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ContentsSection1 NSYFLPhilosophy

Section2 NSYFLGovernance

Section3 FormatandRosters

Section4 SeasonTimeline

Section5 Age&WeightLimitations

Section6 RulesoftheGame

Section7 PlayerEquipment

Section8 OHSAAConcussionProtocol

Section9 FootballPracticeGuidelinestoMinimizeConcussions

Section10 OHSAALighteningandInclementWeatherPolicy

Section11 CoachesCodeofConduct

Section12 ParentalCodeofConduct

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Section1:NSYFLPhilosophyTheNorthernStarkYouthFootballLeaguestrivestocreateanatmosphere

ofpositiveinstructioninacompetitiveenvironment,encouraging

participation,sportsmanship,andscholasticachievement,whileengagingin

youthfootballactivitiesinandarounditssurroundingcommunities.

Section2:Governance

ThegoverningboardwillconsistoftwomembersfromeachoftherespectivecommunitiesparticipatingintheNSYFL.TheboardwillelectoneofficialfromeachcommunitytoserveasPresident,VicePresidentandDirectorofFootballOperationsannuallyattheDecemberboardmeeting.Thetermforeachpositionshallbeaperiodof2years.

A. Responsibilitieswillinclude:a. EnsuringconsistencywiththemissionandpurposeoftheNSYFLb. Planningc. Schedulingd. Rulese. LeagueWebsitef. EnforcementandDisciplinaryAction

B. NSYFLmembershipshallbedeemedaprivilegeandresponsibility.Communitiesareexpectedtorespectandadheretotherulesandby-lawssetforthinthismanualintheirentirety,withoutexception.

a. AnyviolationofNSYFLby-lawcanresultinresultinconsequencesthatmayinclude:forfeitureofagameand/oraseason,lossofvoteonvotingmatters,suspensionand/orremovalfromtheNSYFL,subjecttothevotingby-lawsstipulatedinthismanual.

C. EachcommunitythatparticipatesintheNSYFLmusthaveandpresentevidenceofinsurancecoverageforaccident,generalliabilityanddirectorliability.Eachcommunitymustalsopayannualduesof$1,000.

D. Officerswillbeelectedonanannualbasis,with2-yearterms.a. Onerepresentativewillbeelectedforeachofthe6officerpositions:

1. President2. VicePresident3. DirectorofFootballOperations

E. Voting

a. Eachcommunityhas1voteonallvotingmatters.

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b. MajorityVote:Formattersrequiringaction,amajorityvote(greaterthan50%)mustbeachievedtopass.

c. ThePresident’svotewillbreakanyandallties

F. OfficerRolesandResponsibilitiesa. President:Shallcall,organize,settheagendaandpresideoverthemeetingsoftheBoard.The

Presidentwillberesponsibleforcreatingalltheleague’sschedules.ThePresidentwillbeinchargeofrecordingallminutesandvotesoftheNYSYFLBoard.

b. VicePresident:Shall,intheabsenceofthePresident,assumetheroleofPresident.TheVPshallbeinchargeofkeepinganyandallmoniesheldbytheNSYFL,shallcollectanyandallannualduesfromthecommunitiesandshallwriteanyandallchecksnecessary.TheVPwilloverseetheleague’swebsite.

c. DirectorofFootballOperations:TheDirectorwillfacilitateallfootballoperations,includingrulesmeetings,officialweigh-ins,andofficialrosters.Shallfacilitatetheescalationandresolutionofallcoachingmatters/issues.TheDirectorshallberesponsibleforupdating,maintain,interpretationofandadherencetotheofficialmanualoftheNSYFL.

G. Coachinga. BackgroundChecks:Allcommunitiesareresponsibleforperformingbackgroundchecksforall

coaches.TheresultsofthebackgroundchecksaretobesubmittedtotheNSYFLboardforreviewandapproval.LackofadherencecanresultindisciplinaryactionprescribedinSection2Bofthismanual.

b. CodeofConduct:AllcoachesarerequiredtosignandreturntheNSYFLCodeofConductform.LackofadherencecanresultindisciplinaryactionprescribedinSection2Bofthismanual.

Section3:FormatandRosters

A. LeagueFormat:a. TheNSYFLconsistsoftwoleagues:

i. B-League:Grades4-5(1TeamFormat)ii. A-League:Grades6-7(VarsityandJVFormat)

B. Rosters:a. OfficialrostersmustbesubmittedbyWednesday,August8,2018withplayernames,

datesofbirth,gradeinschool,heightandweight.Thisdatashouldbecapturedandrecordedatthetimeofeachcommunity’sevaluation/combine.

b. PlayerinformationwillbevalidatedandupdatedbytheDirectorofFootballOperationspriortoAugust18,2018.

c. Inordertoensurecompetitivebalance,rostersshallnotexceed22playersperteamforBleagueand36forAleague,unlessapprovedbyamajorityvoteoftheNSYFLboard.

d. Eachcommunityhasafiduciaryresponsibilitytoevaluateitsplayersanddividetalentequally,as“Stacking”willnotbetolerated.Anycommunitythatattemptsto“stack”will

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berequiredtoredistributeitsplayersandwillbesubjectedbydisqualificationfromtheNSYFL,post-seasonplay,orboth.

e. Thenumberofplayersbygradeperteamshouldbedividedequally,plusorminus2players.

i. Example1:Assumeacommunityhas2A-Leagueteamsandwithtotalof257thgraders.Withthis,oneteamshouldhave13-7thgraders,whiletheotherteamwouldhave12-7thgraders.

Section4:SeasonTimeline

Thelengthoftheseason,whichincludesthepre-season,regular-seasonandpost-seasonwillbedeterminedbytheboardoftheNSYFLonanannualbasis.

A. Amandatorymeeting should be held annually to discuss and review rules, scheduling, safety andpoint-of-emphasisfortheforthcomingseason.Attendancewillinclude:

a. NSYFLBoardMembersb. NSYFLHeadCoaches(AssistantCoachesarewelcome)c. HeadRefereesfromeachcommunity

B. Pre-Season: TeamsshallnotbepermittedtobeginorganizedpracticeswithassignedteamsuntiladatethatisdeterminedbytheapprovaloftheNSYFLBoardofDirectors,whichisMonday,August6for2018.

a. Session/s may be held prior to the start of the pre-season in conjunction with playerevaluationanddraft.

b. Weigh-ins are to be witnessed by the NSYFL league commissioner, or a designatedrepresentativeoftheNSYFLboardofdirectors.

c. Theleaguesetsalimitof3Scrimmagesbeforethe1stgameoftheregularseason.

C. Regular-Season:Theregularseasonwillbecomprisedofa6-7weekschedule.a. Teamswillbedivided intoconferenceswiththemajorityofgamesbeingplayedwithintheir

respectiveconference.b. ConferencestandingswillbemaintainedforbothVarsityandJuniorVarsitylevels.c. Finalregularseasonstandingswillbedeterminedbytheconferencestandingsatbothlevels,

withtiesbeingresolvedinaccordancewiththefollowingcriteria,inorderofpriority:• Overallrecord(i.e.,winningpercentage)• Headtoheadwinner• Recordversescommonopponent • Totalpointsscoredagainst • CoinToss

d. ThetopteamsintheA-leagueandB-league,asdeterminedbytheconferencestandings(seeabove)willadvancetothePlayoffsatboththeVarsityandJVlevels.

D. Post-Season:

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a. Oncethepoolofplayoffteamsisdeterminedforeachleagueandeachlevel(fromthestandings),theywillbeseededbytheNSYFLBoardontheSundayimmediatelyfollowingtheRegularSeasonusingguidelinesdeterminedbytheNSYFLBoard.

b. Thepost-seasonwillbecomprisedofa2-weekschedule,asfollows:i. PlayoffWeek1(higherseededteamwillhavehomefieldadvantage):

1. Semi-finals1v4and2v32. Consolation games for all teams that do not qualify for playoffs will be

matched-upaccordingtoseed.ii. ChampionshipWeek2):(higherseededteamwillhavehomefieldadvantage)

1. Finals(top2teams).

Section5:AgeandWeightLimitations

A. AgeRequirements:a. TheB-leagueshallconsistofplayersthatareineitherthe4thor5thgrade.

i. Playingupfromalowergrade(i.e.,3rdgrade)ishighlydiscouraged,butdonesoatthediscretion of the community based on the mental and physical development of thecorrespondingplayer.

ii. Playingupfrom2ndgradeorlowerisnotpermitted.iii. Aplayerthatturns12yearsofagepriortoAugust1stisineligibletoplay.

b. TheA-leagueshallconsistofplayersthatareineitherthe6thor7thgrade.i. Aplayerthatturns14yearsofagepriortoAugust1stisineligibletoplay.ii. Playingupfrom5thgradeorlowerisnotpermitted

B. Officialweigh-inswilltakeplaceattheNSYFLpre-seasonroundrobinscrimmageonadatedesignatedbytheNSYFLboard.

a. Weigh-insmustbeloggedonadesignatedrostersheetprovidedbytheNSYFL.b. Weigh-insmustbewitnessedby theNSYFL leaguecommissioner,oraNSYFLboardmember

thatisdesignatedbythecommissioner.c. Aplayer’sweightonthedesignatedweigh-indateservesastheirofficialweightfortheseason.

Iftheweight-limitisexceeded,astripemustbeplacedontheirhelmetfortheentireseason.i. Aplayercanremoveclothingfortheofficialweigh-in.ii. Aplayerisnotauthorizedtoleavetheroom/areawhereweigh-insarebeingrecorded

1. Example:Aplayerweighs-inandis½poundovertheweightlimit,sotheyleavethe area to shedweight and return to weigh in again….this is not authorizedunderanycircumstances.

C. Toadvancetheball,aplayercannotexceedthefollowingweightlimitsa. A-League:125lbs.,orlessb. B-League:105lbs.,orless.

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D . P l a y e r s t h a t e x c e e d t h e i m p o s e d w e i g h t l i m i t s m u s t h a v e a stripecenteredfronttorearplacedontheirhelmetandcannotadvance theballonoffense&defenseunderanycircumstances.

a . Theball isdeadatpointof recoveryondefense&offensewhenrecoveredbyastripedplayer.

b . Stripedplayerscannotplayanypositionthatallowsadvancingtheball.(i.e.,offensivebackfield,offensiveends)

E . WeightChallengespermitted:Aheadcoachwantingtochallengeaplayer’sweightmustnotifytheopposingheadcoachofthechallengeatleast45minutespriortothestartofthescheduledgame.Theplayermustbemadeavailablefortheweigh-inpriortoparticipatinginthegamenomatterwhattimetheplayershowsupforthegame.

a . Iftheplayershowsupafterthegamestartshemustwaituntilhalftimetobeweighedin.Heisnoteligibletoplayanyballadvancing/skillpositionsthefirsthalf.

b . Eachcommunitymusthaveacertifiedscaleavailableatallfieldlocations.Iftheplayerfailstomakeweighthewillbecomeastripeplayerforthatgameandfortheremainderoftheseason.

i . Ifaplayeronthehometeamisbeingchallengedandthehometeamdoesnothaveanofficialscaleavailableforweigh-in,thatplayerwillbeconsideredovertheweightlimitfortheentiregame,unlessthescalebecomesavailable.Iftheofficialscalebecomesavailablepriortothestartofthe2ndhalfofplay,theplayermayweigh-in.Ifundertheweight-limit,theblackstripecanberemoved.

i i . Ifaplayerfromthevisitingteamisbeingchallengedandthehometeamdoesnothaveanofficialscaleavailableforweigh-in,thatplayerwillbeconsideredeligibletoadvancetheball.Iftheofficialscalebecomesavailablepriortothestartofthe2ndhalf,theplayermustweighin.Ifovertheweightlimit,theplayermusthaveablackstripeplacedonhishelmetforthe2ndhalfandthedurationoftheseason.

c . Itistheresponsibilityoftheplayer’scoachtonotifyaleaguecommissionerthattheplayerisnowastripe.Theopposingcoachdoesnothavetheauthoritytowaivethestripedesignationoftheplayerfailingtopassthechallenge.Onceaplayerhasbeengivena"stripe"designationtheyarerequiredtoplayasastripethewholeyear.Onceastripealwaysastripe.Weightchallengeappliestovarsitygamesonly(noJVgamechallengespermitted).

P a g e |8Section6:RulesoftheGame

TheOhioHighSchoolAthleticAssociationrulesshallapplywiththefollowingclarificationsand/orexceptions:

A . TEAM/SPECTATORAREA: a. TeamBox 25- to- 25yard lines. b. A l l Coaches are responsible for the conduct of all persons in the boxandmustremainon

thesideline.c. Spectatorsmustbebehinddesignatedsidelinemarker4yardsfromthefield.d. Hometeamisresponsibleforprovidingscorers,linemarkers,chains,etc.,aswellasassociated

volunteers.

B. FIELDOFPLAY:a. 50yardswideby100yardswith10yardEndZones.

C. GAMELENGTH(ALeagueVarsityandJVandBLeague): a . NSYFLfootballgamesshallbecomprisedof:4quarters-8minutesperquarter-10-minutehalf-

time. b . TopreventlopsidedscorestheNSYFLwillusetheContinuousClockRule,wherebyifateamisaheadby

24pointsormoreinthesecondhalfofagame,thenacontinuousrunningclockwillbeused. i . Ifatanypointduringthe2ndhalfthatthespreadbecomeslessthan24points,normalclock

ruleswillbereinstateduntilthespreadexceeds24ormorepoints.

D. VARSITYVS.JUNIORVARSITYPERSONNEL&PLAYINGTIMEa. The primary focus and spirit of the NSYFL Varsity/JV format is to provide a meaningful

experienceandtodevelopALLparticipatingplayers.b. JVcoachesmustplaythosethatdonotstartintheVarsitygamesc. Playersarelimitedto4quartersperday.

i. AVarsityplayerthatplaysthemajorityofplaysonbothoffenseanddefenseintheVarsitygameisnotallowedtoparticipateinaJVgameonthesameday.

ii. AVarsityplayerthatplaysonly(orprimarily)offenseintheVarsitygame(i.e.,½thegame,or2quarters)isallowedtoplayJuniorVarsitydefense,ifneeded.

iii. AVarsityplayerthatplaysonly(orprimarily)defenseintheVarsitygame(i.e.,½thegame,or2quarters)isallowedtoplayJuniorVarsityoffense,ifneeded.

d. Even if a team is shortplayers, a JV teamshouldnotgainanadvantagebyplayingakeyVarsitycontributorinaJVgame.Headcoacheswillmakereasonableeffortstohaveeachplayerparticipateaminimumof25%duringeachgame(BLeague).InJVorVarsityGame(ALeague).Thefollowingfactorscoulddecreaseplayingtime:

i. Safetyii. Practiceattendanceandparticipationmayimpactplayingtime

e. “B”TacklegamesNCYFAONLY:i. TherearenoJVgamesinBfootball;ThemissionoftheNCYFAatthis level, isto

developandretainplayers.Playtimeisimportanttoallmembersoftheteam.

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ii. Whencomplaintsarereceivedfromparents,ORwhenit isobservedthatplayingtime is notbeingprovided to athletes, coachesmaybe issuedawarningby thecommissioner. Subsequent complaints OR observance of this rule not beingfollowedmayresultinthesuspensionofcoachesforonegame.

E. GAMEREFEREES:

a. Eachcommunityneedstosecurethepreferrednumberoflicensedgamereferees.i. ALeague-VarsityGames:4preferred,3refereesminimumii. ALeague-JVGames:3preferred,2refereesminimumiii. BLeague–3refereesminimum

F. TIMEOUTSOHSAARules/Exception:a. Eachteamisgranted3timeoutsperhalfand1additionaltimeoutduringovertimeperiods.b. Onlytwocoachesarepermittedonthefieldofplayatonetime,unlessattendingtoaninjured

player.

G. FIELDCLOCK:a. Refereewillnotifycoaches@4,2and1minutesleftineachhalfwithoutaclockonthefield.

H. OSHAAPENALTYEXCEPTION:a. 10-yardsforallmajorpenalties,includingunsportsmanlikeviolationsonalllengthfields.(i.e.,

no15-yardpenalties)b. Aplayerreceiving2personalfoulsin1gamewillbeejectedfortheremainderofthethatgame

andbesuspendedforthegamethefollowingweek.Thesuspendedplayercanpracticewiththeirteam.

I. NO“KICKOFFS”:a. Theballisplacedontheonthe35-yardlinefor100yardfield

J. SAFETY:

a. Followingasafety,theballwillbeplacedatthe50-yardline.

K. PUNTISLIVEINA-LEAGUE(NOTINB-LEAGUE):a. IntheB-league,acoachmustdesignatehisintentto“Punt”or“GoforIt”totheofficials,but

onlyon4thdown,sothattherefereeannounces“punt”tobothcoaches.Puntermustfollowtheircall.

b. Iftimeoutiscalled,therefereewillannouncetheintentto“punt”afterthetimeout.c. Teamswillaligninpuntformationandpuntreturnformation,butpuntwillbeafreekick(no

rushbythedefense).

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d. Theballisdownandtheplayisoverwhenpossessedbythepuntreturnteam,

L. PARENT/FANBEHAVIOR

a. Eachcommunityisresponsibleforthebehavioroftheirfans.Aparent/fanthatpersistsinanefforttodistractthegameinanywaywillberemovedfromthepremisesandnotpermittedtoreturnthatday.

b. Aparent/fanthatdemonstratesescalatedbehaviorthatisvieweddetrimentaltotheleague,players,officials,coachesand/orotherparents,willbebannedfromanyandallNSYFLfacilitiesforaperiodoftimedeterminedbytheNSYFLboardofdirectors.

M. EXTRA-POINTS:a. Therefereeinformsthescorekeeperoneortwoextrapoints.b. Ateamisawarded1pointwhenadvancingtheballacrossthegoallineviaarunorapassthat

iscaughtshortofthegoalline.c. Ateamisawarded2points

i. whentheballiscaughtintheendzoneii. withasuccessfulkick(ALeagueOnly)

d. Ifateamkicksanextrapoint,orafieldgoal,theplayislive.i. NodefendercanalignoverthecenteronLevel1.

N. OVERTIMEGAMES:

a. ForbothVarsityandJuniorVarsitygames,OHSAArulesareused,excepttheballisplacedonthe10-yardlinewith4downstoscore.Eachteamshallhave4downstoscore,oranequalnumberofopportunities/possessionstoscore.Doubleovertimeandbeyondteamsmustgofor2.

O. OHSAA EJECTION: a. Exception: The referee ejects the player or coach has the final ruling.We encourage

officials to beproactivetoavoidescalation.

i. Theplayer/coachwillnotplayorcoachagamethefollowingweek,howevertheleaguepermitsanejectedcoachtobeat(andcoachat)practice.ThisrulingcoversthenextVarsity&Juniorvarsitygame.

P. OFFENSE:a. Alinemanisconsidered“interior”whenthereisanotherlinemanontheiroutside.

i. The5“interior”linemenmustbeina3or4pointstance.ii. An“interior”linemanthatdoesnothaveanoffensivelinemanonhisoutsidemayline-

upina2-pointstance.(E.g.,ifthereisnoTightEnd,SlotBackorWingBackonthe

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samesideastherighttackle,hemaylineupina2-pointstanceforpurposesofblockinganakedDef.End).

b. The5“interior”offensivelinemenmaysplitamaximumof1-yardc. “O”endsmustbeeligibletoadvancetheballandundertheweightlimit(Nostripe).d. OTHERRESTRICTIONS(B-LEAGUEONLY)

i. NoTrips

Q. DEFENSE(See2018NSYFLRulesAddendumforDefensiveDiagrams)a. Defensiveformationsaregovernedbyalignmentofftheballandthenumberofplayersthatare

allowedoneachof3levels(seeexceptionsbelow*):1. Level1(DownLinemen):

a. 1yardoffthelineofscrimmageb. 4,5and6manfrontsareallowedc. InteriorLine:mustbeina3or4pointstanceatalltimesd. DefensiveEnds:maybeina2,3or4pointstance

i. AligneddirectlyoverorshadedtheOffensiveEnd(i.e.,TightEnd,SlotBackorWingBack(whomeverismostoutside)

ii. IftheOffensiveEndsplitsmorethan1yard,theDefensiveEndmaylineupanywhereoutsideoftheOffensiveTackleorEnd.

2. Level2(Linebackers/Corners):a. Aminimumof3yardsandamaximumof5yardsoffthelineofscrimmageb. Whenina40-Front:3-5level2defendersallowedc. Whenina50-Front:2-4level2defendersallowedd. Whenina60-Front:1-3level2defendersallowed

3. Level3(DefensiveBacks):a. Aminimumof7yardsoffthelineofscrimmage(nomaximum)b. 2,3and4defensivebacksareallowed

4. Exceptionsa. Goalline(insidethe15-yardline):Anydefensiveformationisallowed.b. 4thdown:Anydefensiveformationisallowed.c. WhenOffenseisinTrips:Only1defenderisrequiredonlevel3.

b. NOBLITZING(AandBLeague):i. Blitzingisnotallowedineitherleague.Blitzingisdefinedasanyforwardmovementby

aLevel“2”or“3”defenderpriortothesnapoftheball.

1. ThisincludesrockingorrunningstartsbyL-Backer,Safety,orD-Back.D-Back,LBorSafetiesmaymovebackwardorparalleltothelineonlyifO-backisinmotionorshiftingpriortothesnap.

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c. OTHERRESTRICTIONS(B-Leagueonly)i. Nostemming-Defensivelinemustbesetwhenoffenseisset.ii. Nostacking-Linebackerscannotbestackeddirectlybehinddefensivelinemeniii. Nogapping–Defensivelinecannotlineupingaps,butcanbeshadedtoshoulderofOffensive

linemaniv. 40/50/60Fronts

1. Cannotcoverthecenterv. NoPreventdefenseallowed(Cannotmovelevel1and2defenderstoLevel3)

PENALTYFORABOVEDEFENSIVERULES:

d. Anyviolationoftheaboverulesshallbeconsideredan“illegaldefense”.i. FirstViolation:Theofficialwillnotifytheheadcoachwithawarningii. 2ndviolationandmore:A10-yardpenaltywillbeimposed.

Section7:Equipment

A. Allplayersmustwearfulllegalequipment.Itisstronglyrecommendedthateachplayerwearanathleticsupporterandcup

a. Allfaceshieldsmustbeclear(un-tinted)b. Allmouthguardsmustbeattachedtothefacemaskofhelmets.c. Facepaintisnotallowedd. Solidsteel/metalcleatsarenotallowed.

B. OfficialFootballs(Compositeand/orleatherareacceptable):a. A-League:Nobrandpreference,however,theballshouldbeofficial“Youth”size,oritwill

beremoved.b. B-League:Nobrandpreference,however,theballshouldbeofficial“Junior”size,oritwill

beremoved.C. Eachcommunityisresponsibleforsupplyingtheirteamswithafirstaidkitforallpracticesand

games.

Section8:OHSAAConcussionProtocol

AsofApril26,2013Ohio’sreturntoplaylaw(ORC3707.511)requiresthefollowingforyouthsportsorganizations:

a. Requiresa youth sportsorganization toprovide to theparentorotherguardianofan individualwho wishes to practice for or compete in an athletic activity organized by the organization, aconcussionandheadinjuryinformationsheetcreatedbytheDepartmentofHealth.

b. Prohibitsan individual fromactingasa coachor referee forayouth sportsorganizationwithoutsuccessfully completing a free online training program every three years in recognizing thesymptomsofconcussionspostedtotheOhioDepartmentofHealth’swebsiteorholdingapupil-activityprogrampermitfromtheStateBoardofEducation.

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c. Theyouth sportsorganization forwhich the individual intends toact as a coachor referee shallinformtheindividualofthetrainingrequirements.

d. Ohio’s return to play law requires a coach, referee, or official of a youth sports organization toremove an athlete exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with having sustained aconcussionorheadinjuryfrompracticeorcompetition.

e. Prohibits a coach, referee or official of a youth sports organization from allowing an athlete toreturntoplayonthesamedayashe/sheisremoved.

f. Prohibits a coach, referee or official of youth sports organization from allowing an individual toreturntopracticeorcompetitionfromwhichtheindividualwasremovedortoparticipate inanyother practice or competition for which the coach, referee, or official is responsible until theindividualhasbeenassessedandclearedforreturnbyaphysicianorbyanyotherlicensedhealthcareproviderauthorizedbytheyouthsportsorganization.

Whocanclearanathletetoreturntoplay?

• Under Ohio Law (ORC 3313.539 and ORC 3707.511), a physician must provide WRITTENclearanceforanathletetoreturntoplay. Aschooldistrictoryouthsportsorganizationmayalsoauthorizealicensedhealthcareproviderwhoisnotaphysiciantomakeanassessmentorgrant clearance to return to play if the provider is acting in accordance with one of thefollowing,asapplicabletotheprovider’sauthoritytopracticeinOhio:

• Inconsultationwithaphysician

• Pursuanttothereferralofaphysician

• Incollaborationwithaphysician

• Underthesupervisionofaphysician

A. Canachildreturntoplayonthesamedayifhe/sheisclearedtoreturnbyaphysicianorotherauthorizedhealthcareprovider?

NO. Ohio lawprohibitsa child to return toplay (practiceor competition)on the sameday thathe/sheisremovedonsuspicionofhavingsustainedaconcussion,regardlessofwhetherhe/shehasbeen cleared by a physician or other authorized health care provider. He/she may return thefollowing day if cleared in writing by a physician (MD or DO) or other authorized health careprovider.

SECTION9:FootballPracticeGuidelinestoMinimizeConcussions

A. PreseasonPractice(allpracticespriortothefirstregular-seasongame)

Note:thefollowingregulationsapplytoindividualstudent-athletes.Positiongroups,etc.,canalternatecontacttoadheretotheregulations.Also,contactwithsoftequipmentsuchasbags,shields,sleds,etc.,doesnotcounttowardcontactlimitations.Additionally,thetaskforcenotedthatpreseasonpracticesmay

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requiremorefull-contacttimethanpracticesoccurringlaterintheregularseasontoallowforteachingfundamentalswithsufficientrepetition:

AcclimatizationPeriod:AlreadytheruleinOhio,afive-dayacclimatizationperiodismandatorypriortoanycontactdrills:

• Days1and2:Onlyhelmetsarepermitted• Days3and4:Shoulderpadsmaybeaddedondaysthreeandfour.• Day5:Fullpadsmaybewornonthefifthday.• Day6:Fullcontactispermittedonthesixthday.

B. PracticeDuringtheSeason(allpracticesafterthefirstregular-seasongame)

Note:thefollowingregulationsapplytoindividualstudent-athletes.Positiongroups,etc.,canalternatecontactduringtheweektoadheretotheregulations.Also,contactwithsoftequipmentsuchasbags,shields,sleds,etc.,doesnotcounttowardfullcontactlimitations:

• Considerlimitingfull-contactonconsecutivedays.• Astudent-athleteislimitedto30minutesoffullcontactinpracticeperday.• Astudent-athleteislimitedto60minutesoffullcontactinpracticeperweek.• Astudent-athletecanbeinvolvedinfullcontactinamaximumoftwopracticesinaseven-day

span.

SECTION10:OHSAALindsay’sLaw:SuddenCardiacArrestinYouthAthletes

Lindsay’sLaw,OhioRevisedCode3313.5310,3707.58and3707.59wentintoeffectin2017

I. 3313.5310Informationandtrainingregardingsuddencardiacarrest.

(A)

(1)Thissectionappliestobothofthefollowing:

(a)Anyschooloperatedbyaschooldistrictboardofeducation;

(b)Anycharteredornoncharterednonpublicschoolthatissubjecttotherulesofan interscholasticconferenceoranorganizationthatregulatesinterscholasticconferencesor events.

(2)Asusedinthissection,"athleticactivity"meansallofthefollowing:

(a)Interscholasticathletics;

P a g e |15 (b)Anathleticcontestorcompetitionthatissponsoredbyorassociatedwithaschoolthatis subjecttothissection,includingcheerleading,club-sponsoredsportsactivities,and sportsactivitiessponsoredbyschool-affiliatedorganizations;

(c)Noncompetitivecheerleadingthatissponsoredbyschool-affiliatedorganizations;

(d)Practices,interschoolpractices,andscrimmagesforalloftheactivitiesdescribedindivisions (A)(2)(a),(b),and(c)ofthissection.

(B)Priortothestartofeachathleticseason,aschoolthatissubjecttothissectionmayholdaninformationalmeeting for students, parents, guardians, other persons having care or charge of a student, physicians,pediatriccardiologists,athletictrainers,andanyotherpersonsregardingthesymptomsandwarningsignsofsuddencardiacarrestforallagesofstudents.

(C)Nostudentshallparticipate inanathleticactivityuntilthestudenthassubmittedtoadesignatedschoolofficialaformsignedbythestudentandtheparent,guardian,orotherpersonhavingcareorchargeofthestudent stating that the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of thestudenthavereceivedandreviewedacopyoftheinformationdevelopedbythedepartmentsofhealthandeducation and posted on their respective internetweb sites as required by section3707.59of the RevisedCode. A completed form shall be submitted each school year, as defined in section3313.62of the RevisedCode,inwhichthestudentparticipatesinanathleticactivity.

(D)Noindividualshallcoachanathleticactivityunlesstheindividualhascompleted,onanannualbasis,thesudden cardiac arrest training course approved by the department of health under division (C) ofsection3707.59oftheRevisedCode.

(E)

(1)Astudentshallnotbeallowedtoparticipateinanathleticactivity ifeitherofthefollowingisthe case:

(a)Thestudent'sbiologicalparent,biologicalsibling,orbiologicalchildhaspreviously experiencedsuddencardiacarrest,andthestudenthasnotbeenevaluatedandclearedfor participationinanathleticactivitybyaphysicianauthorizedunderChapter4731.ofthe RevisedCodetopracticemedicineandsurgeryorosteopathicmedicineandsurgery.

(b)Thestudentisknowntohaveexhibitedsyncopeorfaintingatanytimepriortoorfollowing anathleticactivityandhasnotbeenevaluatedandclearedforreturnunderdivision(E)(3)of thissectionafterexhibitingsyncopeorfainting.

(2)Astudentshallberemovedbythestudent'scoachfromparticipation inanathleticactivity if the studentexhibitssyncopeorfainting.

(3)Ifastudentisnotallowedtoparticipateinorisremovedfromparticipationinanathleticactivity underdivision(E)(1)or(2)ofthissection,thestudentshallnotbeallowedtoreturntoparticipation untilthestudentisevaluatedandclearedforreturninwritingbyanyofthefollowing:

P a g e |16 (a)AphysicianauthorizedunderChapter4731.oftheRevisedCodetopracticemedicineand surgeryorosteopathicmedicineandsurgery,includingaphysicianwhospecializesin cardiology;

(b)Acertifiednursepractitioner,clinicalnursespecialist,orcertifiednurse-midwifewhoholds acertificateofauthorityissuedunderChapter4723.oftheRevisedCode;

(c)AphysicianassistantlicensedunderChapter4730.oftheRevisedCode;

(d)AnathletictrainerlicensedunderChapter4755.oftheRevisedCode.

The licensedhealthcareprovidersspecified indivisions (E)(3)(a) to (d)of this sectionmayconsultwithanyotherlicensedorcertifiedhealthcareprovidersinordertodeterminewhetherastudentisreadytoreturntoparticipation.

(F)Aschoolthat issubjecttothissectionshallestablishpenaltiesforacoachwhoviolatestheprovisionsofdivision(E)ofthissection.

(G)Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge or limit any rights provided under a collectivebargainingagreemententeredintounderChapter4117.oftheRevisedCodepriortoMarch14,2017.

(H)

(1)A school district,member of a school district board of education, or school district employee or volunteer,includingacoach,isnotliableindamagesinacivilactionforinjury,death,orlosstoperson orpropertyallegedlyarisingfromprovidingservicesorperformingdutiesunderthissection,unlessthe actoromissionconstituteswillfulorwantonmisconduct.

Thissectiondoesnoteliminate,limit,orreduceanyotherimmunityordefensethataschooldistrict,memberofa schooldistrictboardofeducation,or schooldistrictemployeeorvolunteer, includinga coach,maybeentitledtounderChapter2744.oranyotherprovisionoftheRevisedCodeorunderthecommonlawofthisstate.

(2)A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, employee, or volunteer of theschool, including a coach, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person orpropertyallegedlyarising fromproviding servicesorperformingdutiesunder this section,unless theactoromissionconstituteswillfulorwantonmisconduct.

Amendedby132ndGeneralAssemblyFileNo.TBD,HB49,§101.01,eff.9/29/2017.

Addedby131stGeneralAssemblyFileNo.TBD,SB252,§1,eff.3/14/2017.

SECTION11:OHSAALIGHTNINGANDINCLEMENTWEATHERPOLICY

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• Recognition-Coaches,athletictrainers,athletes,administratorsandcontestofficialsshallbeeducatedregardingthesignsindicatingthunderstormdevelopment.Sincetheaveragedistancebetweensuccessivelightningflashesisapproximatelytwotothreemiles,ANYTIMEthatlightningcanbeseenorheard,theriskisalreadypresent.Weathercanbemonitoredusingthefollowingmethods:

• MonitorWeatherPatterns–Beawareofpotentialthunderstormsbymonitoringlocalweatherforecaststhedaybeforeandmorningofthecompetition,andbyscanningtheskyforsignsofpotentialthunderstormactivity.

• NationalWeatherService–Weathercanalsobemonitoredusingsmall,portableweatherradiosfromtheNWS.TheNWSusesasystemofseverestormwatchesandwarnings.Awatchindicatesconditionsarefavorableforsevereweathertodevelopinanarea;awarningindicatessevereweatherhasbeenreportedinanarea,andeveryoneshouldtakeproperprecautions.Anythunderstormposesariskofinjuryordeathevenifitdoesnotmeetthecriteriaforsevereweather.Therefore,anytimethunderstormsareintheforecast(evenifitisonlya20percentchance),eventorganizersshallbeataheightenedlevelofawarenesstothepotentialdangeroflightning.

• Management

• Evacuation–Iflightningisimminentorathunderstormisapproaching,allpersonnel,athletesandspectatorsshallevacuatetoavailablesafestructuresorshelters.Alistoftheclosestsafestructuresshouldbeannouncedanddisplayedonplacardsatallathleticvenues.

• THIRTY-MINUTERULECompetition or practice shall be suspended once lightning has been recognized or thunder is heard. It is required to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard prior to resuming practice or competition. Given the average rates of thunderstorm travel, the storm should move 10-12 miles away from the area. This significantly reduces the risk of local lightning flashes. Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30-minute count shall reset the clock, and another count shall begin.

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SECTION12:CoachingethicsandConduct

Theprimarygoalofcoachesshouldbethedevelopmentofboysandgirlstobecomebettercitizens.Theplayersmustbetaughtsportsmanshipandfairplay,andtheseteachingsshouldalwaysgoverntheirbehaviorwhileatpracticeandatgames.Coachesshallberesponsiblefortheconductofallplayers,membersofthecoachingstaffandspectators.Thisincludesthetimeperiodsbefore,duringandafterleaguegamesandotherevents.Improperconduct,inthejudgmentofthegameofficials,onthepartoftheplayers,coachesorspectatorsmayresultinpenalties,expulsionandsuspensionorforfeitureofthegame.Anycoachthatisremovedfromagame(VarsityorJuniorVarsity),willberemovedfromthefollowingweek’sgames(bothVarsityandJuniorVarsity).

NSYFLcoachingethics:

• Thecoachwillnotcriticizeplayersinfrontofspectators.• Thecoachwillacceptthedecisionsofofficials.• Thecoachwillnotcriticizetheofficials,theopposingteam,thecoaches,fansorparentsthrough

languageorgesture.• Thecoachwillemphasizethatgoodathletesaregoodstudents,andbotharephysicallyandmentally

alert.• Thecoachwillstrivetomakeeveryfootballactivityserveasatraininggroundforlifeandasabasisfor

goodmentalandphysicalhealth.• Thecoachwillemphasizethatwinningagameistheresultofteamwork.• Thecoachshallnotuseabusiveorprofanelanguageinfrontofanyoneconnectedwiththegame.• Thecoachwillrefrainfrom“runningup”thescoreagainstanopponent.Thisincludeskeepinginthefirst

defenseatalltimes.• Thecoachshallnotbeundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillegaldrugs.• Thecoachwillsetanexampleinpersonalconductatalltimes.• Thecoachwillnotsmokeoruseanyformoftobaccowhileonthefieldofplayduringgames,

scrimmagesorpractices.• Thecoachwilltreateachplayer,opposingcoach,parentandcommissionerwithrespectanddignity.• Thecoachwilllearnthestrengthsandweaknessofhis/herplayersinordertoplacethemintosituations

whereeachhasamaximumopportunitytoachievesuccess.• Thecoachwillprotectthehealthandsafetyofhis/herplayersbyinsistingthatalloftheactivitiesunder

his/hercontrolbeconductedfortheirpsychologicalandphysiologicalwelfare,ratherthantheinterestsofadults.

____________________ _____________________ ___________________Organization League Team____________________ _____________________ ____________________CoachName(Print) CoachName(Sign) Date

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SECTION13:Parents/SpectatorsCodeofConductParentsandSpectatorsareexpectedto:1. Supportthecoaches,players,and/orcheerleadersandhelpteachthevalueofcommitmenttothe

team,sportsmanship,ethicalconduct,andfairplay.2. Supportmychild'steamandhelpmychildandNSYFLmakeathleticcontestsapositiveeducational

experiences3. Directconstructivecriticismofmychild'steamprogramtotheheadcoachand/orassociationofficials

atanappropriatetime.Iwillworktowardapositiveresultforallconcerned.4. Acceptdecisionsofthegameofficials(includingcoaches)onthefieldasbeingfairandcalledtothe

bestabilityofsaidofficials.Theofficialsareinchargeofallgames;theirdecisionsarefinal.5. Exhibitexemplarysportsmanshipatalltimes.6. Emphasizethatgoodathletesstrivetobegoodstudentsthatarephysicallyandmentallyalert.7. Strivetomakeeveryfootball/cheerleadingactivityserveasatraininggroundforlife,andabasisfor

goodmentalandphysicalhealthbybeingpresenttosupportthechildren.8. Abstainfrombeingundertheinfluenceoforinpossessionofand/ordrinkingalcoholicbeveragesand

thepossessionoruseofanyillegalsubstanceonboththegameandpracticefields.9. Staybehindthedesignatedspectatorlineduringagame.

Asaparentorspectator,Iwillnot:1. Interfere/interruptthecoachingstaffduringgamesorpractices.2. Criticizeofficialsorcoaches,directabuseorprofanelanguagetowardthem,orotherwisesubverttheir

authority.3. Criticizeanopposingteam,itsplayers,coaches,orspectatorsbywordofmouth,bygesture,orby

deliberatelyincitingunsportsmanlikebehavior.4. Undermine,inworkordeed,theauthorityofthecoachorNSYFL.

ConsequencesofBehaviorAtanyNYOFCyouthfootballevent,practice,orcompetition,anyadultwhoverballyabuses,attemptstointimidate,isflagrantlyrudeto,ordoesnotcontroltheirlanguageoractionswithaplayer,official,coach,spectator,orNSYFLboardmemberwillbeaskedtoleavetheevent.Heorshewillreceivewrittenwarningregardingtheirbehavior.Ifthespectatorfailstoleaveuponrequest,lawenforcementauthoritiesmaybecalledtoremovethespectator.AnyadultthatcommitsasecondsimilaroffensewillbebannedfromNSYFLeventsfortheremainderofthatseason.Anyadultwhophysicallyassaultsanofficial,coach,orNSYFLboardmemberwillbebannedfromNSYFLforoneyearfromthedateoftheoffense.Afteroneyear,theparentmayapplyforre-instatement.Iftheadultcommitsasecondoffense,heorshewillbepermanentlybannedfromtheNSYFL.Thetermphysicalassaultincludes,butisnotlimitedto:hitting,slapping,pushing,spitting,kickingorstrikinginanywaywithanypartofthebodyoranyphysicalimplement.