MTFL - MTFL Resources | MTFL Policies

1. ROSTER POLICY
A)The primary goal of the MTFL 'Roster Policy' is to:

Assist in verifying the status of any registered player such as: age, eligibility, game attendance, active/inactive, probation or suspension, etc.
Assist the Executive Committee in maintaining and growing the MTFL by providing insights on player availabilities and divisional (skill) level assignments.

Within the details below, the term 'Executive Committee' may imply the full complement of the Executive Committee and/or a portion of it designated to monitor, coordinate and discipline Team Roster issues.

B) TEAMS
The 'Roster Policy' will be used by the Executive Committee and supported by all Team Captains (and players) within the League. The policy will be enforced through the material defined, collected and maintained herein. Day-to-day execution of this policy will involve the Executive Committee as well as every Team Captain. Only players registered with the MTFL are insured under the League's insurance policy provided for by League fees. Teams cannot exceed the maximum of 21 active registered players at any given time.

Team Captains are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their team's roster. Players are only permitted to be a member of a single MTFL team at any given time unless the League Executive has given the player written permission to be exempted from this rule. Exemptions are only given if the player can convince the League Executive that it is in the best interest of the league. Exemptions are given to individuals for a single season and must be re-applied for each season.

C) PLAYERS
To be officially registered, a player must be on the Team Roster's Game Sheet before the game in which he intends to play and must have completed and submitted a Player Registration & Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement that provides the League with each individual player's information such as address (city of residence), date of birth (proof of eligible age) and a signature (acceptance of release and waiver) to appear on the team's official roster (in full compliance with the League's 24-hr advance notice requirement for roster modifications). A player must be at least 18 years of age prior to playing their first League game.

D) PRE-SEASON
Prior to the start of the first scheduled regular season game, the Team Captain is required to collect from each team member a Player Registration & Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement . This formcan be downloaded from the League web site. The Team Captain must forward a list of the names of the players on the Team Roster to the League via email or hard copy. This list must contain the name of each player appearing on the Team Roster along with completed Player Registration & Waiver Forms that are in the Team Captain's possession. If known, players are also to be identified by jersey number. The Executive Committee generates a team list and makes this information accessible to the Team Representative no later than the third week of the regular season.

E) REGULAR SEASON
At each game, the Team Captain will complete an 'Official Game Sheet' for record of participation and attendance. Entries on this sheet must be consistent with the list of players on the Team Roster. Team captains are permitted to make modifications to the Team Roster by adding or deleting players as needed throughout the regular season. The Team Captain will e-mail the League Registrar with his modifications and ensure that the new player(s) have been deemed eligible to participate in games. The Executive Committee may at any time review the Team Roster and Game Sheet data supplied by Team Captains for consistency and accuracy, as they see fit. This accuracy check will be limited to each player's name and eligibility status for playoff games.

F) PLAYOFFS
Only players that have played (been credited with game participation/attendance) in a minimum of 3 regular season games of that same season, with one of those 3 games being one of the first 6 games, are eligible to participate in playoff games.
The Executive Committee will review the Team Rosters and Game Sheets for accuracy and consistency. The Executive Committee will support inquiries made towards a player's playoff eligibility, such as investigating all such inquiries against the records of all data submitted (to date/time of the request). The League may identify a player as ineligible for playoff activity and/or dismiss a player and a team from playoff action (that season). Such discipline measures will also address which teams are allowed to advance in or be declared the winner of any playoff game. Such discipline actions may also extend towards future seasons of play for the player(s) and/or team(s) implicated. The Executive Committee may publish player eligibility and/or ineligibility lists as it sees fit for the current season.

2. LATE REGISTRATION POLICY
Veteran teams that pay their League Registration fees after the deadline will incur a 'Late Fee'. Late fees will escalate based on 'days late' using the chart shown below.

LATENESS	LATE FEE
1-7 business days	$50
8 or more business days	$100

3. GAME FORFEIT POLICY
Matters in which a game is prevented from starting or continuing due to actions or in-actions of one team and results in a 'forfeit', is covered in this section, the League's 'Forfeit Policy'.

A) INSUFFICIENT NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
It is League policy that a minimum of 5 players be present at the scheduled game time for the game to commence. If at the scheduled start time, one team is unable to comply then that team is given a grace period of 15 minutes to comply or the game will be considered to be a forfeit, which will result in a fine from the League (see Fines).
If the minimum of 5 players arrives within the defined grace period, then an abbreviated game (full game minus grace period expired) will be played and a 10-yard delay of game penalty will be assigned to the offending team and the team loses the coin toss for both halves of the game.

B) GOAL POST PADS
It is League policy is that a game cannot start until acceptable goal post padding is properly affixed to the goal posts.
a) If at the scheduled start time, one team is unable to comply, then that team is given a grace period of 15 minutes to comply or the game will be considered to be a forfeit, which will result in a fine from the League (see Fines).
b) If the goal post pads arrive within the defined grace period:
i) an abbreviated game (full game, less grace period expired) will be played
ii) and a 10-yard delay of game penalty will be applied to the offending team
iii) and the offending team loses the coin toss for both halves of the game.

C) INCONCEIVABLE EVENTS
i) Unforeseen Circumstances and Acts of God - If a field becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control such as a power outage and/or the situation in which it would be reasonable to expect the majority of players to not be in attendance, such as a natural disaster, city-wide transit shutdown or any other major catastrophe, then in this instance both teams would be excused from a forfeit and the game will be rescheduled (see related 'Weather Policy').

ii) Team-Related Circumstances - It is League policy that should one team cause a game to be sufficiently delayed or eventually cancelled due solely to its own actions the League may choose to declare the game a forfeit and the offending team will be fined (see Fines).

D) FINES
It is League policy that a team causing a forfeit is subject to a fine.
i) The fine for a game forfeit is $200 if either no notice or notice after NOON on the day of the game is given to the League.
ii) A fine of $175 is assigned if notice arrives to the League before NOON on the day of the game but less than 72 hours prior to the game time.
iii) In either case, the fine must be paid prior to the team's next game.
iv) The non-offending team involved in the game forfeit, will receive $150 as compensation.
v) The League reserves the right to make adjustments in the fine amount should exceptional circumstances exist.

4. GAME RESCHEDULING POLICY

So as to avoid a game default, a team may seek to have a game rescheduled. Honouring such requests are dependent on the availability of their opponents, game officials, and suitable field site.

Such requests require that the team pay a $50 game-rescheduling fee prior to the rescheduling process.

Opponents are encouraged to be receptive to such game rescheduling.

5. GAME DELAY POLICY
Games may be delayed for various reasons including:

waiting for goal post pads or the minimum 5 players to arrive
waiting for game officials to arrive
inclement weather
unforeseen circumstances – conflict over field permit; correcting unsafe conditions (broken glass)

Whenever possible, games will be attempted to be played even if it means shortening the game. A game should be cancelled if it is anticipated that four 12-minute quarters could not be completed within the time normally allotted (due to daylight hours or lit-field completion requirement).

6. PLAYER CONDUCT &LEAGUE DISCIPLINE POLICY
Any player who receives two Objectionable Conduct penalties (OCs) during a game will be automatically ejected from the game.
Note: A player may be ejected from the game due to his/her conduct even without having received two OCs.
Players ejected from a game must clear the field of play immediately and not associate or interfere in any way with the players, referees or spectators for the remainder of the time allocated to that game. Failure to comply, that player and/or the team he plays for will be subject to even further discipline than that which is to be assigned for the ejection itself. Furthermore, an ejected player is placed on immediate suspension and is not permitted to play in any future MTFL games until notified by the league that they may do so. Finally, a disciplinary committee (composed of League Executive Members not directly implicated in the incident) will be formed to review each ejection incident in a timely manner. If appropriate, this committee may assign further disciplinary actions such as, but not limited to game suspensions, fines, or expulsion from the League as it sees fit towards fulfilling the purpose of this League.

7. GAME EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY POLICY (See also #11. Uniform/Jersey Policy)
A) GOAL POST PADS
All teams are required to supply goal post pads for each of their scheduled games. Failure to do so will result in a game forfeit (see related 'Forfeit Policy': goal post pads).

B) JEWELLERY
Players are not permitted to participate in games wearing any sort of jewelry. This includes, but is not limited to; bracelets, earrings, watches and necklaces. Game officials will assess teams a penalty where a player in violation of this until the jewelry has been removed. Earrings may be worn providing they are covered up with tape.

C) ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
All athletic braces of a hard substance (example: knee or elbow braces) are required to be fully covered. Game officials will not allow players to participate in a game who are wearing an exposed (hard substance) brace. For example, neoprene sleeves, long sleeved sweaters and/or jogging pants should be used to resolve this issue.

8. WEATHER POLICY
The League's 'Weather Policy' relates to threats of severe weather surrounding the immediate playing field.
It is up to the Head Referee to decide to postpone a game if weather conditions are unsafe. If lightning is in the area, the Head Referee is to consider delaying the game until lightning has moved off, and is safe to continue.
Furthermore, the following guidelines should be used:

Single Game (unlit field): The start time of 7:00 pm can be delayed until 7:30 pm and have time re-adjusted to a one-hour game format (four 15-minute quarters) OR if actual daylight conditions permit, the use of four 18 minute quarters without a half-time may also be used to execute the game.
Double Headers (lit field): The game officials could wait as late as 8:00 pm and still get in two one-hour games. If at 8:00 pm, the conditions are unsafe, then the first game is postponed to a later date, and they can wait as long as 9:15 pm to start the second game.

Although teams are expected to wait out the unfavourable weather conditions, officials should use their judgment to determine whether safe conditions for the game are likely to exist throughout the time frame of revised game.
Real-time observation and use of current weather reports should assist in determining whether to play the game or postpone it to another date.
The officiating crew is expected to remain on site through the original start time of both games in order to communicate its decision to all teams.

In the case where weather causes the Head Official to suspend play, it is at the Head Officials sole discretion as to whether the game continues.

For a game to be considered official, the 3rd quarter must have started and the first play from scrimmage must have been completed. A game that is suspended prior to the start of the 3rd quarter will not be considered official and will be replayed from the beginning on a make-up date to be re-scheduled by the League. A game, in which the 3rd quarter has begun, will be considered official and the score at that point will stand as the final score.

Note: An abbreviated game is usually preferable to a cancelled game.

9. TIE-BREAKER POLICY
The 'Tie-Breaker Policy' explains the steps taken for breaking ties in the regular season standings.

A) Two Teams
At the end of the regular season, if a tie exists between two teams in the division standings, the following steps will be used to break the tie:

Winning Percentage - The team with the higher winning percentage will be ranked higher.
Wins - The team with the higher total number of wins will be ranked higher.
Wins, Head-to-Head - The team with the greater number of wins in head-to-head games will be ranked higher.
Points, Head-to-Head - The team with the greater point differential (points for, less points against) in games played head-to-head will be ranked higher.
Points, Division - The team with the greater point differential (points for, less points against) in games vs. all division opponents will be ranked higher.
Coin-Toss - A coin toss will be use to decide who will be ranked higher.

B) Three or More Teams
At the end of the regular season, if a tie exists between three or more teams in the division standings, the following steps will be used to break the tie (if two teams remain tied after the third or other teams have been eliminated during any step, revert back to step 1 of the two team format):

Winning Percentage - The team with the higher winning percentage will be ranked higher.
Wins - The team with the higher total number of wins will be ranked higher.
Wins, Head-to-Head* - The team with the greater number of wins in head-to-head games will be ranked higher.
Points, Head-to-Head* - The team with the greater point differential (points for, less points against) in games played head-to-head will be ranked higher.
Points, Division - The team with the greater point differential ('points for' less 'points against') in games vs. all divisional opponents will be ranked higher.
Coin-Toss - A coin toss will be use to decide who will be ranked higher.

* All tied teams must have played an equal number of games amongst all other tied teams for head-to-head steps to be used.

10. TEAM NAME & LOGO POLICY
Benefits:

Ensures League Mission Statement, image and brand are constructively promoted
Provides mechanism for compliance to Team Jersey Numbering Policy to be verified and maintained
Improves distinguishing factors within and across divisions, such as minimizing identical colouring schemes and prevents duplication of names

Details:

All team names and logos (including emblems or decals) must be pre-approved by the MTFL.
For expediency, requests for new or modified names, logos & emblems should be submitted in writing to the MTFL prior to the AGM of the season in which they are intended to be used. In the case of logos, emblems and decals, a sample image along with location on uniform and actual size should be provided.
Names, logos, emblems and decals must not contain (by text, symbol or by inference) profanities, sexual, racial or otherwise prejudicial content. Similarly, they must not by design or inference make derogatory statements/pictures of the game of football or the referees needed to execute it.
MTFL executive votes on applications (with the option of doing its own internal research or even survey amongst league community partners, city officials and other affiliated leagues).
All MTFL decisions are final. There is no appeal process.
As such, teams are strongly advised to get the approval completed before they go and print/purchase team equipment/uniforms.
MTFL's involvement is limited to MTFL property and events.
For example, MTFL will use team names/images on its website.

This may even include links to a team's own website. However, this MTFL Executive Committee assumes no liability or obligation for the enforcement of this policy to the later.

11. UNIFORM / JERSEY POLICY
A) Rationale

Players are required to wear jerseys. Jerseys are a type of uniform. A uniform is a distinctive set of clothing. In order for jerseys to be distinctive, they must be unvarying in colour and design.
In order for a 'fair' game, teams must not have an unfair advantage. Wearing different jerseys may give them an unfair advantage.
In order for referees to perform their duties in terms of reporting, referees must be able to identify easily players by their numbers.
So that members of the media can cover our games effectively by identifying players by their numbers, players must wear jerseys with visible and distinctive numbers.
In order to promote media coverage, teams must wear matching jerseys.

B) League Uniform/Jersey Policy

All players on a team must wear legible, permanently attached numbers to the middle of the back of their jerseys (preferably), or front (less desirable), or both (ideally). There should be no temporary attachments; no use of tape to create or to adhere a number; and no use of safety pins or the like to adhere a number.
Players may not have duplicate numbers (i.e., no two players may wear #12) including sharing a jersey (offence, defence).
All jerseys should be uniform in colour and pattern. (This statement is designed to assist team captains when they are ordering new uniforms.) Where jerseys are not deemed similar enough to the regular team colour(s) or too close in colour to the opposition, a player is not permitted to participate while wearing that uniform. For purpose of clarification, if a team has a jersey with two colours, a numbered sweater with the dominant colour is acceptable if it is the same colour or very similar.
Exception: When two teams have colours that are too similar and one team must change their uniforms, violations of the League Uniform Policy by the team that changed jerseys are to be waived for that game.
A team is either fully in compliance or is in non-compliance with the league policy.
Players should not change numbers during the season so as to allow the League to keep track of their attendance. They may, however, change numbers from year to year.
Players' jerseys numbers must match the game sheet. In the event that a player must wear a different numbered jersey, the game sheet must reflect this change.

C) Game

No Penalty is to be assigned by Game Officials

Although no penalty is to be assigned by Game Officials, referees are to record on the game sheet any Uniform Violations in the 'UV' column beside the offending player. Ideally, the official will specify the infraction (no number, duplicate number, different colour jersey, etc.) somewhere on the game sheet to ensure that the League can follow up effectively with the team.

Remediation

A player should change into a jersey that conforms with the Uniform Policy whenever possible and reasonable (jersey is a reasonable fit).

Situations & Interpretation:

Situation #1: Player 'A' wears a t-shirt with no number on the back. It is the same colour as the team's jerseys.
Interpretation & Application: Player 'A' is in violation of the League Uniform Policy. Player 'A' does not have a number on the back of his jersey.
Situation #2: Player 'B' wears #2, Player 'C' wears #22, Player 'D' wears number '22'.
Interpretation & Application: Player 'C' and 'D' are wearing duplicate numbers and thus, the team has violated the League Uniform Policy. This is considered one infraction. (#2 and #22 are considered different numbers.)
Situation #3: Player 'E' is wearing a number that is affixed with two-sided tape.
Interpretation & Application: Player 'E' is in violation of the League Uniform Policy. The jersey number must be permanently applied (stitched, heat transfer).
Situation #4: Player 'F' is wearing an orange sweater. His team-mates are wearing red uniforms with yellow trim.
Interpretation & Application: Player 'F' is in violation of the League Uniform Policy. The sweater needs to be red in order to conform.

Reporting Violations

All players in violation of the league jersey policy are to be recorded and reported by the Head Referee to the league in the game report.
Note: After violations are reported to the league, the league will contact the team's captain to ensure that steps are taken to prevent similar violations in the future.
D) Team Compliance
Teams who are in violation of the League's Uniform Policy at 3 or more games in a season may be assigned a $50 fine.
E) New Uniforms
Every team is now required to have a collectively uniform team shirt or jersey, with a numbering system that is unique to identify each individual player (no duplicate numbers and number should coincide with that player for entire season).
The following is a list of the League's team uniform requirements:

Shirts or jerseys should be of like colour scheme and styling; they should not be a mixture of different shirts and jerseys.
Numbers must be on back and/or front of shirt or jersey – ideally back and front.
Numbers must be a minimum of 10" in height.
Number should be of a contrasting colour from the body of the shirt or jersey.

***** IMPORTANT NOTE *****
Teams that already (have) uniforms with large identifiable numbers on either the front or back, will be considered acceptable and granted Grandfathered status.

12. INJURY CLAIM POLICY

Players that have been injured during an MTFL regular season or playoff game must fill out and submit an Injury Report to Touch Football Ontario within 48 hrs of any injury that takes place during any sanctioned league game in Ontario or Quebec (no exceptions).
For more information and to download accident claim form, please visit Touch Football Ontario injury report page.

13. PRIVACY POLICY
A) Use of Personal Information
We use personal information to allow us to process your interest in MTFL, send out newsletters, and to notify you about league activity - such as: events, scheduling, important league announcements.
B) Google AdSense

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Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to your users based on their visit to your sites and/or other sites on the Internet.
Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Ads Settings. (Alternatively, one can direct users to opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting www.aboutads.info.)

If you have not opted out of third-party ad serving, the cookies of other third-party vendors or ad networks may also be used to serve ads on your site, which should also be disclosed in your privacy policy in the following manner:

Notify your site visitors of the third-party vendors and ad networks serving ads on your site.
Provide links to the appropriate vendor and ad network websites.
Inform your users that they may visit those websites to opt out of the use of cookies for personalized advertising (if the vendor or ad network offers this capability). Alternatively, you can direct users to opt out of some third-party vendors' uses of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting www.aboutads.info.

Because publisher sites and laws across countries vary, we're unable to suggest specific privacy policy language. However, you may wish to review resources such as the Network Advertising Initiative for guidance on drafting a privacy policy. For additional details regarding cookie consent notices, please refer to cookiechoices.org.

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