacrosse.org/cep/certification.phtml). In order to attain that goal, between the date of publication of this rule and the completion of the spring 2010 season, FLA, will provide the following assistance to coaches interested in achieving US Lacrosse Certification:
1. pay for or reimburse coaches for taking the Level One field clinic;
2. provide certificates for coaches to take the Level One online course free of charge;
3. provide opportunities to attend a free Positive Coaches Alliance clinic; and
4. reimburse coaches for applying for US Lacrosse certification.
All requests must be made in writing prior to registering for the course. All approvals for reimbursement must be made in advance of making payment for the course by the coach.
1.0.9.b All coaches are required to a become member of US Lacrosse prior to practices beginning. It is left to the discretion of the clubs whether to pay for the coach’s membership or not. FLA will not reimburse or otherwise pay for U.S. Lacrosse memberships.
1.0.10 Reserved.
1.0.11 Each club shall obtain insurance for each player on its roster on an annual basis through individual membership in U.S. Lacrosse and shall additionally obtain insurance for General Liability and Officers and Directors insurance (www.bollingerIax.com). FLA will be listed as an additional insured on each policy. This insurance will provide year round coverage. Coverage minimums will be set by the Board annually and shall be consistent with recommended Risk Management practices adopted by U.S. Lacrosse. Club Certificates of Liability must be updated annually with the FLA.
1.0.11.a Each Club is responsible for preparing and administering member applications and
waivers.
1.0.12 The FLA Board of Commissioners, in keeping with the existing policy stated in Rule 1.1.1.a, has adopted as a guideline the Florida High School Athletic Association Health and Wellness Guidelines for the health and welfare of each player (www.fhsaa.org/health).
1.0.13 Each coach and home field host is required to have blank U.S. Lacrosse Incident Forms (http://www.bollingerlax.com/site/risk-management.aspx) at each practice, league or club function, and game. These forms are to be filled out for every incident involving an injury, property damage, or other incidents that may result in a claim against your Club, the League, or U.S. Lacrosse.
1.1.0 GENERAL
1.1.1.a. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Rules for Boys shall apply to all scheduled league games unless amended by US Lacrosse Youth Council (USLYC) and/or these Official League Rules unless amended by these Official FLA Rules. This exceptions addendum will be called the Annual Rules Update. The Annual Rules Update will be posted on the League website and provided to each Club in written format when requested.
1.1.1.b. Any questions not covered by the Official League Rules, official interpretation thereof, or any conflict not subject to protest shall be decided by the FLA Executive Committee.
1.1.2 Scheduled League games will be officiated by a minimum of one (1) recognized lacrosse officials association official supplemented by FLA official-in-training.
1.1.2.a Scheduled league games will be overseen by a Field Commissioner (at the discretion of each Club) or third game official. The Field Commissioner or official shall be responsible for: (1) enforcing the rules regulations and Bylaws of FLA; (2) maintaining orderly conduct of all participants, coaches and fans; and (3) completing the “Game Summary Report forms” (see Appendix #4) which may be revised annually, but shall include, at a minimum, teams, scores, injuries, disciplinary actions, expulsions, forfeits and number of officials and their names.
1.1.2.b Reserved.
1.1.3 League play will commence on a date established each year, for all divisions. The number of scheduled regular season games shall be at least eight.
1.1.4 Reserved.
1.1.5 Reserved.
1.2 ELIGIBILITY
1.2.1 Reserved.
1.2.2.a. Team rosters shall be supplied by each club for each team in the League in the prescribed format approved by the league. (See Appendices #5 & #6 for official and exchange rosters)
1.2.2.b. A FLA team shall not change its roster for any game.
1.2.2.c. After the second game of the season, a program may request a waiver to allow a player to participate. The Executive Committee will determine this request.
1.2.3 A player may play with only one member club and on only one team within FLA. Players may not play on a FLA team and a high school JV or Varsity team at the same time. The mission of FLA is to prepare boys to play in high school. To avoid a game cancellation, up to four players may play on another team temporarily. The addition of temporary player(s) in order to play the scheduled game requires agreement by the opposing coach. The official result of the game shall be a forfeit by the team adding the temporary player(s).
1.2.4 All youth registered with one club and a member of that club’s team roster cannot be transferred to another club’s team during the season or post-season (if applicable) play without consent of the Board.
1.2.5.a. A youth registered with one organization may move to another organization in the off-season only. The Commissioner of each member organization is responsible for verifying the eligibility of every player registered with his/her organization. Any team with an ineligible player may be barred from post-season play.
1.2.5.b Beginning with the Spring 2010 season, all new players entering FLA shall register with the Club that represents their locality or high school pyramid as determined by their residence, attendance at a private school, or other affiliations as deemed appropriate by the Board, that has a participating club. See Appendix #10.
1.2.5.c. The FLA Chairman will appoint the Eligibility Committees for their respective divisions which will have at least three (3) members.
1.2.5.d. If the Eligibility Committee disapproves a Waiver Request and the player has played a game with the requesting club or the player has played a game before the Executive Committee has granted a Waiver Request, the official result of the game shall be a forfeit by the team adding the illegal player(s) and such team may be barred from post-season play.
1.2.5.e. Eligibility waivers will generally be approved under the following circumstances:
• If player(s) who resides within Florida but outside the FLA region and does not have a lacrosse program he wiII be allowed to play in the FLA club nearest to residence;
• If player(s) played in the immediate preceding year, or in two or more years previously with the requesting club;
• If requesting club accepted player(s) who attempted to register in their “home” club but “home” club registration was closed; or,
• If requesting club offers an A team or other unique program unavailable in “home” club (e.g., no U9 team).
1.2.6 Coaches are required to have all roster information, i.e. both the Exchange and Official rosters, at all games. All Clubs are required to post each team roster on their respective Club website if a website exists.
1.3.0 EQUIPMENT
1.3.1.a. All clubs are required to have approved uniform color combinations at the beginning of each season. These approved colors shall be worn at games unless a conflict arises. Team colors shall be listed with the League. It is the home team responsibility to provide and wear an alternate color uniform or pennie if a conflict arises.
1.3.1.b. All players must be completely uniformed. All equipment must meet NFSHSA standards to qualify for league use. Equipment violations may be subject to penalties as defined by the approved rules.
1.3.2 During the regular season, home teams will be responsible for the following: field location, field equipment including, but not limited to: goals, game clocks, penalty clocks, cones or pylons, horns, balls, end line markers, and lined field (to include penalty, coaching and team boxes). Field size shall be considered to meet rules, but conditions may dictate special field regulations. During the playoffs (if and when they are held), the host club will be responsible for all field equipment. It is recommended that all home teams, or host clubs during the playoffs, have a defibrillator device available.
1.3.3 Each team must have its own First Aid Kit at all practices and games. Each coach must maintain a current emergency contact list and have such list with them at each practice and game.
1.3.4 Each home team is responsible for the seating location of spectators. All spectators must be located in official areas. At no time will spectators be permitted along the end lines or players side of the field.
1.4.0 PRACTICES
1.4.1 First regular team practices will commence no earlier than the four weeks prior to the first game of the season. This rule applies to any organized team events only. League and Club wide instruction such as skill sessions, clinics drills, group physical training, individual activity, such as conditioning for the first day of team practice is allowed. These types of activities shall be announced and made available to all participants.
1.4.2 Each Club commissioner must know all practice times and locations for teams sponsored by his organization.
1.4.3 The FLA allows the use of lighted practice sites.
1.4.4 Practices for regular season play shall not exceed one two-hour period per day excluding team travel time. No more than four (4) events per week for each team including games. Game day counts as a single event.
1.4.5 There will be no use of tobacco or alcohol products at any FLA practice or game site by anyone. The Field/Club Commissioner and Coach is responsible for enforcing this rule. If the individual is a Head Coach, Assistant Coach or any club official and refuses to cooperate, he/she will be warned that continued failure to comply with this rule will result in disciplinary action by the FLA Board in accordance with Rule 1.10.2. Refusal to cooperate by a spectator can result in a five minute game misconduct being assessed against the affiliated team.
1.4.6 No games, scrimmages nor practices will be held with or against High School teams/ programs except for U-17 division teams.
1.5.0 GAMES
1.5.1 Effective 15 Minutes prior to the start of the first game and continuing until the end of the last game of the day, there will be no use of tobacco or alcohol products on the field or around the players. Playing fields will be considered drug and alcohol free zones. The Field/Club Commissioner is responsible for enforcing this rule. If the individual is a coach/assistant coach and refuses to cooperate, he will be warned that continued failure to comply with this rule will result in the forfeiture of the game by his team. If this occurs the coach is also subject to suspension for one game, if upheld by the FLA Board. If the individual is not a coach, and refuses to comply with this rule, he/she will be ejected from the playing field.
1.5.2 No game shall commence until team rosters have been exchanged between coaches. The coaches should check the rosters for accuracy and require that corrections be made if necessary prior to the start of the game and copies provided to the Field Commissioner. If a team refuses or is unable to provide a roster, that team shall forfeit the game. Coaches will be responsible for ensuring this rule is enforced. The Exchange Roster will include player’s name and jersey number. Coaches must have available at every game the “official roster”, a copy of which is turned in to the League with any approved additions noted by an asterisk. The “official roster” will contain each player’s name, age, address, phone number, grade, school, and jersey number. Team rosters (official and exchange) shall be available for any Club commissioner upon request from the Executive Committee. Official Rosters shall be on an official FLA Roster Form (See Appendix 4 for a copy of the Official FLA Roster Form) or in the same format. Coaches may request to view a copy of the “official roster” of the opposing team in addition to the “exchange roster”. Failure to provide the “official roster” prior to any game will result in game forfeiture.
1.5.3 The starting time for games will be that published by the FLA. Games can be started ahead of schedule, up to 15 minutes in advance, only upon agreement of Coaches, Head Referee and Field Commissioner. A coach is under no obligation to start a game ahead of schedule. A game may be delayed in starting based on unusual circumstances up to 15 minutes, if a subsequent game is scheduled to follow on the same field. The game may be delayed up to 30 minutes, if no other game is scheduled to follow.
1.5.4 Weather delay. During the regular season, more than 50% of a boys and 80% of a girls regulation
time must have expired to be considered a complete game. In the event of lightning all players shall leave the field and seek shelter in enclosed motor vehicles or buildings for 30 minutes following the last sighting. It is the intent of FLA that all post-season games be completed and cancellations and shortened games will take place only at the discretion of the Chairman in consultation with the scheduler and appropriate officiating association.
1.5.5 Teams that do not show for a game, within the time limits established in 1.5.3 will forfeit that game and will be held responsible for the cost of all Officials fees associated with that game. Teams/Clubs that wish to appeal this rule must submit in writing within 24 hours of the scheduled game time the reason for their appeal. The Executive Committee will review the reason(s) and make a decision based on this rule or set it aside for exceptional circumstances.
1.5.6 A maximum of four (4) coaches will be permitted in the designated coaching area. Only players and coaches are permitted in the coaching and team area. Commissioners, Field Commissioners, designated Team Parents and Sideline Managers will be permitted in the table area and are NOT permitted to coach, root, cheer, etc., for either team. Each head coach is personally responsible for the behavior of all his/her coaches, players, parents and fans. A coach is defined as an individual who has signed and filed with FLA the FLA Coaches Code of Conduct (Appendix #7) and undergone a background check. A coaches box is to be clearly striped for each game in accordance with the field diagrams provided by U.S. Lacrosse. Generally, the players must stand outside the coach’s box unless otherwise being substituted or counseled by a coach.
1.5.7 Spectator areas shall be provided on the opposite side of the field from the team boxes. Spectators will not be allowed on the players sidelines and end lines during games, unless field conditions prevent this or offer a fenced off area.
1.5.8 Coaches must be easily recognizable by appropriate wearing apparel, such as a cap, sweatshirt, or jacket identifying them with their organization and/or team.
1.5.9 Game officials shall check both teams’ players for proper equipment, especially sticks, helmets and mouthpieces.
1.5.10 No jersey can be changed during the game unless deemed necessary by the officials.
1.5.11 Club commissioners or the Third Official shall be responsible for recording game scores and reviewing records.
1.5.11a Game results and records will be kept for Boys all Divisions except the Lighting and Bantam (violation of this rule by a coach shall be considered a Code of Conduct infraction and will be referred to the Executive Committee for disciplinary action).
1.5.11b Reserved.
1.5.12 Games will be postponed in case of advanced warning of inclement weather (e.g. a hurricane). This decision to postpone games will be made by the FLA Chairman or his designated representative. This information will be disseminated by use of the FLA web site. Postponed games, including a rain out, will be re-scheduled as necessary. Each eligible game shall be rescheduled as soon as possible after a cancellation and the appropriate commissioner(s) and referee coordinator shall be notified. Each game shall be rescheduled so as not to provide an unfair advantage to either team.
1.5.13 Playoffs
The FLA Board can establish for each spring season which divisions will have post-season play, if any. At no time will post-season play be permitted for Fall Ball. When playoffs are agreed to, a point system will apply to determine league standings during official league play and league champions and runner-up at the conclusion of league play.
1.5.14 Reserved.
1.5.15 Reserved.
1.6.0 Reserved
1.7.0 CONDUCT
1.7.1 Unless otherwise specified, penalties for violations of this section shall be decided and imposed by the FLA Executive Committee. The FLA Executive Committee may also impose additional penalties, beyond those specified, if deemed appropriate (i.e. game forfeiture, post season ineligibility, game suspension, year suspension).
1.7.2.a If at any time the Executive Committee finds the conduct of any player or member of the coaching staff to be detrimental and contrary to the best interest of his program, such individual may be suspended by the FLA Board of Commissioners by a majority vote, from further participation for whatever period of time may be deemed reasonable and proper.
1.7.2.b Each local commissioner should investigate any detrimental conduct by any player or member of the coaching staff of his/her local club.
1.7.2.c All investigations of detrimental conduct, and penalties imposed, handled by the local club commissioner shall be reported in writing within 48 hours of the incident and sent by fax and/or email to the FLA Executive Committee.
1.7.3 Field commissioners and coaches shall be responsible for the conduct of all players, members of the coaching staff and spectators. Improper conduct, in the judgment of the game officials, on the part of the players, coaches or spectators may result in penalties, expulsion, and suspension and or forfeiture of the game.
1.7.4 The local club commissioner or field commissioner shall have the responsibility to assist the game officials in maintaining proper conduct of players, coaching staff and spectators.
1.7.5.a Any coach, moving from one club to another, is restricted from taking any players, except their own children.
1.7.5.b No Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or any other club official shall recruit or otherwise solicit players from another lacrosse club. Any coach so accused shall be required to appear before the Executive Committee. If said accused is not a Head Coach, then the Head Coach will also appear. This meeting will take place within 5 days from the reported infraction. Penalty - Immediate Suspension for one year from ALL FLA events.
1.7.5.c Any player or member of the coaching staff who is ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended for the following game:
1. Any player allowed by game officials to return to a game shall not be considered as being ejected from a game.
2. A player or member of the coaching staff removed from the game on the final play of the game shall be considered ejected from the game and will be suspended for the following game.
3. Game officials shall notify the Field Commissioner of any ejections. Commissioners shall notify the FLA Executive Committee of any ejection, as soon as possible.
4. Use of an illegal player will constitute an immediate forfeit and a one-season suspension of the coach.
1.7.5.d Any player or member of the coaching staff who uses abusive, disrespectful, or profane language or who otherwise exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct before, during, or after any ball game will be suspended for the following game after review by the Executive Committee.
1.7.5.e Any member of the coaching staff who is involved in a fight before or after any game or is ejected from a game for fighting will be expelled permanently from the League. The expulsion must be reviewed by the Executive Committee who may confirm, or decrease the expulsion based on the evidence.
1.7.5.f Any player or member of the coaching staff who repeats any of the aforementioned offenses will be suspended for the remainder of the season or at the discretion of the Board expelled from the League.
1.7.6 All Coaches of the FLA must read, understand, and sign the “FLA CODE OF CONDUCT”
form. (See Appendix 6). The completed Code of Conduct form is due to League no later than the Thursday before the first (1) game of the season. The Code of Conduct form may be sent to the League by facsimile, with the organizational Commissioner maintaining the original with the club’s official rosters.
1.8.0 PROTESTS
1.8.1.a The Executive Committee is formed in an effort to foster all tenets of good sportsmanship, conduct, and in the best interest of the sport. Its primary function is to uphold the rules and regulations of this program and to levy fair and reasonable disciplinary action should such be necessary. All members of the Executive Committee may succeed themselves on that committee.
The Executive Committee shall be granted the following authority:
1. To forfeit any game as a committee without formal protest if violation is found.
2. To require selected home Field Commissioner or Third Official to collect all exchanged rosters of home and visiting teams on a selected game day and send them with each game summary to the Executive Committee by the following Tuesday noon, for a roster check. If a team does not provide this information at the prescribed time, that team may have games forfeited for that weekend.
3. To require a letter of confirmation of a player’s eligibility from the Club Commissioner and if it is later found that the player is ineligible, a $500.00 fine will be assessed to the Club in addition to other required penalties.
1.8.1.b The only valid game protest that will be accepted by the Executive Committee shall be for eligibility reasons in the following categories:
1. Out of grade
2. Incorrect and/or incomplete roster
3. Playing of ineligible players
4. Playing of suspended player
5. Coaching by suspended coaches
6. Non participant problem and unsportsmanlike activities by (parents and spectators)
In order to get a complaint on the agenda, it is required that the plaintiff commissioner notify, by telephone, a member of the Executive Committee.
1.8.2 Protests concerning Rules 1.8.1.a & 1.8.1.b above can be made at any time during the season. Commissioners should report all violations suspected to the Executive Committee. Names of witnesses and evidence must be furnished.
1.8.3 Game protests, filed under Rules 1.8.1.b that are upheld, shall result in forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible player or players participated. Additional penalties in the form of suspension of players, coaches, or other officials involved may be imposed.
1.8.4 Appeals from decisions of the Executive Committee shall be made in writing to the Chairman of the Board within three working days from the date of the protest decision. The Chairman of the Board may approve or disapprove the decision of the Executive Committee which action will be final unless the plaintiff or defendant commissioner requires in writing that the Committee reviews the matter. If this occurs, the Chairman will render a final decision in the matter of majority consent. There will be no further appeals.
1.9.0 RESERVED
1.10.0 PENALTIES
1.10.1 Where penalties for rule violations are not specified, the Executive Committee will decide them.
1.10.2 Where penalties for rule violations are not specified and for other matters that may be complained of, penalties if deemed appropriate, may be assessed as follows:
A. Letter of reprimand
B. Probation of individuals * see note *
C. Suspension of individuals
D. Forfeiture of a game or games
* Note * Would only apply for one year unless extended by two/thirds majority vote of the FLA.
1.10.3 The penalty for an over-age player’s participating in games, if discovered, (whether protested or not) and processed through the Executive Committee will result in forfeiture of all games in which the illegal player participated and that player’s expulsion from any further league activities for the current season.
1.10.4 The penalty for a player who participates in a game and did not register as required, with both the member club and league, if discovered (whether protested or not) and processed through the Executive Committee will result in forfeiture of all games in which the illegal player participated. Further, this player and coach must receive written approval to continue to play, from the Executive Committee.
1.10.5 Coaches shall trade exchange rosters ten (10) minutes prior to the game. No game shall commence until team rosters have been exchanged.
PENALTY: Forfeiture of game and the organization in violation of this rule shall pay for the officials scheduled for the game.
1.11 RESERVED
APPENDIX # 1
RESERVED.
APPENDIX #2 – BOYS’ FLA ANNUAL RULES UPDATE – February 2011
All games will be officiated according to NFHS and USLYC Rules as amended with the following additional exceptions
A. Game and field conduct is the responsibility of the Home team, Game officials and Field Commissioner.
B. Keep all parents on the opposite side of player area and away from the endlines.
C. Penalty enforcement is served while the ball is in play. Stop and start time is enforced for penalties while game time is a running clock. The game clock will stop on all whistles during the last one (1) minute of all U17, U15, U13, and U11 games and during the last one (1) minute of any overtime period. Except in the case when the 3 goal rule applies.
D. Failure to exchange rosters and provide to the Field Commissioner prior to the start of the game is an immediate forfeiture.
E. Code of Conduct shall be adhered to and enforced fully by the game officials and Field Commissioner.
F. Sportsmanship of the coaches, players and spectators is paramount during all FLA play.
G. There will be no restrictions as to jersey numbers by player positions.
High School Division (Under 17)
1. Advancement of the ball rules shall be enforced.
2. 15 minute running time Quarters. The game clock will stop on all whistles during the last one (1) minute of the fourth quarter and the last one (1) minute of any overtime period. Complete game within the prescribed time.
3. All fields are assumed to be legal for league games. There shall be no penalties assessed for illegal field specifications.
4. There shall be one 4-minute “sudden victory” period for any tie game. If no goal is scored in the “sudden victory” period, the game will end in a tie.
5. Goalie Penalty, in home to serve personal fouls to exclude unsportsmanlike or expulsion.
6. Three officials.
7. Time outs shall be 4, limited to two (2) per half.
8. Goalies may wear soccer style shin-guards under their socks or hard-plastic shin-guards (such as used in baseball and field hockey) over their socks. Goalies are required to wear shoulder pads and are encouraged to wear arm pads.
9. Players on a team are not required to wear equipment of the same color.
10. Take-out body checks are permitted as long as the player uses reasonable force and no attempt to injure the opposing player is made. Body checks made with the intent to injure the opposing player or where unnecessary/excessive force is utilized are not permitted. Players are not permitted to lower their head while delivering a body check.
11. No clear mouth protectors are permitted.
12. Games may be played against High School teams.
13. Players must be members of US Lacrosse.
SENIOR DIVISION (7th/8th GRADE)
All rules are the same as those used in High School Division (U17) except for:
1. No games or practices may be held with High School teams.
2. Time Serving Penalties: Rule 7 Section 1, 2 & 3 Stop time.
For clarification purposes when a flag down situation is in effect and a goal is scored, technical fouls are wiped out and personal fouls still serve.
3. 15 minute running time Quarters. The game clock will stop on all whistles during the last one (1) minute of the fourth quarter if the goal differential is 3 or less and the last one (1) minute of overtime period.
4. During the final 2 minutes of play, the team leading will have to “keep it in” the offensive box.
5. Rule 4 Section 14 & 15: A 20 second clear rule and the 10 second into the offensive box rule will be enforced.
6. A mandatory application of a modified competition rule (MCR) will be in effect when any team that gains a four goal lead. Mandatory application of the MCR shall be as follows:
a. For the Senior and Junior divisions there under, after the score that makes the four (or more) point difference, it is the discretion of the coach of the losing team to be given possession of the ball at the mid-field line in lieu of a face-off.
b. For the Senior and Junior divisions there under, after the score that makes the seven (or more) point difference, the winning team will be required to complete three consecutive passes inside the offensive box before shooting on the goal. Shooting on goal before the three completed passes will result in a turnover. Once the three passes are completed, change of possession will be the only time the winning team will have to complete three more passes.
NOTE: This MCR does not eliminate the quarter face-offs for boys which will occur regardless of point differential.
JUNIOR DIVISION (5th/6th GRADE)
All rules are the same as those used in Senior Division except for:
1. 12 minute running clock. Last one minute of game is stop time(goal differential 3 or less). One (1) 4 minute overtime period. Stop time during last minute of overtime.
2. Highly recommended that goalies wear arm pads. Not mandatory.
3. Highly recommended that players wear rib pads. Not mandatory.
4. No 20 second rule or 10 second rule.
5. Body Checking and Slashing: Rule 5 Section 3 & 6
a. No Body Checking. (Note: Boxing-out is not body checking and is permitted.)
b. No one handed checks.
6. Starting in the Spring 2011 season Junior Division Teams may use long poles(52” to 72”). However, no more than three players using long poles may be on the field at once.
Lightning/Bantam Division (1st – 4th GRADE)
Both Lightning and Bantam will play on a modified field, 7 X 7. The rules pertaining to the Junior Division shall apply to the Lightning/Bantam Division. However, coaches will serve as the officials.
