BY-Laws-2010

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MLF BYLAWS

ARTICLE I – NAME AND PRINCIPLE OFFICE

Section 1. – The name of the organization shall be the “League” Group Inc with subsidiaries Major League Football (“League”) which for the purpose of these bylaws known as the “League”.

The official league office is established as being at P.O. Box 335, Hawthorne New York 10532.

The League Officers are outlined in Article IV.

Section 2. – The names of the Conferences of league play (if any) shall be determined by the Commissioner and Marketing Coordinator. The two Conferences for the current season will be known as the Empire and Keystone.

If needed, Divisions will be set up in a manner that is cost-effective to the majority of the members.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of the “League” is to promote and foster Major League Football.

To offer a professional atmosphere in which to develop playing and coaching skills.

To do and perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the “League”.

To obtain local and national sponsors, radio and television contract to promote the “League”.

To promote and foster players for opportunities (For those who are interested and qualify) at the collegiate and/or other levels of football.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. – The “League” shall consist of all current members and any new teams which the Commissioner has deemed appropriate and meeting admission requirements for the current season for presentation to the voting members for acceptance.

Any person, association, partnership, corporation or any other entity of good repute organized for the purpose of operating a football club in the “League”, can be eligible for membership.

Each application for membership shall be in writing to the “League” by January 1st. The Commissioner will decide which application will be presented to the current members.

The individual new team must provide satisfactory information including, but not limited to the S.W.O.T. and Team Data Sheet to the Commissioner proving that the team is worthy to compete in the “League” and uphold the league bylaws, which the Team must certify that they have read.

New teams will present a S.W.O.T and be voted on by eligible voting member teams for acceptance at the first annual owners meeting in January. A 3/4 vote by attending voting members is necessary. New teams voted in the “League” will be on one year probation. (see Article III section 2a)

All teams (current and new) will have paid their league fee for the current season in full as date determined by the “League” Board. Teams not paid will not be considered in good standing and will not be scheduled for the current season.

Good standing shall mean that:

A team has fulfilled its financial obligation to the league.

II.

Has not forfeited (outlined in Article VI) any games for the season and has not committed any willful acts against the “League” as determined by these bylaws or by decision of the Commissioner.

III.

Teams missing a league meeting without the consent of the Commissioner are considered to not be in good standings.

The Commissioner shall make the final determination if a new team has satisfied requirements in order to be presented to the league members for acceptance.

Existing League members must submit a Team Data Sheet annually to the commissioner by December 1.

Section 2. – All the new teams in good standing are on a one-year probationary period. The teams are entitled to vote on non-bylaw issues. Probationary teams will be voted on after one year. A team must receive ¾ vote of the attending eligible voting members. Only owners of eligible voting teams or team data sheet alternate, GM or corporate officer may attend this meeting and cast a vote.

Voting eligible Teams and probationary teams having changed ownership since last annual owners meeting, even if previous owner has remained on staff, must apply to league as a new team and follow new team application procedure and perform a S.W.O.T presentation to the voting eligible members. They will be considered a new probationary team for one year and will be voted on as such.

Annual Owners meeting, voting protocol 1st order of business and proceeding Bylaws voting will be in the following order:

Determination of voting eligible teams.

Closed confidential discussion session, with a one hour time limit, by voting eligible members, on new teams having served one year probation.

Secret ballot on new teams having served one year probation.

Ballot tally must be 3/4 for probation team to become a senior MLF team, able to continue in the League and be able to vote on probationary teams the following annual owners meeting.

Voting results will be confidential and not released by voting members to non-voting members.

Third order of business will be voting for removal of commissioner by voting eligible members

Fourth order of business will be presentation by and voting for newly proposed commissioner by eligible voting members

Fifth order of business will be presentations by and voting for new deputy commissioners, administrators, Director of marketing and any other league staff.

Those voting eligible teams and newly approved probationary teams will then hear S.W.O.T presentations of the new teams applying to the League followed by voting and concluding meeting.

Section 3. - All league members will conduct their operation in a manner which is conducive to the betterment of the league in the opinion of the commissioner, and adhere to the “League” bylaws, or face expulsion from the “League”. In a situation where there is an expulsion of a team, the said team can appeal in writing to members in good standing and commissioner. A ¾ vote will be required to overturn the commissioner’s decision.

Section 4. – Current teams will not be accepted into the next season of the league if all previous dues are not paid.

Section 5. – Merging of “League” teams with any other active “League” team is prohibited during the season and said team will be expelled from the league.

Section 6. – Merging will only be allowed prior to scheduled season play and can only be 25% of recruits from one single team.

Section 7. – Any coach or administrative personnel from an existing MLF team that whishes to start a new MLF team or move on with that new team must:

Put in writing to the present team owner his desire to start or move on with a new team insuring it is dated and a coy forwarded to the commissioner. The date will establish the timetable of his request

Section 8 – Any team wishing to withdraw from the league must do so in writing to the commissioner by the 2nd meeting. Any league fees paid are non-refundable.

Section 9 – Failing to do so, the team will be prohibited from re-applying for 2 consecutive seasons following his re-application request. Re-applying under a different team name will not void this section.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1. – The “League” shall consist of a President, Vice President, Commissioner, Regional Deputy Commissioners, Director of Marketing, and Regional Administrators.

Section 2. – The Commissioner is the head of the league. Should the Commissioner become unable, unwilling or incapacitated to carry out the duties of the position, the Deputy Commissioner(s)shall become the head decision-making entity where the “League” bylaws does not apply. It is the Commissioner’s duty to preside over all “League” meetings and have general supervision over the affairs of the “League”. The Deputy Commissioner(s), appointed by President, will assist the Commissioner fulfill his obligations.

Section 3. – The “League” Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner(s), Administrators, and Director of Marketing shall hold office for one (3) year term or until successors are named and agreed to by ¾ vote or more of the current member teams. Persons not affiliated with any team in the league can fill board positions.

Section 4. – The “League” will have one league officer at all playoff games to ensure that the “League” bylaws is being upheld to the fullest extent.

ARTICLE V – LEAGUE MEETINGS

Section 1. – The “League” will hold official league meetings, in addition to annual scheduled meetings, as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner. A schedule of all required league meetings will be sent to all league owners no later than December 1 for the proceeding new season.

Section 2. – Meeting attendance shall be required by at least one (1) or two (2) representatives designated in writing to the “League”. They shall be the only persons from the team recognized by the “League” officers to correspond with the “League”. Meeting attendance is to be defined as attending and staying for entire length of the league meeting. Leaving early must be approved by the Commissioner. Any team that is one-half (1/2) hour late will be considered absent, pending review of the circumstances by the Commissioner. Teams absent will not be considered in good standing as covered in Article III, Section 1 , paragraph d.

Section 3. – The second “League” meeting shall be known as the Annual Bylaws Meeting. This meeting is mandatory for Team Owner or designated Team Representative. Date of meeting will be published at the time of the first meeting.

No by law changes for the next 2 years unless reviewed and approved by league board.

Section 4. – All “League” meetings and business will be held to total confidentiality by all in attendance. If any confidential information is released by any member in attendance it will lead to fines and/or up to expulsion from the “League”.

Section 5. – The presence of ¾ of the “League” team owner or designated rep from Team Data Sheet shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of “League” business.

Section 6. – Any team not represented by an owner or designated rep from Team Data Sheet at a “League” meeting may lose their capacity to vote on any particular issues put forth at the meeting.

Section 7. – In the case of a tie decision, a “League” Deputy Commissioner or the Commissioner will issue the deciding vote.

ARTICLE VI – FORFIETS

Section 1. – A team shall be considered not in good standings if it has forfeited a game or if, in the judgment of the Commissioner has acted in willful violation of the “League” Bylaws. A forfeited game is defined as a game not played or not completed because:

One of the teams failed to show up.

The home team changed the game time, day or location due to field issues without proper notification to the Commissioner’s and the other team by 8 p.m. the Tuesday before the schedule contest.

The game was terminated by the Head Official (White Cap) and Head of Officials for that Region. On game day, Head Official must contact either the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner before taking such action causing undue financial hardship to the home team. It may be decided assess a forfeit and results in favor of non-violating team but, game may still be played to satisfy paying of the referee’s, fans gate money and not present a financial loss to the non-violating team. The league is NOT responsible for any financial losses to any team. A full review of the situation causing the referee to terminate the game will take place and one or both teams may be assessed a forfeit loss.

One of the teams used an ineligible player. An ineligible player is defined as a player who is not part of a team’s active and approved roster. If a team allows their opponent to use an ineligible player, both teams lose all recourse for protests and accept the results as reported by the Referee Official.

The home team did not provide an adequate playing field. Adequate is defined by properly lined in accordance with approval by league field committee (ref Article XIV), NCAA or High School specification for dimensions and with goal posts. Teams can’t play a game on a field that isn’t approved by the league field committee or does not meet the minimum “League” standards. If played, both teams lose all recourse for protests and accept the results as reported by the Referee Official.

The entire Referee fee will be paid for by the forfeiting team along with a loss to record and 2 points awarded to opposing team.

Any team that forfeits two (2) games will be ejected from the league with no discussion and no refund of any fees. In the spirit of fairness any team that is ejected or folds during the playing season will forfeit any remaining scheduled games and 2 points awarded to opposing teams not played.

ARTICLE VII – SCHEDULE PREPARATION

Section 1. – The preparation of the schedule shall be the responsibility of the “League” Commissioner. The Commissioner will try to accommodate all teams as best as possible taking into consideration venue needs, without impairing the structure of league play or creating a hardship for any team.

Section 2. – All games will be played as scheduled: there will be no postponements. (Under normal conditions)

Section 3 – MLF game, All star and Championship schedule will be released by March 1 following 1st annual owners meeting.

ARTICLE VIII – GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Section 1. – All “League” grievances must be submitted within twenty-four (24) hours, by phone, to the Deputy Commissioner for action by the “League” officers. A written copy of the grievance must be filed with the “League” Commissioner within 2 days (48 hours) from the time of the alleged infraction. Those filing grievances must obtain receipt of confirmation of the grievance from the “League” Deputy Commissioner.

Section 2. – It shall be the duty of the Deputy Commissioner to settle grievances between teams and to rule on any disciplinary action to be administered as per the current bylaws. In select instances, it is the Commissioner’s resolve to render a decision based on the merits of the grievance where it is not covered by the League By-laws.

a. Grieving teams may present such facts or arguments that they deem proper, subject to the control of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Secretary. They will answer questions put to them by the officers whom may or may not make inquisitions to other parties to reach a decision. The Commissioner may make his decision based on the entailing discussions.

b. The Commissioner will give all reasonable consideration to discussions with the officers and the information presented as a basis.

Section 3. – The Commissioner’s decision regarding any and all grievances will be immediately released to the “League” membership.

ARTICLE IX – BYLAWS AMENDMENT PROCEDURE

Section 1. – These Bylaws may be amended at the “League” Annual Bylaws Meeting by a three-quarter (3/4) vote of the membership present in good standing, provided that written notice of the proposed change has been given to the “League” two (2) weeks prior to meeting.

Section 2. – These Bylaws may be amended at the discretion of the Commissioner. The Commissioner’s decision may be overturned by a unanimous vote of the member teams in good standing and present at the time of the vote.

ARTICLE X – GAME CONDUCT AND REGULATIONS

Section 1. – Field Minimum Standards consist of:

Section 2. – The “League” rules shall be the NFL rules except as modified by the “League”.

Section 3. – Each game shall be worked by a crew of officials, qualified and certified by a recognized association of Certified Football Officials and will have League ID Cards. The crew of officials shall be paid in accordance with the determinations by the “League”. Officials will present their League ID card at games prior to kick-off.

Section 4. – The home team shall furnish chain crews, chains and sideline markers. The visiting team has the right to place one (1) member of its organization on the chain crew if it desires. The visiting team, however, must notify the home team of such decision at least fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled game time. Chain crews will alternate if a team request such.

Section 5. – The official football for the “League” is the NFL Football, no stripes. The Football must be in good condition as determined by both teams and head official. NO COMPOSITES!

Section 6. – All teams must accept playoff ranking and participation.

Section 7. – For playoffs, the team with the better record has the first option of hosting. Upon mutual consent of both teams, the team with the lower record could host the game.

Section 8. – The “League” Tie Breakers will be presented to teams prior to season.

Section 9. – All game officials are paid, cash in full (or check as per arrangements). Prior to kick off both coaches will meet simultaneously in private to make payment or at game officials discretion. Each team has half of the obligation.

Section 10. – The “League” has a strict player/coach conduct policy.

Any coaches, players or other team personnel that leave the sidelines to participate in a fight will be ejected from the game, and be suspended for two (2) games for a first offense. Only Head Coaches may come onto the field to assist the officials in restoring order.

Any individual(s) causing and/or participating in a fight on the field will be suspended for the next two (2) games. A second fight by the same individual is cause for immediate ejection from the League. The League will take into account the judgment of the official at the game.

Any team engaging in a bench clearing brawl will automatically face a hearing in front of the board with officials present.

Players and Coaches will conduct themselves appropriately at all games. All reports of unprofessional or unsportsmanlike behavior will be dealt with by the Commissioners and they will assess penalties as they see fit.

Section 11. – Any team playing a suspended player has forfeited that game without debate and will be rendered in not in good standing. If the opposing team chose to play the game regardless of the outcome, the violating team will be charged with that forfeit. Also the forfeiting team will pay the entire referee fee.

Section 12. – No player is permitted on the field without a team’s identified colors. Jerseys should be full length and tucked in. NO cutoffs, visible knots or tape is permitted.

Section 13. - Spectators and non-team personnel should be kept away from the sidelines at all times for insurance requirements. Only personnel with visible displayed Team or League issued ID Cards will be permitted on the sidelines and Game Officials as well as League Officials will have the authority to enforce it.

Section 14. – All visiting teams should provide assistance to the home team to ensure that any garbage accumulated during the course of the game on field or in locker room is cleaned up. Teams who have not cooperated with the general clean-up of an opponent’s venue could be rendered not in good standing upon the review by the Commissioners.

Section 15. – The league may allow teams to share fields as home fields, (two teams per field only) if agreed upon by both teams.

Section 16. - Hosted Statistics and Game Recaps must be submitted by Tuesday 5pm after all scheduled games. Any team that does not submit or falsify team statistics will be fined $50 first occurrence $75 Second and $100 for any occurrence after and will lose one All Star pick per occurrence.

Section 17. - There must be a working scoreboard at all MLF Games.

Section 18. - Showers for all MLF games is strongly encouraged but not mandatory except if visiting team travels over 3 hours.

ARTICLE XI – TEAM UNIT AND PLAYER CONDUCT AND REGULATION

Section 1. - Each of the “League” teams shall furnish the “League” Commissioner with a full and complete roster listing the full name, addresses and telephone numbers of all officers of his team. Also, a photograph of each player is required with the identification as well as the player’s signature.

This shall include players who reach their 18th birthday by January 1st of the current season.

Section 2. – A team’s game day roster shall be no more that 60 players

Changes to the roster must be confirmed and received by the Thursday night before that schedule contest by the Commissioner and the opposing team.

Any team discovered to have used a non-roster player will forfeit that game without discussion.

Section 3. – Rosters should be sufficient quantity to provide one copy for each member team and one copy for the “League” files and should be provided to the “League” Commissioner by a date to be determined.

Section 4. – After the “League” has officially completed its season, all players are declared free agents and are permitted to change from one team to another without consent.

If any players has an outstanding financial arrangement with his team, an owner may block the players joining another team until the financial obligation is resolved or any outstanding equipment has been returned before players signs player agreement.

Section 5. – A player may be released only at the team’s discretion. From the completion by the third(3rd) game to the end of the “League” season, player movement is not allowed.

Section 6. – A team may make five (5) roster changes during the season.

In order to be eligible to play in the playoffs, players must have played in at least two(2) of the first five (5) games of the season.

Section 7. – Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any team, team official or any individual player shall be dealt with by the Commissioner within 48 hours. If a league official is present they will have the authority to deal with the situation on the spot.

The offending person or person may be subject to suspension.

Each team shall be held responsible for the conduct of its players

Section 8. – Any player, coach or team official threatening the officials will be placed on probation for the remainder of the season.

Section 9. – Andy player, coach or team official physically touching an official in any threatening way will be ejected from the league.

Section 10. – Delay of start of game.

If a team is not prepared to start a game at its prescribed start time, the referee will assess a 15 yard penalty for the kickoff.

If both teams are late in preparation to start a game, the referee will be instructed to run time off the game clock.

Section 11. – Team not present at scheduled start of game

If team has not appeared within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled time for the commencement of the game and ready to play fifteen (15) minutes from then, totally a 30 minute delay in the game, the team has forfeited the game.

If all parties (both teams, officials and Deputy Commissioner) agree to let game proceed, the late team will received a 15 yard penalty and kickoff at 20 yard line instead of 35 yard line.

Referee fee will be paid by the forfeiting team as stated in Article VII, Section 1, Line f.

The results will not count in the “League” standings even if both teams agree to play the game.

Section 12. – Each team will confirm it uniform colors with the Commissioner prior to each season.

Any changes to team color will need approval by the Commissioner

Section 13. – Each visiting team must contact the home team 10 days prior to the playing date to confirm playing field.

All roster changes must update be provided to the league and opposing team Thursday before the game is to be played.

Failure to disclose any roster changes will result in the team forfeiting the game.

Section 14. – No player or coach shall be paid for participation in any “League” game.

NCAA standards are to be use to in an issue of payment or undue compensation.

Section 15. – All “League” games shall be scheduled for Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. All other playing dates/times must be mutually agreed upon by the participating teams.

Section 16. – There are no “player-Head coaches” or “player-coordinators” (offensive or defensive) in the “League”.

Section 17. – Team Sidelines

A team may have as many coaches as it deem necessary.

Only players and coaches will occupy the sideline during the game.

The referee may assess a penalty to a team for having non-team personnel on the sidelines.

Section 18. – All players must be outfitted with the appropriate uniforms by the First game of the season.

Section 19. – No team in the league will have the same color uniform as the opposing team during a game.

Section 20. – The home team will text or email to the league mail the results of the game to the league no later than 2 hours after the completion of the game

ARTICLE XII – ALL-STAR SELECTION AND FORMAT

Section 1. – Each All Star team will be made up of 50 players. The players should be voted on by their coaches from their own teams.

Section 2. – Make up of players will be as follows:

a. Each Owner /Team will submit 10 players from their team

b. Each Owner/Team will choose 50 players from the ballot sheet supplied from the “League”

c. The top 50 players will be selected from the tallied votes.

Section 3. - Two (2) players for each position

Section 4. – All Star Head Coach will come from the team with the best overall regular season winning record for then Conference. They would select a coaching staff from within the Region.

Section 5. – The league will issue jerseys to ALL Star players and outfitted appropriately.

All players will wear current team helmets.

Section 6. – Players must attend ALL practices in order to be considered for All-Star game participation, unless arranged by All-Star Head Coach