Bonnyville Voyageurs Football

1.2 All terms contained in these By-Laws which are not defined in these By-Laws and which are defined in the Act shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Act.

1.3 The Executive is the sole authority for the interpretation of these By-Laws and the decision of the Executive upon any question of interpretation, or upon any matters affecting the Association and provided for by these By-Laws and regulations made there under, shall be binding on all the members. TOP

2.0 Objectives

2.1 The objectives of the association are:

a) To promote amateur football in the Town of Bonnyville and surrounding area and the development of the fundamental skills of the sport of football;

b) To build character and promote sportsmanship among all individuals associated with the sport of football;

c) To operate the Association in a business like manner. TOP

3.0 Membership

3.1 The membership of the association will consist of two classes of members: Playing and non-playing members (parent / guardian).

a) Playing members will be the child, of the non-playing member, participating in minor football with the association.

b) Non-Playing members will be the designated parent or legal guardian of the playing member as indicated on the registration form, coaches and other volunteers.

3.4 To be considered for membership, playing and non-playing members must submit a completed registration / application form and have applicable fees paid in full.

3.5 The Executive shall have absolute discretion in the determination of eligibility for membership in the association.

3.6 Membership in the Association will terminate annually on the first game of the following season. TOP

4.0 Membership Fees

4.1 The Executive shall determine membership fees for the association.

4.2 Membership fees shall be payable prior to participating in any activity associated with the Association.

4.3 All cheques should be made payable to ‘Bonnyville Amateur Football Association’. TOP

5.0 Member Meetings

5.1 An Annual General Meeting of the members will be held every March. The Executive shall determine the time and place of the meeting.

5.2 The Annual General Meeting will be advertised 2 weeks in advance in the local paper.

5.3 The Associations’ Financial statement and financial books must be presented by the treasurer and approved by the membership at this meeting.

5.4 The new Executive must complete and file the Alberta Registries form with the financial statement and submit in order maintain non-profit status to remain eligible for fundraising and grants.

5.5 Budgets must be presented and approved.

5.6 Registration fees will be reviewed.

5.7 Special meetings of the association may be held as called by the Executive.

5.8 Annual Meeting Agenda TOP

6.0 Officers

6.1 The Executive shall consist of the following positions:

a) President

· Rule on issues,

· Develop year plan for Association

· Develop long range plans for amenities

b) Vice-President

· Work with President

c) Secretary

· Attend all meetings taking minutes

· Provide minutes to executive

· Post minutes on web site.

d) Treasurer

· Fundraising

· Budgets

· Financial Statements

· Maintain and Audit accounts

All officers are elected for 2 year terms with an option to step down after 1 year.

6.3 The Executive may appoint other such officers; determine their duties and length of terms as required.

6.3 The Executive may add to or limit the powers of any officer in accordance of these By-Laws or the Act. The Executive may remove any officer from their duties upon resolution.

6.4 Any Officer of the association may engage additional volunteers to assist in their duties upon approval of the Executive. TOP

7.0 Indemnification

7.1 Each Officer or committee member or former Officer or former committee member of the Association, shall be indemnified and saved harmless against all liabilities, costs, charges and expenses whatsoever, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by him / her in respect of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which he / she is made a party by reason of having been an Officer of the Association save and except any liabilities, costs, charges or expenses incurred by such person's own willful default or neglect. TOP

8.0 Compensation

8.1 The Officers and committee members of the Association shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration for their services but may be paid reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at any regular or special meetings of the Association or of any committee in conjunction with any other business or activity conducted on behalf of the Association. Such remuneration is up to the absolute discretion of the Executive. TOP

9.0 Committees / Coordinators

9.1 The Executive may constitute any committee deemed necessary for the effective management of its operations and affairs. The Executive shall also prescribe the duties of these committees.

9.2 The Executive shall appoint members and the Chair of each committee

9.3 The Following positions will exist to support the association.

a) Equipment Coordinator

· Inventory equipment

· Establish equipment needs

b) Field / game day Coordinator

· Provide Ambulance service for home games

· Field assessment

· Establish cost of fertilizer, field paint, grass cutting, others

· Provide budget to Treasurer

c) Registration / Memberships Coordinator

· Collect fees and forms

· No equipment allotted without fees and forms.

d) High School post game meals Coordinator

· Determine meal and drinks for 100 people.

· Phone parents for contribution to meal.

· Set up and clean up of meal

· Serve the food

· Provide budget to Treasurer

e) Banquet Coordinator

· Hall rental

· Caterer

· Determine menu

· Set up and Clean up

· Provide budget to Treasurer

f) Transportation Coordinator

· Schedule bussing for away games

· Provide budget to Treasurer

g) Officials Coordinator

· Schedule officiating for home games

· Schedule chain gang for home games

· Schedule time keepers for home games

h) Team Representatives

· Consists of 4 representatives: 1 captain, 1 parent from both teams.

· Parent representatives will serve as an organizer and liaison between parents, players and coaches.

· Player representatives will serve as a liaison between parents, players and coaches.

i) Website Manager

· Weekly updates in season

· Posting news releases and updates when appropriate. TOP

10.0 Liquidation and Dissolution

10.1 In the event of liquidation or dissolution of the Association, the remaining property shall, in the course of the liquidation or dissolution, be distributed to other minor football organizations in the surrounding area. TOP

11.0 Manner of Execution of Contracts

11.1 Contracts, documents or instruments in writing requiring execution by the Association may be signed by any two Officers of the Association and all contracts, documents or instruments in writing so signed shall be binding upon the Association TOP

12.0 Fiscal Year

12.1 The fiscal year of the Association shall terminate on the last day of February in each year. TOP

13.0 Banking

13.1 The bank accounts of the Association shall be kept in Lakeland Credit Union Cheques on the bank accounts of the Association shall be drawn by the Executive. TOP

14.0 Amendments to By-Laws

14.1 The Executive may, by a majority vote, repeal, amend or re-enact these By-Laws, provided that every such repeal, amendment or re-enactment is sanctioned at a meeting of Members duly called for the purpose of considering the said By-Laws by an affirmative vote of Members present and provided that the repeal or amendment of these By-Laws shall not be enforced or acted upon until the approval of the Members have been obtained. TOP

15.0 ETHICS COMMITTEE

1. The BAFA Ethics Committee shall be the BAFA Executive.

2. Any team hosting football games where BAFA teams are represented may refer a matter regarding ethics to the BAFA Ethics Committee.

3. Players, coaches and teams guilty of misconduct shall be dealt with accordingly by the Ethics Committee.

4. The BAFA Ethics Committee shall have the power to suspend a player, coach or team guilty of misconduct pending an investigation by the NEASAA Ethics Committee.

5. Discipline matters which cannot be dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties directly involved shall be referred to the BAFA Ethics Committee.

6. The BAFA Ethics Committee, in dealing with an ethics matter shall hear representation from the schools, coaches, officials, parents and players involved. The Ethics Committee shall have the power to suspend and/or sanction a player, coach or team from participating in further competitions. TOP

BAFA Policies

1) Rules / Eligibility

a. Bonnyville Voyageurs

i. Open to high school student in grades 10 – 12

ii. Follow rules laid out by the Alberta Schools Athletic Association.

iii. See Appendix A for more information

b. Bonnyville Bandits

i. Primarily open to children ages 12 – 15; grades 6 – 9

ii. 11 year old players allowed at the discretion of the parents and the coaches

iii. Follow Football Alberta’s Bantam Football guidelines

iv. See Appendix B for more information TOP

2) Registration Fees

a. Teams are responsible for the establishment of the registration fee.

b. The registration fee covers the cost of the banquet, trophies, and anything not covered by casino expenses. TOP

3) Casino

a. 1 casino is held every 18 months at the Boomtown Casino in Fort McMurray.

b. The casino funds cover the cost of the following items for both teams: Transportation, Officiating, Equipment, Change room and field upkeeps, Clinics, utilities, Ambulance for home games, League fees, and insurance. TOP

4) Fundraising

a. The Casino is the only fund raiser that Bonnyville Amateur Football Association is permitted at the time.

b. Football Alberta has a raffle that we have been involved with in the past and may again in the future.

c. Teams are permitted to do other fundraising as long as it is under the direction of Alberta Gaming.

d. If teams are seeking to raise funds outside of Alberta Gaming sources, they need to submit a proposal to the executive for approval. TOP

5) Parent / Player Commitment

a. Upon registration, parents and players will be made aware of all time commitments required by the team. This should include practices, games, fundraising and community volunteer activities. TOP

6) Insurance

a. All players must have Football Alberta Insurance to participate in any Bonnyville Amateur Football Association practice, game , or activity. The cost is $20 a player. This is a secondary insurance.

b. Parent’s insurance is the primary coverage, Football Alberta’s insurance covers those who do not have insurance through their parents. It also covers all coaches for liability to a maximum of $3 000 000 each. This insurance covers from January 1 to December 30. TOP

7) Change room

a. The change room is to be returned to the same state that it was entered. Floors are to be swept daily. Toilets, showers and washroom cleaned daily. Garbage cans emptied in dumpster when filled. TOP

8) Field

a. The field is to be kept litter free.

b. We are to pick garbage from the field daily.

c. Garbage is to be placed in dumpster. TOP

9) Equipment room

a. Off limits to players.

b. The equipment room is to be kept organized.

c. Bantam helmets and pads to be kept separate from High school equipment. TOP

10) Game Shirts

a. Game shirts are the property of Bonnyville Amateur Football Association.

b. Game shirts are to be allotted at start of season and collected immediately after the last game. TOP

11) Practice Shirts

a. Practice shirts are allotted at the start of spring camp and collected immediately after spring camp.

b. Practice shirts will be allotted again at the start of season.

c. Graduating players keep their practice shirts, all other practice shirts are collected immediately after last game. TOP

12) T- Shirts

a. All players receive a t-shirt at start of season.

b. Shirt is to be worn under equipment. T-shirts remain the property of the player.

c. Each team is responsible for their design and sizing of the shirts. Orders are given to the Treasurer. TOP

13) Sweat Suit

a. Each player is issued a sweat suit in his first year of play.

b. The sweat suit remains the property of the player.

c. Should a player lose, destroy, or out grow their sweat suit, they will have to pay the replacement cost or do without.

d. Each team is responsible for the design and sizing of the suits. Orders are given to the Treasurer. TOP

14) Laundry

a. Teams will be responsible for the separation of practice and game uniforms at the end of season.

b. Two piles will be made, one white, one colored.

c. The laundry will then be brought to Bonnyville Laundromat for cleaning. TOP

15) League Meetings

a. Each team is responsible for attending their league meetings.

b. Minutes of these meetings are to be forwarded to the Executive for filing. TOP

16) Coaches and Officials

a. All coaches and referees are to have or be working on attaining their certification.

b. The Association will cover registration fees, meals, mileage, hotels for all clinics.

c. The Association will also be responsible for notifying coaches and officials of upcoming clinics.

d. Coaches will also have to have a criminal background check and a child welfare check. (Paid by the Association if necessary) TOP

17) Practice times

a. If teams are scheduled to practice at the same time, then they will conduct their practice on their half of the field.

b. High school practices from 4:00 – 6:00 Monday to Thursday.

c. Bantams’ time is flexible. TOP

18) Coordinator / Chairperson Positions

a. Equipment coordinator

i. Inventory equipment

ii. Establish equipment needs

b. Field / game day coordinator

i. Move bleachers from Rodeo grounds

ii. Provide Ambulance service for home games

iii. Field assessment

iv. Establish cost of fertilizer, field paint, grass cutting, others

v. Provide budget to Treasurer

c. Registration/Membership coordinator

i. Collect fees and forms

ii. No equipment allotted without fees and forms.

d. High School post game meals Coordinator

i. Determine meal and drinks for 100 people.

ii. Phone parents for contribution to meal.

iii. Set up and clean up of meal

iv. Serve the food

v. Provide budget to Treasurer

e. Banquet Coordinator (2)

i. Hall rental

ii. Caterer

iii. Determine menu

iv. Set up and Clean up

v. Provide budget to Treasurer

f. Transportation Coordinator

i. Schedule bussing for away games

ii. Provide budget to Treasurer

g. Officials Coordinator

i. Officiating for home games

ii. Chain gang for home games

iii. Time keepers for home games

h. Team Representatives

i. Consists of 4 representatives: 1 captain, 1 parent from both teams.

ii. Parent representatives will serve as an organizer and liaison between parents, players and coaches.

iii. Player representatives will serve as a liaison between parents, players and coaches.

i. Web Site Manager

i. Weekly updates in season

ii. Posting news releases and updates TOP

Appendix B – Football Alberta Bantam Guidelines

Football Alberta

Minor Provincials

Policy and Procedure Manual

Last Updated: September 24, 2008

Table of Contents

Page

1.0 History and Vision…………………………………………………………3

2.0 Age Eligibility……………………………………………………………...3

3.0 League Qualifiers for Provincials………………………………………….4

4.0 Scheduling of Games………………………………………………………5

5.0 Conducting the Games……………………………………………………..6

6.0 Football Alberta Responsibilities…………………………………………..9

7.0 Member League Responsibilities…………………………………………..9

8.0 Travel Subsidies……………………………………………………………10

Football Alberta Minor Provincials Policies and Procedures

1.0 History and Vision

1.1 History

In 1991 a gathering of bantam league champions was held in Lacombe for the purposes of starting a post-season for minor football. That tournament was won by the Raymond Jr. Comets. Two years later in 1993 the first Football Alberta sanctioned Bantam Provincial Championship was held between the Champions of the Capital District Bantam Football Association and the Southern Alberta Minor Football Association. That game was won 29-12 by the Raymond Jr. Comets over the Leduc Ti-Cats. Both of these initial events spurred on the development of an Alberta wide playoff system for Minor Football.

In 1996 Football Alberta mandated age eligibility rules across the province to eliminate disparities between the leagues and everyone save for Red Deer Minor bought in thus creating a province-wide provincial playoff system which now included playoffs at Pee-Wee and Atom as well. In 2004 with the disbanding of Red Deer Minor and the creation of the Central Alberta Minor Football League the entire province was now represented and a new tiering system was designed for Provincials which saw the big three leagues (Capital District, Calgary, and Southern Alberta) send teams at three levels of bantam and two levels of pee-wee. The rural leagues then sent their champions in at lower levels than Tier I for a more competitive opportunity. In 2006 a third level of pee-wee was added and in 2008 a fourth tier was added at both pee-wee and bantam.

1.2 Vision

It is the intent of Minor Provincials offered through Football Alberta to meet three needs:

To promote the sport though intra-provincial competition and building bonds between the minor leagues throughout Alberta
To drive the aspirations of elite oriented programs towards excellence on field while still providing for other levels of play to participate.
To assist in making football the place to be for 15 year old and under athletes.

Football Alberta’s role will be to coordinate the cooperation of the minor leagues in the province in hosting Provincials Playoff and Championship Games.

2.0 Age Eligibility

2.1 Categories of play for Minor Provincials

Bantam – ages 15* and under as of the calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31).

* - Anyone who is age eligible yet registered to enter Grade 10 or higher during the season of play would be ineligible for play at the bantam level. As well, anyone age eligible and currently registered to enter Grade 9 or lower during the season of play who is also registered to play on a high school team (Junior Varsity included) would be ineligible for play at the bantam level.

Pee-Wee – ages 12 and under as of the calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31)

Atom – ages 10 and under as of the calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31)

2.2 League Exceptions

Member Leagues are free to impose stricter eligibility guidelines on their registered athletes that may include weight limits, roster size limits, and positional constraints, however in doing so they take on all liability for those decisions. They may not circumvent the above listed age limits (and other requirement of the bantam level) which would render themselves ineligible for Provincial play.

3.0 League Qualifier’s for Provincials

3.1 Member league eligibility to send teams to Provincials:

The league applying to send teams to Provincial play at any level (i.e bantam, pee-wee, and atom) must have all their member teams as registered and paid up members (including taking out the insurance) of Football Alberta by September 30 of each season. They also must pay the entry fee as determined by Football Alberta for each team they will be sending to Provincials by September 30 of each season. The minimum number of teams considered to be an eligible league is four teams and the league must conduct a playoff as per Section 3.6 and crown a league champion.

3.2 School based minor teams

Any exception regarding teams who do not wish to take out Football Alberta’s insurance for school based minor football teams due to having insurance through the school is not allowed. All teams and players must be fully registered with Football Alberta and take out the insurance to be eligible for Provincial play.

3.3 Number of teams a league may send to provincials

The number of teams a member league may send to provincials at any level is based on the number of registered teams they have in their league determined as of June 1^st of the calendar year. The formula is as follows:

Leagues with 16 or more teams may field teams all four Tiers

Leagues with 12-15 teams may field teams in three of the four Tiers

Leagues with 8-11 teams may field teams in two of the four Tiers

Leagues with 7 or less may only field a team in one of the four Tiers

3.4 Tier Level Determination

Which “Tiers” leagues send their qualifying teams to will be determined each December at the Football Alberta planning meeting by the Minor Football Committee. Note that leagues may only send one team per tier unless a BYE situation exists at any Tier where a second team from a league will be asked to fill that BYE on a rotating basis from participating leagues. All Tier spots are to be determined via the playoff format in section 3.6.

3.5 League Tiering

Since each leagues playoffs will be used to determine which Tier’s they will send representatives to as per section 3.6 predetermination of league structure for upper and lower divisions is not allowed prior to the season commencing. If leagues have more than 12 teams and wish to separate into upper and lower divisions during the season in the interest of more competitive games they may do so under the following conditions:

Any upper division that will determine a leagues Tier I and II provincial representatives must consist of at least and no more than 8 teams.
Leagues may use their first three regular season games to determine upper and lower divisions seeding within their teams. By the fourth regular season game no more adjustments may be made to the schedule or league in terms of divisions.

3.6 League Playoff Structure to determine Provincial Participants.

In order to qualify in the Tier’s assigned for them to have representative teams, leagues must follow these prescribed playoff formats:

Leagues with 16 or more teams: Top eight teams in regular season (determined either by mid-season re-tiering as in section 3.4 or final standings) playoff in a quarter-final format. The winners of the first round continue on through semi-finals and finals to determine that leagues Tier I rep. The losers of the first round continue on in a similar process to determine that leagues Tier II rep. Teams 9-16 (determined either by mid-season re-tiering as in section 3.4 or final standings) playoff as per teams 1-8 with the winners of the quarterfinal game heading towards Tier III and the losers heading towards Tier IV. Teams 17 or lower may have a playoff designed for them by their league but they will not have the ability to advance provincially.

Leagues with 12-15 teams: These leagues will only have representatives in three tiers which will be determined at the Football Alberta planning meeting each December. They do not necessarily need to field a team in Tier I unless prescribed at the Planning Meeting. Top eight teams in regular season (determined either by mid-season re-tiering as in section 3.4 or final standings) playoff in a quarter-final format. The winners of the first round continue on through semi-finals and finals to determine that leagues highest Tier rep. The losers of the first round continue on in a similar process to determine that leagues second highest Tier rep. The remaining teams from 9 and lower playoff to determine the leagues lowest Tier rep.

Leagues with 8-11 teams: These leagues will only have representatives in two tiers which will be determined at the Football Alberta planning meeting each December. They do not necessarily need to field a team in Tier I or II unless prescribed at the Planning Meeting. Top eight teams in regular season (determined either by mid-season re-tiering as in section 3.4 or final standings) playoff in a quarter-final format. The winners of the first round continue on through semi-finals and finals to determine that leagues highest Tier rep. The losers of the first round continue on in a similar process to determine that leagues lowest Tier rep. The remaining teams from 9 and lower may have a playoff designed for them by their league but they will not have the ability to advance provincially.

Leagues with 7 teams or less: These leagues will only have representatives in one tier which will be determined at the Football Alberta planning meeting each December. They do not necessarily need to field a team in Tier I, II or III unless prescribed at the Planning Meeting. The will run a playoff to determine their league champion and that team and only that team will advance to provincials that level determined at the Football Alberta Planning Meeting.

3.7 Special Situations

In the event of special situations arising (i.e. leagues pulling out of provincials at the last minute or league under or overestimating their number of teams at the Planning Meeting) it will be the responsibility of the Technical Director of Football Alberta to set the schedule accordingly circumventing the above policies if necessary.

4.0 Scheduling of Games

4.1 Time of Year

Provincial Football Finals in all Tiers will be confirmed at the Football Alberta Planning Meeting each December for the following year. They will be based on the following guidelines:

Bantam: Finals to be contested on the third weekend in November

Pee-Wee: Finals to be contested on the second weekend in November

Atom: Finals to be contested on the first weekend in November

4.2 Saturday Games

A request has been put in by the Southern Alberta Minor Football Association to schedule the games that their teams will be competing in Provincially only on Saturdays. This will be honored by all competing leagues unless the league hosting one of their teams is unable to provide a reasonable Saturday timeslot due to unavailability of facilities. This will be vetted through the Technical Director of Football Alberta. Friday night games would be considered as an alternative to Sunday games in the case of SAMFA.

All other leagues will be subject to availability of appropriate facilities and must be available to play on either the Saturday or Sunday.

4.3 Time of Day and Multiple Games

Games are subject to availability of facilities, but in the case that Provincial Playoff Games are able to request times here are the guidelines

Single Game: Should be scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff

Doubleheader: On a field with lights: 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

On a field without lights: 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Tripleheader: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Tripleheaders should not be booked on fields without lights

4.4 Order of Multiple Games

In the case of multiple games played at a single venue the following guidelines should apply to determine the order of games played that day:

Tiering: If two or more Pee-Wee Games or two or more Bantam Games are scheduled for the same facility then the lowest Tiered game (ie. Tier III or IV) would go first with the highest Tiered game scheduled last.
Championship vs. Semi-Final: In the case where Pee-Wee and Bantam games would be scheduled at the same facility on the same day it is likely that the Pee-Wee game is a championship final while the Bantam game is a semi-final. In this case the championship game would be scheduled last as to allow for an appropriate closing ceremony without interference from a following game.
Championship and Championship: In the case where two or more championship games are scheduled for the same facility on the same day the “Tiering” rule (see above) would determine the order of play. In order to facilitate appropriate closing ceremonies for games with scheduled games after them, the teams from the next game may begin their warm-ups during the closing ceremonies as long as they keep within the 30 yard line and in.
Conflict with High School Provincials: In the case of high school provincial games being a part of multiple scheduled games in the same facility on the same day, the high school game shall be the last scheduled game of the day unless one or more of the Minor games is a championship final in which case they would be the last scheduled event of the day. This is subject to the cooperation of the High School Leagues and the pecking order for booking facilities.

5.0 Conducting the Games

5.1 Rules for the Games

The games shall be governed strictly by the most recent edition of the Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football (CARBTF). The only exception being at the Pee-Wee and Atom level where Rule 3, Section 3, Article 5 regarding Converts following touchdowns, (a) and (b) are switched so that kicking a convert is worth 2 points and scoring a convert via running or passing it past the goal line is only worth 1 point.

5.2 Timing of the Games

All games played in the Football Alberta Minor Provincials will be the duration lined out as per Rule 1, Section 3, Article 1 of the CARBTF modified to the High School level and below consisting of 48 minutes divided into 4 periods of 12 minutes each. They shall be timed as outlined in Rule 1, Section 5, Article 1.

5.3 Official Football

The official football for all Football Alberta Minor Provincial Games will come from the following lists:

Bantam - Baden FC500Y, Wilson TDY, Wilson CDMFA, Reebok VR5000y, or Spalding J5J

Pee-Wee & Atom - Baden FC500Y, Wilson TDY, Wilson TDJ, Wilson CDMFA, Reebok VR5000y, or Spalding J5J

As outlined in Rule 1, Section 2, Article 1 the HOME or HOST team will provide the game ball. It would be preferable that 3 balls are provided and the use of ballboys to speed up the game is employed however a minimum of one quality ball from the above list is mandatory. The referee will determine the suitability of said ball(s) and cannot start the game until the officials are satisfied.

Only the ball(s) provided by the HOME or HOST team are to be used in the game. No switching of balls for the GUESTS or VISITING team when they are on offense will be tolerated.

5.4 Game Facilities

The game facility must feature a proper lined field as outlined in the CARBTF as well as adequate heated dressing rooms, a scoreclock, and snow clearing capability (pre-game only). The head referee will have the final say on the “safety” of the playing surface should there be icy conditions present. Sideline heaters are recommended once the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celcius and should be provided to both benches or not at all. Spotters booths and public address systems are also recommended but not mandatory.

5.5 Communication Equipment

Due to the unequal nature of communication equipment usage around the province it is NOT a requirement of the host team to provide this item for the game. Should teams wish to communicate from a Spotters Booth to the sidelines they are on their own and must make there own arrangements. If one team is using such communication equipment and the other is not, it is NOT a requirement that the team using the communication equipment cease using it. Teams are on their own in regards to communication equipment and there is no requirement that both sides be equal during the game in this area.

5.6 Game Video

There is NO requirement for the exchange of video prior to any Minor Provincial game, nor any requirement to film the game and provide copies to both teams after the completion of the game. Should teams wish to set up an exchange on their own they are more than welcome to but Football Alberta will not be involved in any aspect of that including ruling on the quality of said film. Buyer beware!

5.7 House League Rules

No “house league” rules or more restrictive eligibility rules as outlined in Section 2.2 of this PPM will be enforced in any game conducted in the Football Alberta Minor Football Provincials.

5.8 Game Coordinator

One person will be assigned the duty of being the Game Coordinator for each game played in the Football Alberta Minor Football Provincials. This person will ensure the proper conduction of the game and have final say on any questions and concerns that get raised on-site and will be guided by this PPM. Preferably this person will be a member of the Football Alberta Executive or Board of Directors. In the case that no one from that group is available a designate approved by the Technical Director of Football Alberta will fill that role. It will also be this person’s responsibility to report the score of the game they are coordinating to the appropriate person within a half hour of the completion of the game.

5.9 Game Officials

See Section 6.0 to determine how the on-field officials are assigned by Football Alberta

5.10 Minor Officials

See Section 7.0 regarding Host Team or League selection and assignment of Minor Officials which includes the Timers, Yardstick Crews, Ball Boys, Public Address Announcers, etc.. Note: all selected individuals in this category are to assume neutral roles in the game in that they forfeit the right to cheer for the home team or comments otherwise about the visitors or officials. Should they step over the line in the opinion of the Game Coordinator they are to be removed from their duties immediately and the game shall not continue until the host team or league provides an adequate substitute.

5.11 Protests

In the tradition of football it will be understood that game results are final and non-protestable. This includes any “bad calls” or misinterpretation of the rules by the game officials or timing mistakes by the timer. They are all part of the game and shall not be used in a protest to overturn the results of a game. The only exception is in the area of eligibility. If the losing team has specific evidence (i.e. non-anecdotal) that the winning team used a player or players who is older than the age guidelines of Section 2.1 of this PPM they have within a half hour of the completion of said game to produce such evidence and a $200 bond to the Game Coordinator who will then investigate it immediately and rule within an hour of the protest. Should the evidence prove correct the game results will be overturned and the $200 returned. Should the evidence prove to be incorrect the losing team will forfeit the money and the game results will stand.

5.12 Ineligible Players

Should ineligible player(s) be determined at any time other than in Section 5.6 it will be result in a fine against the team in question (See Section 5.13) and removal of player(s) in question but results of the games will not be overturned.

5.13 Failure to Comply

Any blatant failure by the host league to comply with the requirements outlined in Section 5.0 or teams caught with any ineligible players will be subject to a $1000 fine which must be paid prior to the December Planning Meeting. An example of failing to comply would be an inappropriate facility as judged by the officials on-site. If a proven complaint is received in this area then a jury of three Board Members of Football Alberta would be convened to rule on the complaint and assess it accordingly within three days of the game in question. Failure to pay said fine will eliminate that league from further participation in Minor Provincials until the fine is paid.

Should any issues arise prior to hosting a game out of the control of the host league that may jeopardize the leagues ability to comply with Section 5.0 they are to contact the Technical Director immediately to seek his approval of any changes that may contradict Section 5.0. The TD would then be responsible for informing the other league/team and rule on exempting the host league in this particular case should the TD deem it reasonable.

6.0 Football Alberta Responsibilities

The Football Alberta office under the direction of the Technical Director will have responsibilities in the following areas:

· Coordinate a Planning Meeting each year in December which will include a session for the Minor Football Committee. This Committee will be made up of representatives from each participating league/association and designated Football Alberta minor representatives. The purpose of the meeting would be to plan the following years playoff structure for the Football Alberta Minor Provincials and deal with any issues from the previous years event.

· Produce a schedule of events for Minor Provincials that will be approved at the Football Alberta A.G.M. the last week of January each year.

· Invoice each league accordingly based on the number of teams entering provincials on the yearly fees as determined by the Minor Football Committee by June 1^st of each year with payment due by September 30^th.

· Send out the final schedule and hosting/travelling details to all members of the Minor Football Committee and/or League Presidents/Commissioners as well as Football Alberta’s Vice President of Officials by September 15^th or each season.

· Ensure collection of the trophies from the previous year’s champions by October 15^th of each season.

· Collect the numerical rosters from participating teams by the Tuesday prior to the first week of Minor Provincials and vet them against the rosters submitted for insurance. The discovery of any players missing on the insurance submission should be dealt with prior to game day (i.e. get them signed up and paid on the insurance roster) or the players should be ruled ineligible to participate.

· Through the Vice President of Officials coordinate assignment for all Football Alberta Minor Provincial Games and distribution of the PPM to all host sites and head referees.

· Communicate with the leagues as well as host and visiting teams to troubleshoot any problems in the week prior to any Minor Provincial games.

· Coordinate distribution of Trophies and Medallions to each host site for the final games for all Football Alberta Minor Provincials.

· Coordinate distribution of all Minor Provincial game results to media outlets from across the province within an hour of the completion of the last game on competition days.

· Coordinate distribution of the travel vouchers to eligible teams (see Section 8.0) as determined by the Minor Football Committee by November 30^th of each year.

7.0 Member League Responsibilities

· Send a representative to the Football Alberta Planning Meeting each December (preferably the President or Commisioner) to bring any issues to the table from the previous years event as well has assist in planning the schedule for the following season

Ensure that the invoice for Provincials participation is fully paid by September 30 of each season.
Upon completion of their leagues championships submit a numerical roster of all teams who have advanced to Minor Provincials into Football Alberta's office by the Tuesday following at the latest. Any player not listed on the Membership/Insurance form will be ineligible for provincial play unless dealt with immediately that week.

· In the case of hosted games book and pay for the venue that will be used for the game, and a pre-game practise (should the visiting team request one). The game facility must feature adequate heated dressing rooms, a scoreclock, and snow clearing capability (pre-game only).

· In the case of game where their team(s) are travelling, ensure that their teams are properly booked for transportation and are aware of the subsidies available to them for travel (see Section 8.0)

· Pay for the game officials (minimum 5 at $30.00/per person) at the end of the game. Football Alberta will assign the officials out of our office but you will pay for them.

· Provide Minor Officials (ie. stick crews, timers, p.a. announcers) for the game

· Provide a luncheon (ie. Sandwiches or pizza and pop) post game for both teams as a gesture of goodwill between leagues.

· Coordinate with the Game Coordinator (see Section 5.8) to report the scores immediately upon the completion of the game to the number provided by the Technical Director

8.0 Travel Subsidy

8.1 Amount of Subsidy

At all levels of Minor Provincials, Football Alberta will provide a travel voucher for travelling teams under the following conditions:

For all scheduled Quarter-Final Games there is a $500 travel voucher available which the travelling team can apply to either their team’s accommodation or travel costs for the trip.
For all scheduled Semi-Final Games there is no travel voucher available. Any travel support will be provided by the participating leagues for that game.
For all scheduled Championship Finals at all four Tiers there is a $1500 travel voucher available through Football Alberta which the travelling team can apply to either their team’s accommodation or travel costs for the trip.

8.2 Travel Subsidy Claim Procedure

Any travelling team eligible for a travel subsidy must claim it by the end of November in which Provincials are played. This can be done simply by submitting receipts to the Football Alberta office either by mail or FAX which total to an amount equal to or exceeded the specified voucher (see Section 8.1). There also must be notice of who or what association the subsidy check should be made out to. Failure to submit receipts by the specified time will result in forfeiture of the money.

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