2025 BSFL Rule-Book:

The League Competition Committee 
​The league competition committee will consist of all current team owners. League rules pertaining to in game play will be voted on and established by the competition committee in December.

League Fees and Deposits
The current season fee for BSFL is $300 per team. $50 of the league fee is a scheduling deposit and it will be due at designated time before the season starts. The $50 will be applied to payors $300 league. The remaining balance for league fees will due by April 25th, or a payment plan must be established. A failure to meet financial obligations can result in league disciplined up to and including dismissal from the league. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid to BSFL in the form of a credit card or cash.  No other form of payment is accepted!
Note:  The purpose of this document is to state, as clearly as possible, the intention of the league to maintain an organized and safe season for each team.  The rules have been established to clearly guide each team in this endeavor; however, any and all rules are subject to be defined and applied by the board and/or commissioner as they see fit at any time.  The board and commissioner are the final say in any and all disputes or discrepancies.

Code of Conduct

The team owners of the BSFL will be held to a higher standard. Team owners will refrain from any actions or conduct that is unbecoming of a team owner. "Unbecoming" means any actions or conduct that is undesirable, unattractive, or detracts from the reputation of the league, the leagues players, the teams owners, and coaches in the league. This conduct includes but is not limited to calling into question the integrity of other teams and/or the league, bashing players, or the league including teams via social media, and fighting. These violations can be electronic or in person. The first offense will be a fine not to exceed $75. The team will not be allowed to compete until the fine is paid.  The second offense will result in the dismissal of the owner and his or her team from the BSFL.

The players and staff in the BSFL will also be held to a higher standard. Players and coaches will refrain from any actions or conduct that are unbecoming of a player and or staff. "Unbecoming" means any actions or conduct that is undesirable, unattractive, or detracts from the reputation of the league. This conduct includes but is not limited to coaches and players calling in to question the leagues integrity, hurting the leagues public reputation, bashing the league on social media, and using drugs or drinking at a league sanctioned event whether it be before, after or during the event. These violations can be electronic or in person. The first offense will be a fine not to exceed $75. The second offense will result in the dismissal of the player or coach from the BSFL.

Rules of the Game and Modifications
The BSFL will use NCAA Rules (Modification NFL Down By Contact and NFL Catch Rules) and Leather NCAA Game Balls. No composite leather balls will be allowed during official league play.

Team Divisions
 The BSFL has been broken into three regions.  The regions will be aligned as to create the most economically efficient and geographically conductive arrangements so as to minimize excessive burden on any one group of teams.  The schedule within and among the regions will be assembled based on distance and utilize the best effort to minimize travel.  

Owner’s Contract and Responsibilities
A team owner MUST pay schedule deposit and enter a verbal contract before any new or existing team can participate in the BSFL.   All contracts are valid for one (1) year the league year ends the day after the league championship game is completed .  By entering this verbal contract, the owner is committing to abide by the following rules:

1. Having a home field with a signed document from the local school, park and recreations dept. or private stadium granting permission to use the field to play football.  A copy of this document MUST be submitted to the Commissioner upon request.
2. All league fees and fines will be paid on time as specified by the Commissioner. A failure to meet this standard will result in a forfeit loss.
3. An owner will be held responsible for the conduct of the team while participating in the BSFL. (includes all players, coaches, and staff)
4. Owner is responsible for ensuring the head coach follows all rules and regulations and enforces said rules during each game.
5. A representative from the team will attend ALL league meetings unless excused by the league.
6. Understand that if there is an issue with any game, there is a statute of limitations for complaints.  There is a window of one (1) week from the start time of said game.  No protest or complaint will be entertained after this time. 
7. Owner, along with the head coach, will check the website  weekly to ensure the game scores were posted correctly and the team rankings are accurate.  Statute of limitations is one week from the start time of the game.  After this time, all rankings and scores are considered correct and will NOT be changed.  If a protest/complaint is submitted and is deemed valid by the Commissioner, then a case will remain open until the commissioner makes a decision and finalizes the outcome of said case.
8. Each team is required to maintain a website and/or Facebook page. 
9. Code of Conduct-As an owner of a BSFL team, you will be expected to act as professional. Any unprofessional conduct can and will lead to suspension
10. Owners are responsible for informing players and coaches of any information pertinent to their season and/or more specifically their games.  It is NOT the leagues responsibility to handle players in regards the dissemination of information. 
11. Player complaints/issues should follow proper channels of 1. Coach, 2. Head Coach, 3. Owner, and (if absolutely necessary) 4. Commissioner.
12. Obscene language during the game by players, coaches, staff, and/or sideline guests will NOT be accepted. 

If for any reason any of the league policies are broken after entering the the verbal contract, the owner understands that he/she, as well as any person associated with their organization, is now subject to fines, suspensions, and possible removal from the league as deemed necessary by the Commissioner.  If a team is removed from the league during the current season and desires to re-enter the league the following season, then the team must be first in good standing with the league having paid all fees/penalties associated with the removal.  Each owner accepts responsibility for his/her team and all issues regarding the team or players.

Home Team Responsibilities
Prior to the game:  The home team must send the visiting team all of the information regarding the upcoming game.  This includes but is not limited to…roster, kickoff time, field address, uniform selection and what the home team will or will not be providing.  The information MUST be delivered text or email by the Thursday  prior to the game by 10:00pm.  **Reminder: Home team will wear the darker jersey, UNLESS HOME EXPRESSLY STATES THEIR INTENTIONS TO WEAR WHITE.
Game Day: 

1. A coach or owner must meet the visiting team upon their arrival (1 hour before kickoff time). 
2. Provide 40lbs of ice and a proper place to fill water coolers. 
3. Provide a map showing the route to the nearest hospital along with the hospital’s contact info.
4. The roster check will be performed by the head coaches 1 hour before kickoff (remember to have picture IDs ready for the roster check). IF BOTH TEAMS AGREE TO NOT HAVE A ROSTER CHECK THEN NO PROTEST OF A ROSTER CAN BE FILED FOR SAID GAME.
5. Time clock keeper, officials, chain crew are to be provided by the home team. Security or cops are REQUIRED for games. All field requirements must have been provided/met.
6. It is highly recommended that the home team have an EMT or certified trainer/nurse available during games.

Visiting Team Responsibilities
**Reminder:  Visiting team will wear the lighter jersey, UNLESS HOME TEAM CHOOSES TO WEAR WHITE.
Game Day:  The visiting team must arrive 1 hours prior to kickoff time.  The roster check will be performed by the head coaches 1 hour before kickoff (remember to have picture IDs ready for the roster check).
Post Game:  The visiting team must clean all areas that were utilized by the team. 
              
Uniforms
A player must be wearing the following to be eligible for play:

1. Helmet
2. Jersey representing home/away
3. Shoulder pads
4. Pants (including pads)
5. Socks
6. Appropriate footwear

Each team must have complete uniforms that include helmet, jersey (one light and one dark), pants, and socks for each player on the roster. All Uniforms must match in color. Uniforms of a set must be identical and contain numerals on front and back of each jersey (at least 8”).  The dark color jersey will designate home and the light color jersey will designate visitor.  All undergarments must match team colors as presented to the league (ie:  compression garments, under shirts, etc).  If undergarment does not match, then player will be given the opportunity to remove said garment or there will be consequences including but not limited to fines and possible suspension from the game.  Each and every player must match on game day or the players will NOT play.  Coaches, staff, and anyone on the sidelines must wear either a team polo shirt or t-shirt preferably designated with a team logo, but at least team colors.  Injured or inactive players standing on sidelines MUST wear jersey over street clothes and be dressed in a manner appropriate to represent the team.  Uniform issues must be brought to the commissioner’s attention no less than three (2) days prior to the game in question by the team having the issue.  It is strongly recommended that players wear the proper equipment, but if players choose to not wear thigh or knee pads they are doing so at their own risk and the league will NOT be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result of not wearing these pads.

Player & Staff Code of Conduct
The players and staff in the BSFL will also be held to a higher standard. Players and coaches will refrain from any actions or conduct that are unbecoming of a player and or staff. "Unbecoming" means any actions or conduct that is undesirable, unattractive, or detracts from the reputation of the league. This conduct includes but is not limited to coaches and players calling in to question the leagues integrity, hurting the leagues public reputation, bashing the league on social media, and using drugs or drinking at a league sanctioned event whether it be before, after or during the event. These violations can be electronic or in person. The first offense will be a fine not to exceed $75. The second offense will result in the dismissal of the player or coach from the BSFL.



Insurance
liability insurance for stadiums is highly recommend.  It is highly recommended that players purchase supplemental insurance for themselves.  The BSFL is not liable or responsible for any player that is injured during BSFL competition or at a BSFL sanctioned event.  All teams must have every player sign a medical release and waiver before they play.

Field

1. Field must be a standard NCAA regulation size—120 yards by 53.3 yards.
2. Goal post must be the standard NCAA or traditional “H” design and made of the proper steel material.  GOAL POSTS MADE OF PVC PIPING ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
3. All goal posts will have goal post pads on them if possible.
4. Field will be lined at least two (2) hours prior to kickoff and cleared of any debris.
5. Field will have correct sideline markers and end zone pylons.  Orange cones are NOT acceptable and considered a safety hazard to players.
6. Field will be, at minimum, a sports complex field.​
7. If a field does not have lights then the league will approve the field. All playoff venues must have lights and a operating scoreboard.
8. Must have some for of electronic scoreboard approved by the league.
9. Must have adequate facilities for teams to change such as restrooms.  Showers are optional.
10. Adequate parking and restroom facilities for spectators.
11. There must be at least a 5 yard buffer zone around the field starting from the out of bounds extending outward to keep fans from being near or on the field unless a natural barrier is already in place.

​Game Day Operations

1. Visiting team must arrive at the game field no later than one(1) hours before kickoff time.
2. Roster check will be performed no later than 30 minutes prior to kickoff unless both teams agree to not roster check.
3. Visiting team sidelines must be defined before the visiting team arrives.
4. Visiting team must be allowed access to the field one (1) hour prior to kickoff.
5. Home team will have in place the time clock keeper, officials, chain crew, security and all other field requirements must be met.
6. A team that is forty-five (45) minutes or more late past kickoff time or does not start the game within 45 minutes of the original kickoff time may be fined an amount to be determined by the commissioner after reviewing the violation. The commissioner reserves the right to extend the time window, but the window will not exceed 1 hr and 10 minutes from the original kickoff time.   The game will be considered a forfeit for the violating team if the game exceeds the time limit.  Possible exceptions to this rule include situations beyond the team’s control as long as the team has made every effort to keep the opposing team notified of the situation.  ie: bus breaking down, weather conditions, road hazards, etc. 
7. If an individual player is late they have until the start of the third (3rd) quarter before declared ineligible.  Player is still subject to roster check. 
8. Game clock will have fifteen (15) minute quarters and a ten(10) minute halftime break.
9. It is highly recommended that the home team have an EMT or certified trainer/nurse available during the game.
10. Sidelines are restricted to team personnel only and MUST be wearing proper attire and/or a visible identifying pass signifying which team they represent.
11. Special guests and VIPs are allowed on the sidelines with proper identification (visible identifying pass), but not in the team area.
12. All press should have a designated area and wear a pass.​
13. No local (Under 2 hrs and 30 minutes distance) game shall start before 5:00 pm , and no non-local game (Over 2hrs and 30 minutes distance) shall start before 6:00 pm unless both team agree to an earlier time. If both teams agree to an earlier time they must contact the commissioner for approval.  No games shall start later than 7:30 pm unless approved by the league.
14. Manufactured noise will not be allowed except during timeouts, pre game and halftime. This means music, fake crowd noise, bands, and any noise manufactured by an organization or its designees will not be allowed except during timeouts. Teams found to be using manufactured noise outside of the designated times will be subject to punishment including but not limited to a forfeit.
15. Headset are allowed for players and coaches during game play.

Player Eligibility

1. Must be 18 years of age or older by the date of the first official team practice. Players 17 years  of age must sign a waiver in order to play.
2. Must be out of high school.
3. Must have signed a league waiver and contract. 
4. Must be in good standing with the league and team.  For example: all uniforms turned into previous teams, suspensions fulfilled, no monies owed previous teams, and has been released from previous team with release forms on file with the league.
5. Cannot have two (2) contracts in the current year.  One (1) team = One (1) contract. Plays shall not participate in two leagues at the same time.

• Must have a legal ID present at all games for roster check reasons.  ID name must match name on roster.  No nicknames on IDs.  No ID = No playing.  NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Must be in full uniform with same color helmet, pants, jersey, and socks in order to play. Failure to wear match uniforms may result in forfeit for the violating players team.
• If an individual player is late they have until the start of the third (3rd) quarter before declared ineligible.  Player is still subject to roster check with opposing team’s head coach before the start of third (3rd) quarter. If a player reaches the game after kickoff he or she will not play the first half of the game unless approved by the commissioner or opposing team.  
• If a player’s team cannot complete the season (team folds or leaves the league), then the player cannot play on another team unless it is before the roster cutoff dates.  This is not to penalize the player, it is simply because rosters cannot be changed after the specified date.
• Obscene language during the game by players, coaches, staff, and/or sideline guests will NOT be accepted.

Rosters

1. Teams may have a up to 60 players roster (53 Active and 7 inactive).
2. All teams will have a roster emailed to the BSFL by the date published by the commisioner.  The roster cutoff will be April 12th at 11:59pm.  Rosters will reopen for an Drop/Replace period April 26th at Midnight  and close permanently on May 1st at 11:59pm. NO ACCEPTIONS!!  Missing the cutoff date will result in fines for each week not turned in. The team that fails to turn in the roster will forfeit their games every week until turned in or team is released from league. 
3. Each teams roster will be posted on the league website.
4. Names on roster must match IDs.  Nicknames will NOT be accepted!
5. Teams using players that are not on the roster may be penalized to a severity of being removed from the league.
6. Roster check-in is mandatory and will be performed at all games. All roster check-ins will be emailed to [email protected] no later than Monday by 1:00 pm following the game.  Failure to send in the roster check-in could result in players not playing in the playoffs and/or championship games.

Game Conduct
All fines listed are subject to change at the discretion of the commissioner.  The following are merely guidelines.  No player may return to play until all fines are paid in full.  The head referee may “call” a game at any time if he/she feels the continuation of play is dangerous in any way.

Basic Fines

1. 1st Offense –  one (1) game suspension
2. 2nd Offense – two (2) game suspension
3. 3rd Offense – Suspension of the season

​Fighting
The league will NOT tolerate fighting and will handle each accusation of fighting thoroughly.  All photography and video imagery will be collected and analyzed.  The aggressor will be the one fined and suspended with the upmost severity; however, if a player fights back there will be consequences as well.  The commissioner will determine when a fight is considered a “team fight”.  The instigating team will receive a forfeit and the board will determine the future of said team with the league.  All video and photographic submissions will be considered. Any attempts to fight pre and/or post game can and will be subject to punishment.

1. 1st Offense –  5+ (FIVE) game suspension
2. 2nd Offense – Suspension for remainder of season and possible expulsion from the league permanently.

Ejections
Ejections will be analyzed by the board to determine if discipline of the ejected player(s) is necessary. 
​Players using inappropriate language and or racial slur will be ejected from the game and subject to suspension.
Players who are ejected from a game must exit the premises.

Threats
Referees must be notified immediately if there are threats being made.  Referees must then notify the head coaches of both teams competing.  If threats continue, the player will be ejected and police called. Threatening any referee, coach, or any member of the league  will result in a very serious fine, suspension, and/or ban from the league. 

Taunting
Taunting of the opposing team, staff, and players will NOT be tolerated.  Both the instigator and responder can be ejected.  Referees may take action during the game and the league will analyze the situation and may take further action after the game. 

​Language and Crowd interaction
1. Any player that uses excessive foul language or any racial slurs will be ejected from  the game and also subjected to suspension or fines.
2. Players shall not interact with fans or enter the stands once the contest begins. Any player who violates this rule will be subject to fines and suspension

Injuries
If a player is injured, the procedure to follow is each healthy player is to return quietly to their huddle and remain quiet while the injured player is attended to.  Kneeling while the injured player is attended to is considered good sportsmanship and is encouraged.  Celebrating and raucous behavior that occurs while an injured player is being attended to shows no class and may result in league action.

Forfeits
Forfeit wins are equal to a true win.  Forfeit wins can have an effect on the rankings of a team when playoff positions are determined. A forfeit loss will be equal to a real loss  and an additional 2% will be subtracted from the forfeiting teams win percentage. The following situations will result in a forfeit:

1. Hosting team does not have a field to play on by THURSDAY of the game week.
2. Field is deemed unsafe by the head referee, the opposing team, and the commissioner.
3. Field is not properly lined to league specifications and/or is missing such equipment as down markers, chains, or goal posts as required by the league.
4. A team using an ineligible player.
5. Team not meeting financial obligations to the league by the league mandated dates.
6. Acts of nature, vehicle malfunction, and/or the school board overriding field usage for a specific game (not for the season) will not result in a penalization on the.  All attempts to reschedule will be made.
7. If a forfeit occurs due to irresponsibility (including team absence), the team will be held responsible for financial losses occurred. 
8. Forfeit scores will be 6-0.
9. More than 2 forfeits may result in fines and/or removal from the league.

Tie Breakers

1. Head to Head.
2. Overall Record (Win Percentage)
3. Average Points Allowed.
4. Average Points Scored.
5. Coin Toss​

Game Balls
All game balls will be NCAA official balls.  Full leather and official weight and size.  Each team is responsible for bringing official balls to the game.  If a team does not have the official football as specified by the league rules, then a ball will have to be purchased from the opposing team.  All balls must be inspected by the head official before the game, at halftime, and periodically during the game. Non-Full leather balls must be approved by the league.

Venue Change, Date Change, Time Change
In the event the host team or the visiting team is seeking a venue, date, or time change of a league scheduled game, the following process must happen:

1.  Any schedule conflict should be worked out prior to the season starting between the two teams and the commissioner.
2. If a situation arises the opposing team and the league commissioner are to be contacted no less than two (2) weeks before the scheduled contest in writing if the game needs to be moved to a new date and one (1) week if it is a time change or venue change but keeping the original date.
3. There will be no swapping of home or away dates without league approval.
4. In the event a final decision cannot be reached between the teams then the commissioner will have the final say on the date and time change.  Any noncompliance by either team after a decision is made by the commissioner can result in a forfeit.​

Protested Games

1. Games can be protested for administrative reasons.  (ex: illegal player)
2. Games can be protested because of an official’s error IF it changes the outcome of the game.
3. Improper marking of the field, player out of uniform, illegal ball, number of officials…are NOT reasons for a protest.  These examples should be addressed before the game starts.

Teams that wish to protest a game must first notify the head official before the game starts (if possible) and then notify the commissioner within 24 hours and explain the incident in writing.  Valid protests will be handled by the board and appropriate action will be taken.

Officials

1.  All teams must use TASO officials for a game.
2. All officials must understand that the BSFL game rules
3. Each game will have a minimum of four (4) officials
4. Officials will need to report to the field one (1) hour before the game starts for pregame meeting.  It is important to have a dressing room available for the pregame meeting.  A representative from the hosting team needs to be present to assure the officials are not disturbed. 
5. Officials will report to their locker room during halftime and the representative will again insure the officials are not disturbed.
6. Players will NOT argue or threaten the officials at any time.

Championship
The championship game will be hosted by the league.  The winner of the championship game will receive a trophy for the team, medals, and a chance to host the all-star game at their stadium and keep all profits from the game.

****The conduct rules listed in this Rule-Book are the basic guidelines for punishment and the league owner has the authority to issue more or less severe punishment at his own discretion. ****