Heartland Football League Bylaws

(subject to change from our meetings and discussions upon votes from the board) Article I. NAME
The Name of this organization will be the “Heartland Football League” (“HFL”)

Article II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the HFL will be to promote and govern the highest possible level of amateur football among its league members

Article III. ORGANIZATION

  1. HFL will be organized as a non-profit organization under the laws of the State of Ohio.
  2. For purposes of United States Internal Revenue Service tax filings, HFL, will be organized as a non profit organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  3. Dissolution – In the event that dissolution becomes necessary, any league debts will be paid first and any remaining assets will be donated to a non-profit entity at the sole discretion of the Members of the board of directors (“BOD”). The members of the BOD will determine whether or not to dissolve HFL at its sole discretion by at least two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of all members of the BOD. In the event of a tie vote, the Commissioner will break the tie at his or her sole discretion.

Article IV. OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

  1. Initial Board of Directors
    1. HFL will have BOD consisting of
      • i. Commissioner
      • ii. Members 1 per team in good standing
        1. Each member team will have 1 member and 1 alternate to make decisions on behalf of their respective team
    2. Duties of the BOD- will be determined by resolutions executed by at least a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of all members of the BOD
    3. Compensation- Will be determined at the sole discretion of the BOD
    4. Removal from the BOD – Members of the BOD may be removed from the BOD by at least a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of all BOD members. In the event of a tie vote, the Chairman will cast the deciding vote.
    5. Commissioner
      1. Qualifications- appointed by BOD
      2. Duties - The Commissioner will preside over league meetings and enforce league rules as designated by resolution of BOD. If the Commissioner is unavailable or unable to carry out the duties for any reason, the BOD will appoint an alternate Commissioner as necessary on either a temporary or permanent basis or for special purposes.
      3. Term - The commissioner will hold the office for a two (2) year calendar term.
      4. Confirmation - The Commissioner must be confirmed by a majority vote one-half or more (1/2)of all existing BOD members
      5. Removal - The Commissioner maybe removed by a majority vote of at least two-thirds (2/3rds) of all existing BOD members
      6. Compensation - Will be determined and reviewed annually at the sole discretion of the BOD
    6. Rule Committee
      1. Qualifications: Each member of the BOD will be on the rule committee
      2. Duties: To interpret HFL rules and rule on league disputes
      3. Term: One (1) calendar year
      4. Conflict of interest: Any rules committee member must excuse his or herself from any matter involving a HFL member team that said rules committee member is directly affiliated with in any way.
    7. Meetings
      1. Annual Meetings: HFL will hold an annual meeting for general membership
      2. Agenda: The agenda for the annual meeting will be determined by the BOD. HFL members’ teams wishing to discuss a particular issue should request in writing from the Commissioner the opportunity to be placed on the agenda. All requests must be submitted (1) one week prior to the start of the meeting. Approval to speak will be issued as time permits. Final meeting agendas will be determined by the BOD in its sole discretion. Agenda’s will be made available to member teams prior to the annual meeting.
      3. Special Meetings: It is understood that there may be a need for special league meetings at other times during the year. Special meetings will be held at the sole discretion of the BOD.
      4. Location: Meeting locations will be determined at the sole discretion of the BOD members
      5. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. There must be a team representative present at the annual meeting. In the event a representative is not in attendance, it is the responsibility of that team to obtain information regarding any decisions made at such meetings.
      6. Quorum: The presence of majority HFL team representatives will be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of league business.
      7. BOD Meetings: The BOD will have separate meetings at is sole discretion but at least once annually see Section IV (I).
    8. Annual Fees
      1. Non Refundable: All league fees and fines paid to HFL are non refundable.
      2. Annual Fees: New members and existing members of the HFL will pay an annual entry fee.
        • i. $500 for new members
        • ii. $450 for returning members
        • iii. Raising or lowering league fees will be voted on by BOD
      3. Fee Schedule: HFL will issue a schedule of fees (“Fee Schedule”) each year. Fees will be determined at the sole discretion of the BOD.
      4. Voting Rights: Payment in full of annual entry fee will entitle each team to one (1) vote on HFL operating issues designated for member voting by the BOD.
      5. Payment Method: All league fees must be made payable to HFL by money order, cashier check, or cash.
      6. Payment Date: All league fees must be paid in full by a date elected by the BOD
      7. Failure to pay fees: Failure to pay fees or fines may result in expulsion from HFL. Expulsion from HFL due to failure of paying fee is at the sole discretion of the BOD.
    Article IV. MEMBERSHIP/FRANCHISE
    1. League Structure
      1. There maybe conferences and/or divisions at the sole discretion of the BOD
    2. Minimum Criteria for HFL Admission
      1. Minimum Qualification: Teams must provide: (i) evidence of financial stability, (ii) evidence of operational stability, (iii) evidence of ability to be competitive; and (iv) evidence of ownership and proof of corporate structure
      2. Threshold:
        3. The threshold as to whether these basic requirements are met will be at the sole discretion of the BOD.
      3. Additional Criteria:
    3. New Members
      1. Procedure for League Admission
        • i. Application: Those wishing to be considered for admission into the league must complete an application for admission. The application must also be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee payable by money order or cashier’s check
        • ii. Presentation: The BOD reserves the right to request that a formal presentation be made to existing members at the annual meeting by any applicant to the league.
        • iii. Majority Vote: A minimum of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the existing member team representatives must approve the applicant for league membership. Existing member team’s representatives may cast their vote in person at the annual meeting or by other means acceptable to the BOD including the use of email, telephone, or the league HFL website.
        • Acknowledgement: New member teams will be required to expressly be bound by the rules and regulations of the HFL including these by laws and will be required to complete a HFL membership application.
    4. Leave of Absence
      1. Procedure: A member team may file a written request to petition HFL for one (1) year leave of absence from active status.
      2. Review and Determination: A review of petitions for a leave of absence will be conducted by the BOD. A determination will be made by the BOD and the petitioner will be notified of the BOD decision. All decisions regarding approval or denial of a leave of absence are final.
      3. Reinstatement Fee: A member team granted a leave of absence will be charged a one-time reinstatement fee if the team wishes to request a return to active status the following year
      4. Voting Rights: A member team will have no right to vote on league matters during a leave of absence.
    5. Existing Teams
      1. Annual Review: Existing member teams will be subject to an annual review by the BOD and Commissioner. Member teams should be prepared to provide any information requested by the BOD or Commissioner to assist in evaluating the existing member’s compliance with league rules and regulations.
      2. Removal from HFL: Should the BOD determine by two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of existing BOD members that an existing team is not in compliance with HFL rules and regulations or for any other reason the existing team may be removed from the HFL or be given a specific amount of time to rectify the situation to the satisfaction of the BOD.
      3. Fines: All league fines are nonrefundable
    Article V. Awards
    1. Description: HFL will seek to hold an annual awards banquet rewarding all registered members and players for participation in HFL. The banquet will be held at the sole discretion of the BOD. Other awards may be established at the sole discretion of the BOD.
    2. Banquet: The location and agenda for the awards banquet will be determined at the sole discretion of the BOD.
    3. All Star Game: All HFL members teams will have the opportunity to participate in HFL all star game and to designate and nominate players from their teams to participate in all-star events

    Article VI. GRIEVANCES

    1. Reporting: All HFL grievances must be submitted within forty-eight (48) hours after the incident in question by telephone to MFL Commissioner. A written copy of the grievance must be filed with the Commissioner within one (1) week from the time of the alleged infraction. The Commissioner will assign the grievance to the BOD members.
    2. Hearing: The Commissioner may elect to conduct hearings in person or by conference call.
    3. Decision: Any decision rendered on a grievance will be released and announced to HFL membership via letter, email, or league website.
    4. Appeal: Any member team can appeal any grievance to the BOD within one (1) month of a decision. Requests for appeal will be acknowledged via telephone or in person. However, a written copy of the appeal request must be received by the BOD within one (1) month of the initial decision.
    5. Decision Making Authority: Any infraction that involves a MFL board member affiliated team will be handled by the Commissioner and other MFL board members not involved with the infraction. In addition, MFL BOD member must excuse himself from voting on the final disposition of the grievance.
    6. Disputes between Member teams: It will be the duty of the Commissioner and/or rules committee to settle grievances between teams and to rule on any disciplinary action to be administered as per the current Bylaws.

    Article VII. SCHEDULING

    1. Preparation: The preparation of the HFL schedule will be the responsibility of the Commissioner.
    2. Postponements and Forfeits: HFL will not be responsible for any postponements, forfeits of HFL regular season games/pre-season games that are scheduled by teams or HFL

    Article VIII. FORFEITS

    1. Definition: A forfeited game is defined as a game not played or not completed because one of the following reasons.
      1. A team ceases to exist for any reason prior to the start of the season and league games have already been scheduled against this team; or
      2. A visiting team fails to show up for a regularly scheduled HFL game;
      3. A visiting team shows up late for a regular scheduled game and fails to show up within the give grace period of one (1) hour of kickoff.
      4. A home team changed the game time, date, or location without proper notification or
      5. A home team fails to have the proper amount of officials at a league game as defined in the Article XIII
      6. If a home team cannot comply with its league hosting duties for whatever reason, the visiting team may, at its option, host the game. If they decide they cannot, the game will be scored as a 0-2 forfeit loss for the non compliant team. Likewise the same applies for the visiting team.
    2. Credit for Forfeited Games: A HFL team that receives a forfeit from a league scheduled game will be awarded two (2) points on their overall HFL standing.
    3. Forfeit Penalty
      1. Any member team forfeiting a HFL scheduled game will be fined by the BOD members and/or expelled by the Commissioner and BOD members
      2. A member team will be considered not in good standing if it forfeits a game or if, in the judgment of the BOD, it has acted in willful violation of HFL bylaws or rules
      3. A member team forfeiting a HFL scheduled game will be placed on one (1) year probation. If member teams are already on probation, HFL may expel the member teams or extend the probationary period for an additional year.
      4. A member team expelled from the HFL for forfeiting a game can not reapply for admission into the HFL under the same ownership or team name. A member team expelled by HFL for forfeiting games cannot circumvent this Article and apply for HFL membership by changing team name under the same ownership.
      5. A forfeiting team that forfeits a HFL game must make monetary restitution to the opposing team for all responsible costs expended in preparation for the game. The forfeiting team will not be permitted to play its next scheduled league game, unless approved by the BOD.
      6. A member team requesting restitution from another Member team must submit receipts or other acceptable documentation for losses to the Commissioner within one (1) week of the forfeited game. Both member teams and the Commissioner must agree upon payment arrangement. Failure to provide receipts or acceptable documentation within the one (1) week period will result in a league ruling that no losses occurred, and thus no compensation will need to be rendered y the violating member team.

    Article IX. STADIUM / FIELDS

    1. Stadium: A stadium is not mandatory for a scheduled HFL game. Each member team’s home venue must have an adequate playing field: standard size, adequately marked (at least lines every 10 yards), have two goal posts, and should have a working scoreboard or alternative method of keeping score.
    2. Night Games: A properly lighted field stadium is mandatory for all night games.
    3. Facilities: Shower and locker room facilities must be provided by the home team for the visiting team for all games.
      1. Teams failing to provide adequate facilities will be fined. (see Fee Schedule)
    4. Damage to facilities: Any damage to the visiting locker room by the visiting team will be the sole expense of the visiting team and may result in expulsion from the HFL. Any damages should be reported to local police. A copy of the report must be mailed into the Commissioner’s Office.
    5. Damage Restitution: Payment arrangements must be agreed upon by both teams and HFL BOD.

    Article X. RULES OF PLAY

    1. Governing Rules: HFL will play by the NFL rules of the previous season, except as modified by the HFL.
    2. Game Location and Time: All HFL games will be scheduled for Saturday, starting no earlier than 1:00 p.m. Late arriving teams will be given sixty (60) minutes grace period during which the game can start late. Any changes in game time must be mutually agreed upon by the teams and must be submitted to the Commissioner by Thursday at 1:00 p.m. on the week of the game. The Commissioner reserves the right to reschedule games at his or her sole discretion. The home team must contact the visiting team on Monday prior to the playing date and confirm playing field and locker room location.
    3. Rosters: Rosters must be faxed or otherwise provided to the Commissioner and opposing team at least forty-eight (48) hours before game time for each HFL schedule game.
    4. Roster Modifications: Each team is to provide the opposing team with any roster changes at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the game. The teams must retain the game roster for potential league inquiry.
    5. Jerseys: The home team will wear dark jerseys and the visiting team will wear light jerseys.
    6. Pre-Game and Game Day Arrival: Each team should be on the field and ready to play within thirty (30) minutes prior to kick-off. If the game is not played on the date scheduled, the Commissioner must be notified immediately and the disposition of the game will be determined by the Commissioner. Each team is responsible for its own travel and transportation expenses.
    7. Medical Personnel: Each home member team will be responsible for providing certified licensed medical personnel at every HFL game. The certified medical personnel’s identification will be shown upon request to the visiting member team. The home member team will make its best efforts, as often as possible, to provide an ambulance at the game.
    8. Statistics and Score Reporting: Each team statistician will be offered equal opportunity to perform statistician duties in the press box at every HFL game. All scores should be sent to the Commissioner and posted on the league message board before noon the day after the game by the home team.
    9. Video Recording: Each team will be offered an equal opportunity to video the game from the press box at every HFL game. In the event that there is a player ejection, the video of the game must be forwarded to the league Commissioner.
    10. Game Ball: Only NFL size footballs are to be used in the HFL. Footballs maybe real leather or composite leather.

    Article XI. PLAYERS

    1. Off-season free agency: After the HFL has officially completed its season, all players are declared free agents and are permitted to change from one team to another without consent, but can not sign a contract until after January 1rst of the upcoming calendar year.
    2. HFL Contracts: Each coach, player, or staff person of a member team must complete HFL player contracts prior to beginning practice, games, or any HFL activity. No individual will be eligible for any HFL event until the player contract is signed and approved by the HFL.
    3. Team Contacts: No player can switch member teams after signing a team contract. Any player signing with two (2) member teams in the same season will be disqualified for the remainder of the season. Any member team playing a player that has signed with two member teams will forfeit the game, and maybe fined or expelled from HFL.
    4. Solicitation or Recruitment: Member teams are not permitted to contact or solicit players once a player has signed with another HFL member team.
    5. Player Fees, Fines, and Equipment: Each member team will be responsible for collection of all players’ fees, team fines, and equipment.
    6. Player League Fines: Each player will be responsible for payment of league fines in the event a fine is imposed on a player. All fines must be paid prior to the player being eligible to participate in a league game. Players will be listed on the league message board as inactive until said fine is paid.
    7. Non-Payment of Players: There will be no payment for any type whatsoever for player participation in any HFL game Teams found in violation of this will be subject to fines or immediate suspension or expulsion.
    8. Team Rosters
      1. Players can be signed by any HFL member team up to but not after the fifth (5th) game of the season.
      2. All teams must mail their roster contracts to the Commissioner before the first league game. A final roster and any additional player contracts must be received by the Commissioner after the fifth game of the season. Failure to adhere to this ruling may result in a team being fined or expelled.
      3. HFL game day rosters are unlimited. No restriction on the number of players they can sign.
    9. Jerseys / Uniforms: Duplicate numbers will not be allowed in any HFL games with the exception of the All-Star Game.
    10. Player Ejections: Any HFL player ejected from a league game will be ineligible to participate in the next game. (In the event of forfeit or non-game, the ejected player will be ineligible until after a physical game has been played)
      1. Any HFL player ejected from two (2) league games in one (1) season will be ineligible for the remainder of the season. Reinstatement for future seasons is at the discretion of the BOD.
      2. Any HFL player ejected from a post season game is ineligible for remainder of the post season as well as the first game of league play the following year regardless of what HFL team player may sign with.

      XII. COACHES / OWNERS / STAFF

      1. No coach can switch teams within the HFL once the first league game is played.
      2. A coach that is on the BOD cannot handle any infraction between his team and another league team. The matter will be handled by the remaining BOD members.
      3. HFL owners are not permitted to be board members of another league or own a team in another league in the same season of the HFL.
      XIII. OFFICIALS
      1. All officials must carry their official registration card to all HFL games
      2. The head official is responsible to report all major incidents such as but not limited to player ejections, and also must report scores to the league commissioner via email or telephone within forty-eight (48) hours of the completed HFL sanctioned game.
      3. A minimum of four (4) officials is mandatory for all HFL scheduled games
      4. A minimum of five (5) officials is mandatory for all HFL playoff games
      5. A minimum of nine (9) officials is mandatory for all HFL championship game.
      6. Securing of the adequate number of officials for each HFL game is the responsibility of the home team. A team not providing the minimum requirement of officials will forfeit that game.
      7. Any player ejected by an official must leave the grounds immediately and is ineligible for the next HFL Game.
      8. For each contest, the team of officials will designate a head official. The head official is the only one that can call a game due to inclement weather. A on (1) hour delay is a prerequisite to exercising this right.

      Article XIV. TEAM UNIFORMS

      1. It is NOT mandatory that each team be equipped with two (2) sets of jerseys, but it is recommended. Any new team entering the league with the same color jersey as an existing team will be required to wear a different color jersey.
      2. The home team will wear dark jersey and the visiting team will wear light unless the two teams can mutually agree by Monday prior to the game as to which uniform tops they will be wearing.
      3. Uniform must be in useable condition with normal wear and tear. Jersey numbers must be intact and properly affixed to the uniforms.
      4. No duplicate numbers are allowed in any HFL games.
      5. A player not having matching team gear is ineligible to play in any games.

      Article XV. PLAYOFFS

      1. All teams must accept playoff ranking and participation. Failure to participate will result in a team being placed on league probation for one year or being expelled from the league.

      Article XVI PLAYOFF GAMES & TIE BREAKERS

      1. The team with the better HFL league record will be the host team for all playoff games, with the exception of HFL Championship game. The time, location, and date of HFL Championship game will be determined at the sole discretion of the BOD.
      2. Playoff teams be all division winners, determined by their division record, Wild Card teams will be determined by overall record.
        3. For determination of playoff qualification, playoff seeding, and any other rankings, the following tie breaker tier will be utilized:
        • i. Best League record
        • ii. Head to Head record
        • iii. Head to Head PF / PA
        • iv. Best win / loss against common conference opponents
        • v. Best win / loss against common opponents, outside conference
        • vi. Overall PF / PA
        • vii. Coin Toss

          Forfeits: A team receiving a “win” on their record for a forfeited game will be voted by the BOD at the league meeting.

          League FeeFee Schedule
          Returning member teams $500
          New member teams $450
          Leave of Absence reinstatement fee $200
          Failure to provide showers &/ or Locker rooms $100
          Failure to provide adequate field $100
          Player ejections $50
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