• 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  This person must be a person outside of HFL BOD to obstain from conflict of interest.
        • ii. Two deputy commissioners.  One from each conference to be responsible for opposite conference. i.e. North Deputy Commissioner is voted upon by the North Conference owners from a member of the South Conference.  It is preferred that the Deputy Commissioner(s) should be someone representing an HFL team.
        • iii. 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. If a team has outstanding league fees or fines they are considered to not be in good standing alose all rights for voting/grievances/appeals.
      2. Duties of the BOD- will be determined by resolutions brought before them by the appropriate designated commissioner.
      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 voting procedures outlined in this article.
      5. Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s)
        • Qualifications- voted by BOD or appropriate conference with Deputy Commissioner position. 
        • Duties - The Commissioner/Deputy Commissioners will preside over league meetings and enforce league rules as designated by resolution of BOD.

            Deputy Commissioner Duties

          1. Only deals with conference they are responsible for.  The North Commissioner will preside over the south and the South Commissioner will preside over the north.
          2. They are to be first point of contact for all grievances, team disputes, and issues.
          3. Responsible for investigating and collection of information of grievances and issues for presentation to the BOD to vote.
          4. Responsible for contact of all parties involved in regards of grievance or issue brought to their attention.
          5. Both Deputy commissioners will be responsible for collecting and confirming vote tallies.
          6. Will be responsible for sharing vote tallies, as to which teams voted, but not how each team voted.
          7. Will be responsible for enforcing by laws and accessing appropriate fines/fees when warranted.
        • Term - The Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner will hold the office for a one (1) year calendar term. This term will run from February 1 to January 31.
        • Confirmation - The Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner must be confirmed by a majority vote one-half or more (½) of a quorom of voting BOD members at the fall meeting for tem to be served the following year.
        • Removal - The Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner maybe removed by a majority vote of at least three-fourths (¾) of a quorum of voting BOD members
        • Compensation - Will be determined and reviewed annually at the sole discretion of the BOD
        • Quorum – Must have half of existing teams to have a legal vote.  Ex. Twelve (12) teams must participate in vote to have a legal vote.   A team that abstains does not count towards a quorum.  Note: In regards to voting for Deputy Commissioner(s) a quorum shall be defined as six (6) teams.
        • All issues unless otherwise designated must have two thirds (2/3) of voting quorum for issue to pass or to be accepted.
        • Votes will be submitted via email to BOTH North and South Commissioners within the time frame specified in by laws.  If no time is specified in bylaws for vote the deputy commissioners will designate the appropriated time to which vote will be concluded.
      1. Rule Committee
        • Qualifications: Each member of the BOD will be on the rule committee
        • Duties: To interpret HFL rules and rule on league disputes
        • Term: One (1) calendar year
        • 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 or Paypal on the League website. 
        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: 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.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    1. 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 twenty four (24) hours after the discovery in question by telephone to HFL Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s). A written copy of the grievance must be filed with the Commissioner within one (1) week from the time of the alleged discovery. The Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s) will assign the grievance to the BOD members.
    2. Hearing: The Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s) will choose three (3) BOD members from opposite conference to hear or view grievance filed by either email or conference call.  The three members will have three (3) days or (72 hours) to make a decision.  In the process of choosing three (3) random BOD members, the Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s) will make every attempt to keep it random.  If a team chooses to not participate in the hearing process, a fine may be placed against that team.
    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 twenty four (24) hours of a decision. Requests for appeal will be acknowledged via email. A written copy of the appeal request must be received by the BOD within one twenty four (24) hours of the initial decision.
    5. Fees for Appeals:  Initial appeal cost is $50/ 2nd appeal cost is $75, fees will be returned if appeal is won.
    6. 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.
    7. 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. Visiting team gets to choose the locker room.
          2. If locker rooms or showers are not provided at site of game, then home team must provide a plae (ie. Hotel) for visiting team to shower and change unless already discussed with visiting team prior to game.
          3. Teams failing to provide adequate facilities will be fined.  Visiting team may have the option to host game, if field is available.  Scheduled home team will be responsible for cost.
    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.
    6. Fines for providing unsatisfactory stadium/field

        1.  First offense = a warning

        2. Second offense = $200.00 fine

        3.  Escalating fine in increments of $100.00 is then imposed up to $500.00.

    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. Home team must contact visiting team no later than Tuesday at midnight by email with a cc to the league office regarding accomodations, field location and general field conditions.  In addition to any changes that have occurred requiring the visiting team to alter their travel.  Failutre to send email will result in a $50.00 fine to the offending team.
    4. Rosters: All game day rosters must be submited to the league approved repository (Waiver Board) by Friday at Midnight.  No further changes may be made prior to game time.  All roster changes for Week 5 should be made by Friday midnight. 
    5. 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.
    6. Jerseys: The home team will wear dark jerseys and the visiting team will wear light jerseys.  The Home team has the option to designate what jersey they wish to wear and the away team must then wear the opposite color. 
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
    9. 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.
    10. 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.
    11. Game Ball: Only NFL size footballs are to be used in the HFL. Footballs maybe real leather or composite leather.
    12. Weather:  Any HFL sponsored game that is halted by the white hat due to weather shall be considered complete after the start of the 4th quarter if both teams are in agreement.  If both teams fail to agree then a decision will be made by the two Deputy Commissioners.  After the start of the 4th Quarter, if the game has been delayed by two (2) or more hours for any act of God, the game will then be called. 
    13. Game film exchange is not mandatory, it is up to each team whether or not they want to exchange film
    14. Headsets -
      1. If home team wants to use headsets, then they must supply adequate communcation devices to the visiting team, if they do not have their own headsets.
      2. If visiting team brings headsets and the home team does not use/have them, then they cannot deny the visiting team use of the headsets.

    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 1st 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. HFL Contracts due to the League – Signed player contracts must be sent into the League by the 1st Monday in May.  Any new player contracts signed after the 1st Monday in May will need to be submitted to the league ASAP.  If players are added after the Tuesday cutoff for rosters submission, player will be ineligible to play that week.  If a player leaves a team a post must immediately be placed on the Waiver Board and also be emailed to both Commissioners. 
    4. Team Contacts: No player can switch member teams after signing a team contract, unless there has been an HFL Waiver release form signed by former team prior to signing new contract with a new team.  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.  If a player leaves a team a post must immediately be placed on the Waiver Board and also be emailed to both Commissioners.
    5. Solicitation or Recruitment: Member teams are not permitted to contact or solicit players once a player has signed with another HFL member team.
    6. Player Fees, Fines, and Equipment: Each member team will be responsible for collection of all players’ fees, team fines, and equipment.
    7. 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.
    8. 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. A player that is paid to participate is deemed ineligible to play.
    9. 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, and every week until week five (5).  A final roster and any additional player contracts must be received by the Commissioner on the Tuesday deadline prior to the week five (5) game. 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.
      4. Rosters will be maintained on an online repository where team owners/coaches may view potential conflicts in regards to players.   If a player leaves a team a post must immediately be placed on the Waiver Board and also be emailed to both Commissioners.
      5. A roster lock waiver will be granted to teams that are 0-5 OR, have an average of twenty five (25) players or less thru weeks 1-5 verified by the online roster repository.
      6. Adding military players to a roster can be done by email with the proper email address (military address) and proper information placed in the email expressing the players wish to play and understanding of all rules/regulations regarding the contractual agreements in place.
    10. Jerseys / Uniforms: Duplicate numbers will not be allowed in any HFL games with the exception of the All-Star Game.
    11. 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.
      3. Player/coach/staff ejections must be reported to or verified by the league office by the White Hat either by email, or by having the White hat complete the player ejection form, or any other reasonable means, within forty eight (48) hours of ejection.  Ex. If a team notifies the league office that a player from the opposing team was ejected, unless this is verified by the White Hat, this will NOT be treated as an official notification.   This above is the only valid ejection process.
      4. Any personnel involved with any team that brings or insinuates a weapon or any look alike weapon or makes any type of threat thereof, will be immediately suspended for the remainder of the season and be reported tot he local law enforcement as well as the Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s).
      5. If a player is ejected it is a grievable offense.

    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 minimum qualification is Class 1 for any HFL Official.
    3. The Head Official (White Hat), must be registered with the league in a repository to be announced by the league.  No official related to any member of any team, or a part of any team organization may officiate a game.  Official registration will include email and phone number.
    4. Official notification of a player ejection must be done in writing on the player ejection form or in email format and forwarded to the league office by the white hat within forty eight (48) hours of player ejection.  This will be the only approved notification of a player ejection.  Ex. If the other team notifies the league office that a player from the opposing team was ejected, unless this is actually verified by the white hat, this will not be treated as an official notification.
    5. A minimum of five (5) officials is mandatory for all HFL scheduled games.
    6. A minimum of nine (9) officials is mandatory for all HFL championship game.
    7. 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.
    8. Any player ejected by an official must leave the grounds immediately and is ineligible for the next HFL Game.
    9. 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 two (2) hour delay is a prerequisite to exercising this right.
    10. Visiting team may supply ½ of the officiating crew at their own expense, and the home team must be notified of this on the Tuesday notification email.  If the visiting team exercises this right and fails to bring league approved officials they will be assessed any cost required to remedy the situation in addition to a $50.00 fine.  If they fail to bring league approved officials and none can be found to officiate the game resulting in a no contest the visiting teams will be a assessed a forfeit loss. 
    11. If in the case five (5) officials cannot make it to a game due to an act of God, this needs to immediately be discussed between the teams and then reported to the Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner(s) immediately.

    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 SIX postseason participants frome ach conference will now be seeded as follows; better seeded teams always have home games, with the exception of the HFL Championship game.  The time, location, date of the HFL Championship game will be determined at the sole discretion of the BOD:
    2. (1-6 are Seeds)

        1. The division champion with the best record. (Bye week)

        2. The division champion with the second-overall HFL record. (Bye week)

        3. The division champion with the third-best record.

        4. The Wildcard with the best overall record regardless of division.

        5. The Wildcard with the second best overall record regardless of division.

        6. The Wildcard with the third best overall record regardless of division.  

      • Tie Breaker (All tie breaking scenerios start with #1)

        1. Overall record

        2. Head to head (games between teams)

        3. Best overall conference percentage in games played within the division.

        4. Best overall conference percentage in common games.

        5. Best overall conference percentage in games played within the conference

        6. Best points allwed within the division.

        7. Best combined points allowed within the conference.

        8. Coin toss

      

    1. All HIT teams would get a one week bye before starting and end with the HIT Championship game being played before the HFL Championship game as a doubleheader.
    2. The HIT tie breaking system is as followed.
      1. Overall record
      2. Head to head (games between teams).
      3. Best won-lost percentage in common games
      4. Best points allowed within the conference.
      5. 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 Fee Fee Schedule
        Returning member teams $500.00
        New member teams $450.00
        Leave of Absence reinstatement fee $200.00
        Failure to provide showers &/ or Locker rooms $200.00
        Failure to provide adequate field $200.00
        Player ejections $50.00
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