Constitution
The name of this Association shall be the Brothers Football League. (Brothers For Life or BFL)
To establish a forum by which its members may gather and enjoy friendly, competitive, competition primarily but not limited to electronic video football.
The Constitution and Bylaws of the BFL exist for the purpose of codifying and facilitating the stated purpose, and to provide the means for change and amendments as needed.
Membership shall be open to any individuals who meet the qualifications set forth bylaws.
Any member that conducts himself in such a manner that brings disgrace or defaces the league while participating in a BFL function or representing The BFL shall be subject to suspension or possible dismissal from the league.
The BFL and all of its franchises shall be governed by this Constitution and the Bylaws.
The Officers of this organization shall be:
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
E. Administrator
A. The President shall be the only elected official.
B. The President has shall choose the members of The Executive Council as representatives of the membership. The President and his officers shall be responsible for the conduct of the business and finances of THE LEAGUE, except where such authority is specifically assigned by the Constitution and bylaws.
The President term shall last 3 years
Business of The League shall be conducted at general business meetings and Executive Council meetings.
The membership of The BFL shall have two (2) business meetings each year, one at preseason of the particular game year, and one during the off-season.
Executive Council Meetings shall be held when deemed necessary by members of the Council. Minutes shall be taken and freely distributed to the membership.
A. Quorum for the conduct of business at the General meetings shall consist of the voting members assembled. This shall be no less than 1/2 of the total membership of the BFL and the President. The President reserves the right to appoint a designee of the Executive Council to preside in his absence.
B. At least 3 of the 5 Executive Council members must be present at any council meeting in order for that meeting to deemed official with either the President or Vice President present and presiding. The President reserves the right to appoint a designee of the Executive Council to preside in his absence.
Voting members of THE LEAGUE are defined in the Bylaws. Each voting member shall have only one vote and may participate and vote in person or by official BFL absentee balloting.
The Executive Council shall have the power to provide revenue for itself, to control its property, to appropriate its funds, and to act as Trustees of all funds raised or contributed.
In case of emergency and for the good of the BFL, the President may withdraw and distribute no more than one hundred dollars ($100) from the treasury.
No member of the BFL or its Executive Council shall be authorized to make personal, or settle personal debts for any member in any amount of money from the Treasury, regardless of the reason(s). The BFL may however, in case of emergency, vote by a 2/3 majority to make donations to a brother in distress.
The Treasurer shall make full report at the regularly scheduled Executive Council meetings. He must pay all orders drawn on him by authority of the Executive Council. He must receive all funds of the BFL and immediately deposit them in the depository approved by the Executive Council. He must pay over to his successors in office all monies on hand, together with all books, papers, vouchers, securities and other possessions belonging to the BFL.
The Executive Council by recommendation of the Treasurer shall choose a bank for the depositing of BFL funds. The BFL shall have a checking account. Moneys may be disbursed by the orders of the President with the consent of the Executive Council. All BFL checks will have two signatures from among the following officers:
1. President
2. Treasurer
3. Secretary
Constitutional amendments shall require readings and approval by majority vote in one Executive Council meeting, followed by a majority vote at one of the General meetings.
Provisions for the amendments to the Bylaws and for the changes in the BFL Handbook are found in the Bylaws.
All amendments to and changes to the Constitution, Bylaws and BFL Handbook shall take effect immediately following approval.
All edits made by the President will be in writing and submitted to the Secretary Edits will be remanded to the BFL archives, and be available to any member during the next meeting after a request for review is made.
Although it is not necessary to wait until an Executive meeting for the President to pass down an edict, any edict must be read into the minutes at the next Executive Council meeting or the edict is void. No edict may conflict with the bylaws of the BFL. All edicts will remain affect until such time as the President rescinds them or an amendment is made to the BFL bylaws and/or constitution in such a way that they conflict.
ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Membership
Membership in the
BFL shall be under the following categories:
A. Veteran
B. Returning Veterans
C. Free Agents
D. Rookies
E. Assistant Coaches
SECTION 2. Eligibility
A. To be eligible for League play each member shall:
1. Be 21 years of age or above.
2. Be actively engaged in BFL competition.
3. Pay BFL dues thirty dollars ($30) every three months
4. Pay franchise fee of thirty-five dollars ($35)
5. Own current Game System and Software to be used for season.
6. Own or have available one (1) 19" or larger televisions for game play when needed. Members who will not be able to provide a television must pay an increased registration fee of fifty-five dollars ($55) and be responsible for a BFL television if loaned one.
7. Members that receive a BFL television are responsible for returning the television in a good working condition or replacing with a television of equal value to the original at the time of purchase.
B. Rights
1. May vote and hold office (except for rookies and assistant coaches).
2. May participate in all BFL sponsored activities.
3. Receives all BFL communications and other pertinent information.
SECTION 3. Assistant Coaches
A. To be eligible for League an expansion owner member shall:
1. Be 21 years of age or above.
2. Be actively engaged in BFL competition outside the season.
3. Have current BFL franchise fees of ten dollars ($10) paid.
4. Own current Game System and Software to be used for season.
5. Own or have available one (1) 19" or larger televisions for game play when needed.
6. Complete the application process, participate in the membership orientation program and be voted and accepted by a quorum vote of The BFL.
B. Rights
1. May not vote and or hold office.
2. May participate in all BFL sponsored activities.
3. Receives all BFL communications and other pertinent information.
SECTION 4. GENERAL STATEMENTS
A. Dues/Franchise Fees shall be submitted to the BFL Treasurer. The membership is from the start of the regular season to the start of the following regular season.
B. Each member shall be morally responsible for adherence to THE LEAGUE CODE OF ETHICS/DECORUM, which follows.
Members of THE LEAGUE are expected to:
1. Conduct their business and personal affairs on the highest ethical and professional level.
2. Treat all League members impartially.
3. Refrain from destructive criticism of other franchises.
4. Strive to maintain the highest possible competitive standards and practices.
5. Uphold the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules of the BFL.
The BFL shall be apportioned in order to facilitate balance within the organization
A. The BFL is divided into NFL conferences and divisions.
B. In the event of a resignation by an owner, that owner relinquishes all rights and powers of the said team to the Executive Council. All games prior to the resignation shall be valid as recorded
C. A BFL member in good standing may select any franchise that has not currently owned by Executive Council.
SECTION 1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. President
1. Chief executive officer of the BFL.
2. Member of the Executive Council
3. Ex-officio member of all committees.
4. Empowered to:
a. Conduct business meetings of THE LEAGUE.
b. Establish agendas and conduct meetings of the Executive Council.
c. Call special meetings of the BFL and/or the Executive Council
d. Create and appoint special committees or task forces.
e. Appoint committee chairpersons.
f. Levy fines where empowered in the Bylaws and Handbook.
g. Disburse emergency funds
h. Disburse BFL Monies
B. Vice President
1. Serves in the absence of the President
2. Member of the Executive Council
3. Sergeant-At-Arms for all general Business Meetings
4. Spokes Person for the BFL
C. Secretary
1. Performs duties as established by the Executive Council as agreed.
2. Such duties may include but are not limited to:
a. Maintains membership records
b. Schedules all BFL events
c. Handles all BFL correspondence
d. Records and distributes minutes of the Executive Council and General Business Meetings.
e. Prepares league news.
f. Serves as a member of Executive Council
D. Treasurer
1. Collects dues/franchise fees for THE LEAGUE.
2. Presents THE LEAGUE with all financial statements and documents.
3. Serves as chief fiscal officer.
E. Administrator
1. Member of Executive Council.
2. In charge of maintenance of BFL Statistical records.
SECTION 2. UNCOMPLETED
TERMS
If any officer is unable to complete the term of office, the President should select a replacement to fill the uncompleted term.
SECTION 1. FUNCTION
A. All committees serve in an advisory capacity to the President and the Executive Council. Committees shall implement policies as directed by the Council.
B. The President is empowered to appoint special committees and task forces to deal with specific areas of interest not covered by standing committees.
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
Where criteria are specified in the Bylaws, committee chairpersons select the membership of committees from members of THE LEAGUE based on a conference representation.
SECTION 3. TERM OF SERVICE
A. Membership on all standing committees shall be for a term of one (1) year. The chairperson shall appoint members to fill expired terms.
SECTION 4. CHAIRPERSONS
The President shall appoint chairpersons of standing committees for a one (3) year term commensurate with his term of office. The President shall appoint chairpersons to fill expired terms.
SECTION 5. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Reports of committee proceedings shall be sent to the Secretary for dissemination to the Executive Council no fewer that seven (7) days prior to the General Business meetings.
SECTION 6. ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES
A. COMPETITION COMMITTEE
Organization:
The committee shall be chaired by the President and be composed of a representative from each conference.
Duties:
1. Review and make recommendations concerning all in game rules and procedures.
2. Review competitive nature of BFL games.
3. Act as agent of the Executive Council in reviewing all concerns brought to the Council concerning BFL events and to make recommendations to the appropriate agency.
B. ETHICS/DECORUM COMMITTEE
Organization:
Chairperson (Executive Director) and two (2) members, each equally representing the AFC and the NFC.
Duties:
1. To receive and investigate concerns of unethical actions, using adopted procedures.
2. To report concerns of conduct unbecoming a member of The BFL.
3. To report to the Executive Council the findings of the Committee and to recommend appropriate disposition.
Notification of business meetings shall be made at least seven (7) days prior to convening of that meeting via written, electronic, or verbal communication stating the date, time and place of the meeting.
All Executive Council and General Business Meetings shall observe the following agenda:
A. Call
To Order
B. Reading
of the Minutes
C. Report
of the Treasurer
D. Reading
of Communications
E. Reports
of Standing Committees
F. Reports
of Special Committees
G. Unfinished
Business
H. New
Business
I. Election
of Officers
J. Good
And Welfare of the Association
K. Adjournment
Roberts “Rules of Order” shall govern the meetings of THE LEAGUE in all cases where said rules do not conflict with the Constitution, Bylaws and Handbook of the BFL.
THE LEAGUE sponsors the following activities and events:
BFL Football Games (season games, tournaments etc.)
BFL Meetings
BFL Socials (picnics, bowling tournaments, golf, basketball or other outings)
Awards will be in the form of a trophy or certificates provided by the BFL.
1. The Terry Harps BFL Championship Trophy - Awarded to the team that wins the Super Bowl.
2. Conference Championship Trophy - Awarded to teams that win the Conference Championship Game.
3. The Community Service Award - Presented to the outstanding Coach of the Year as determined by vote of the membership.
4. Coach
of the Year - Presented to the outstanding Coach of the Year as determined
by vote of the membership.
5. Rookie of the Year
6. Offensive Player of the Year
7. Defensive
Player of the Year
AMENDMENTS to the Bylaws of THE LEAGUE shall require readings and approval by majority vote in one (1) Executive Council meeting, followed by a reading and approval by majority vote at a General Business Meeting.
SECTION 2. CHANGES IN THE HANDBOOK
A. Changes in the Handbook shall require approval by a majority vote of the Executive Council, followed by a reading and a majority vote at a General Business meeting.
B. Changes in the Handbook that are introduced by a motion from the floor at a General Business meeting shall require a two-thirds vote of the assembly for passage.
HANDBOOK OF THE BFL
Section 1. GENERAL
RULES:
General rules for conduct of meetings are found in ARTICLE III of the Constitution and ARTICLE VII of the Bylaws.
Section 2. PROCESS OF MOTIONS
Procedures for the conduct of Business Meetings are:
1. Motions from the floor shall be submitted verbally or in writing to the chair for presentation to the assembly.
2. Voting members may do so by signal or by voting cards if so desired by the chair.
3. Election of Officers require vote by secret ballot.
4. Proxy voting is allowed by Veterans only.
5. Criteria for passage of motions dealing with Constitution changes are found in ARTICLE VIII of the Constitution.
6. Criteria for passage of motions dealing with Bylaws and Handbook changes are found in ARTICLE VIII of the Bylaws.
Section 3. GENERAL CONDUCT OF A LEAGUE MEMBER
Each League member is expected to display conduct of an exemplary standard. Good sportsmanship, League honor, respect and pride are character traits expected from all members. The President reserves the right to levy fines of up to $50.00 based on the recommendations of the Ethics/Decorum committee for conduct deemed unbecoming a League member.
Section 1. ORGANIZATION
A. ALIGNMENT
Participation in BFL games is set by NFL alignment.
B. PARITY
In an effort to keep competition balanced, THE LEAGUE may vote on realignment on a yearly basis. Such realignment must follow the rules thus set in the Bylaws ARTICLE II.
Section 2. SCHEDULING
A. The BFL Administrator Director will do the scheduling for THE LEAGUE. Each team shall be scheduled at least two games against all division opponents and one game against all other members.
B. All Games shall be played according to the scheduled dates and times and established by the BFL Administrator Director. However, games not played according to the official BFL schedule must be rescheduled and played before the Wednesday of the following week with game statistics being turned in before Thursday. If the opponent does not play the said game before the stated deadline, the game shall be forfeited with the player responsible for rescheduling receiving a loss with the winner’s average stats. The player that is late or absent is responsible for making the necessary arrangements to reschedule the game. If both coaches cannot mutually establish a time for the game to be rescheduled, it shall result in loss for the coach who missed the first BFL scheduled date, with the results being deemed final. In addition THE LEAGUE recommends that all games be played according to the schedule, HOWEVER, if two teams mutually agree to play ahead of schedule or make up missed games, THE LEAGUE shall not be held liable for any misunderstandings or miscommunications that result. Therefore any disputes made to the Executive Council concerning this scenario shall be heard and ruled upon by the Council with that decision being final. Games may not be played more than one scheduled event ahead of time, unless approved by the Executive Council. (i.e. if THE LEAGUE is in week 3, games scheduled for week 4 may not be played until week 3 games have been played the following week.)
C. Game statistics should be turned in at the conclusion of each contest on BFL game night. Each team is responsible for verifying the statistics before submitting them to the Administrator. Make up games statistics should be turned in no later than Thursday of the following week.
D. THE LEAGUE recommends that all games be played according to the schedule, HOWEVER, if two teams mutually agree to play ahead of schedule, THE LEAGUE shall not be held liable for any misunderstandings or miscommunications that may result. Therefore any disputes made to the Executive Council concerning this scenario shall be heard and ruled upon by the Council with that decision being final
Section 1.
HARDWARE
Competition shall occur using Sony Playstation 2 units with the standard manufactures joysticks that are shipped with the unit. Any joystick other than those shipped with the unit or an exact duplicate must be approved by the Executive Council. Joysticks that create any type of advantage as deemed by the Executive Council, shall be prohibited from use.
Section 2. SOFTWARE
Official League Sanctioned Seasons will only be played on the most recent version of John Madden Football by EA Sports. Season must be started and completed under the same version. If a new version of Madden Football becomes available to consumers during a season in which the current version becomes the older, the said season shall be completed under the version in which it was initiated.
Section 3. GAME LENGTH
BFL regular season and exhibition games shall be set to five-minute quarters. Playoff and Championship games shall be scheduled at:
First Round – 6 min
Second Round – 7 min
Championship – 8 min
Section 4. GAME SETTINGS
Game Settings - any feature that may be adjusted to manipulate the overall performance of the game itself. These settings may be identified as, but are not limited to: Skill Level, Camera Angles, Player Sizes, Game Speed, Weather Conditions, Momentum, Injuries, Fatigue, Penalties, Artificial Intelligence, and any other features not listed herein that may be manipulated as deemed so by the Executive Council. Games not played according to the prescribed settings shall be considered null and void if revealed during a BFL game at any point before the start of the third quarter regardless of the score. After the kick-off of the second half, all games must be played in its entirety and those results shall be made final, regardless of the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any game setting. This includes but is not limited to weather conditions, camera angles, skill levels or any other setting as properly defined.
Skill Level - All BFL games shall be set to and played on the Madden Level.
Camera Angles - The official view for all BFL games shall be the Madden Cam
Other Game Settings - All BFL games shall be played with default game settings.
Weather Conditions – During set BFL weather weeks throughout the season the weather conditions will be determined by the roll of a “Weather Dice”. Home teams can select Day/Evening/Dusk/Night time of day prior to kickoff. The weather conditions must be within League guidelines as established the Competition Committee. Games not played according to the prescribed weather conditions shall be considered null and void if revealed before the start of the third quarter. After the kick-off of the second half all games played in its entirety and those results will be made final, regardless of the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any game setting.
·
Fair/Wind/Rain/Snow
options will be available on 4 sided Dice
· Playoffs --------Fair & Day Conditions only
Section 5. TEAM ROSTERS
The NFL week 1 rosters determine the BFL rosters for the year. NFL trades will be tracked during the BFL season. Whatever movements the NFL has the BFL will emulate. Injuries will not be tracked. If a player is not on the roster in Week 1 he will not be allowed to play. This rule does not apply to players injured or retired after the first week.
Section 6. USER PROFILES/MEMORY CARDS
Teams may use user profile cards to expedite the setting of audibles and substitutions.
Section 7. VIDEO
TAPING/SCOUTING
Optional video taping of League games is permissible. However, all video equipment must be set up at least five minutes prior to kick-off, or immediately after the conclusion of the preceding game. Delaying the start of a game to assemble scouting equipment is prohibited. Violators shall be referred to the Executive Board committee for disciplinary action.
Section 8. GENERAL DECORUM
a. Coaching, suggestions, or helpful hints whether verbally or by gesture, are not allowed during a BFL game. Violators shall be referred to the Executive Board committee for disciplinary action.
b. The guests allowed at BFL sanctioned events must be accompanied by a League member in good standing (active or honorary). Guest must not interfere in any way with the operations of a BFL event or they may be asked to leave by the Vice President. The accompanying member of this guest shall be referred to the Executive Board Committee for appropriate disciplinary action.
c. Walking in front of the game monitor (TV) while the game is in progress is considered a MAJOR infraction of League decorum and may result in that individual being recommended to the Executive Board committee for a fine.
d. Audibles and game substitutions are permissible at the start of the game, and at halftime without penalty. Audibles and Substitutions are not set.
e. Smoking is prohibited inside the arena of all BFL events.
f. As a courtesy coaches should arrive to their scheduled games at least 15 minutes prior to kickoff.
g. Players may file a grievance with the Presidents Office at any time should concerns of decorum or of an ethical nature arise.
Section 9. GAME STOPPAGE
Any player stopping the game at any point during the game whether advertent or inadvertent must call a time out. Once a timeout has been called, a player has a maximum of sixty (60) seconds to spend that timeout in whatever manner so desired. In the event that the player committing the infraction does not have any time outs remaining, the following must occur:
1. If the player committing the infraction is on defense he must take a mandatory encroachment penalty until the offense receives an automatic first down.
2. If the player committing the infraction is on offense he must take two mandatory “Delay of Game” penalties. (a 10 yard loss) If the stoppage causes the offense to relinquish the ball to the opponent (i.e. fourth down situation or turnover), and the offending player is now on offense, that player must take four stop clock plays to relinquish the ball back to the opponent.
3. If this infraction is at the end of a game whereby the consequences cannot be enforced, the game shall be referred to the Executive Council. The Council shall issue a resolution as to how the game shall end, or if it is to be replayed and that decision shall be FINAL.
Section 10. GAME MALFUNCTIONS
In the unlikely event of a game system malfunction that is determined to be unavoidable, a winner shall be declared by the following guidelines:
a. There is a 28-point or more lead at any point in the game beyond the start of the fourth quarter.
b. If there is at least a 21-point lead at in point inside the two-minute warning.
c. If neither of the above scenarios apply, the game shall be referred to the Executive Council for resolution, with the decision rendered being final."
Section 11. PLAYOFFS
A. Each team shall complete the regular season schedule as prescribed by the BFL. At the completion of the regular season, the top six teams in each conference will be eligible for playoff play (Three division winners and the Three remaining best records. The first round shall be designated as the Wild Card Playoff Round. Two of the Three Division champions with the best record shall have a bye in this round. The second round shall be the Divisional round whereby the highest seed must play the lowest seed, regardless of division or ranking.
B. In the event that less than 12 franchises are available for play, the playoff system shall be redesigned by the Executive Council and brought to the membership for approval.