CHESTERFIELD QUARTERBACK LEAGUE

 

2006 BY-LAWS

(Amended April 13, 2004)
CHESTERFIELD QUARTERBACK LEAGUE

 

 

Article I

Name - Organization

Article XIII

League games schedule

Article II

Purpose

Article XIV

Protests, complaints, disciplinary action, suspension appeals, and penalties

Article III

Definitions

Article XV

Insurance

Article IV

Officers and secretary-treasurer

Article XVI

Playing rules

Article V

Board of coaches

Article XVII

Officials

Article VI

Duties of officers and secretary-treasurer

Article XVIII

Chesterfield Quarterback League Variations

Article VII

Executive Committee

Article XIX

Playing Field

Article VIII

New Associations

Article XX

Conduct (adult team personal)

Article IX

Coaching requirements

Article XXI

Voting

Article X

Player Eligibility for certification

Article XXII

Cheerleaders

Article XI

Registration

Article XXIII

Effective Date

Article XII

Practice and Exhibition Games

Appendix I

Appendix II

Appendix III

Appendix IV

Equipment

Flag Football

Chesterfield County School Feeder Chart                                        

Team Colors

 

ARTICLE I - NAME - ORGANIZANON

 

1.1          The name of the Association shall be "The Chesterfield Quarterback League": hereafter, this shall be referred to as "The League."

 

2.1          The League is the basic unit or organization and is the highest authority. Unless approved by the Board of Coaches, personnel serve on a non-compensated basis.

 

3.1          The League shall consist of the several Athletic Associations representing the various Elementary School Districts of Chesterfield County. Suspend this requirement only with regard to Powhatan Youth Association.(Amended 1984)

 

4.1          The League shall be composed of two or more geographic divisions.

 

5.1          Football, as sponsored by the League, is played in three classifications known as Minor, Junior, and Senior Division.

 

6.1          All Associations of the Chesterfield Quarterback League shall field at least one team in all Divisions of the League: however, any additional entries must be one in each Division.

 

7.1          The Bylaws of all Associations shall be consistent with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of the League, and a copy of current Bylaws shall be on file with the League. (Added 1987)

 

ARTICLE II- PURPOSE

1.1          To draw Athletic Associations from the several sections of Chesterfield County into closer fellowship through the participation in a County-wide football Program.  Suspend this requirement only with regard to Powhatan Youth Association. (Amended 1984)

 

2.1            To promote an organized Youth Football Program on a basis where good and fair play will be practiced by all participants at all time.

 

3.1          To teach youngsters, through playing experience, the fundamentals of football teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship.

 

4.1          To take into consideration the health, welfare and ability of each individual participant.

5.1          To see that every team member up to a minimum of 25 will participate if uninjured in each game during the regular season

 

 

ARTICLE III - DEFINITIONS

 

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and the application of these Bylaws

 

1.1          Deputy Commissioner - shall mean the Deputy Commissioner of the League.

 

2.1          Assist Division Commissioners - shall mean the Assistants to the two Division Commissioners.

 

3.1          Association - shall mean the Athletic Associations that make up the League. It shall also include- the organizations of Bellwood and Harrowgate.

 

4.1          Board - shall mean the Board of Coaches.

 

5.1          Commissioner - shall mean the Commissioner of the Chesterfield Quarterback League.

 

6.1          Committee - shall mean the Executive Committee composed of the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Division Commissioners, and the Assistance Division Commissioners. (Amended 1980)

 

7.1          Division Commissioner - shall mean the Commissioner of each of the several geographical divisions that make up the League.

 

8.1          The League - shall mean the Chesterfield Quarterback League, a unit encompassing the several Athletic Associations sponsoring Youth League football in Chesterfield County. Suspend this requirement only with regard to Powhatan Youth Association. (Added 1983, Amended 1991)

 

9.1          League Officer - see Committee

 

10.1        Player - any eligible Chesterfield or Powhatan County resident  (Added 1983, Amended 1991)

 

11.1        Secretary-Treasurer - shall mean the Secretary of the League. The Secretary-Treasurer is not an officer of the League

 

12.1        Team - shall mean Minor, Junior, and Senior teams.

 

13.1        Voting Representative - shall mean a member of the Board.

 

 

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS AND SECRETARY-TREASURER

 

1.1          The Officers of the League shall be elected in the December meeting of each year, (Added 1986, Amended 1994)

 

2.1          The Officers of the League shall be the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Division Commissioners and the Assistant Division Commissioners. (Amended 1980)

 

3.1          The Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected by the Board at the time the League Officers are elected. (Amended 1991)

 

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF COACHES

 

1.1          The Board of Coaches shall consist of one representative from each Association fielding a team in the League. The representative shall be actively engaged in coaching football in the League. Each Association shall submit to the League's Secretary-Treasurer a list of its active coaches. Anyone on that list may represent his Association in all League business to include financial matters. (Amended 1990)

 

1.1a        Roll call vote on all important issues and published in minutes. (Added 1990)

 

2.1          Each Association shall have one vote, provided they are in good standing with the League as per Article XXI, Section 3.1, 3.1a and 3.1b.

 

ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND SECRETARY-TREASURER

 

1.1          COMMISSIONER-- It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to preside at all League meetings.  The Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer of the League and is responsible for direct administration of all affairs of the League.

 

1.2          The Commissioner shall have the authority to discipline- any player, League Official, coach, or Association for infraction of League Rules, or for any action that is deemed detrimental to the League.

 

1.3          The Commissioner shall perform any other necessary functions as prescribed by the Bylaws to conduct the affairs of the League.

1.4          The Commissioner shall present a detailed financial report to the Board and the Association Presidents at the December meeting.

1.5          The Commissioner shall appoint all committees necessary for the effective operation of the League.

1.6          The Commissioner shall assign practice fields on an equal basis prior to the first day of contact.

1.7          The Commissioner must reside in Chesterfield County or Powhatan County. (Added 1980, Amended 1990)

 

2.1          DEPUTY COMMISSIONER. It shall be the duty of the Deputy Commissioner to assist the Commissioner in conducting the affairs of the League. (Added 1980, Amended 1990)

2.2          The Deputy Commissioner shall:

 

2.2a        Assist the Commissioner as directed.

 

2.2b        Perform the duties delegated by the Commissioner.

 

2.2c        Serve as coordinator of any committee(s) so designated by the Commissioner.

 

2.2d        Conduct the League's affairs in the absence of the Commissioner.

 

2.2e        Serve as liaison between the Commissioner and the two Division Commissioners. (Added 1980, Amended 1986)

2.2f         Reside in Chesterfield County or Powhatan County.

 

2.2g        The Deputy Commissioner will be the Commissioner of flag football.

 

3.1          DIVISION COMMISSIONERS: It shall be the duty of the Division Commissioners to enforce all CQL Rules-and otherwise govern their respective Division.

 

3.2          The Division Commissioners shall be assisted by the Assistant Division Commissioners.

 

3.3   The Division Commissioners shall:

 

        3.3a  Assist the Commissioner as directed.

 

        3.3b  Perform the duties delegated to them by the Commissioner.

 

        3.3c  Serve as coordinator of any committee(s) so designated by the Commissioner.

 

3.4          Problems not resolved by the Division Commissioner shall be transferred to the Commissioner for settlement

 

3.5          The Division Commissioners must reside in Chesterfield County or Powhatan County.

 

3.6          Schedule Assistant Division Commissioners for game day coverage. (Added 1997)

 

4.1          ASSISTANT DIVISION COMMISSIONERS: It shall be the duty of the Assistant Division Commissioners to assist the Division Commissioner in their respective divisions.

 

4.2          The Assistant Division Commissioners shall serve as liaison between the Division Commissioner and the several teams directly assigned by the Division Commissioner.

 

4.3          Problems not resolved by the Assistant Division Commissioners shall be transferred to the proper Division Commissioner for handling.

 

4.4          The Assistant Division Commissioners shall serve and assist as directed by the Commissioner or their respective Division Commissioner.

 

4.5          The Assistant Division Commissioner cannot be the Voting Representative for his Association.

 

4.6          The Assistant Division Commissioners must reside in Chesterfield or Powhatan County

 

4.7          Any person running for any position of the Executive Committee must be a Voting Representative for no less than two years or an active CQL coach for no less than four years. (Added 2000)

 

CHAIN OF COMMAND

 

COMMISSIONER

 

DEPUTY COMMSSIONER

 

NORTHERN DIVISION COMMISSIONER              SOUTHERN DIVISION COMMISSIONER

 

ASSISTANT COMMISIONER                                       ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

VOTING REPRESENTATIVE                                       VOTING REPRESENTATIVE

 

5.1          If you have a problem or complaint take it through the following channels:

 

5.1a        Voting Representative

 

                5.1b        Assistant Commissioner

 

If there is an emergency, take it to the Division Commissioner.

 

6.1          SECRETARY-TREASURER:-- It shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer of the League to:

 

6.1a        Keep in full the minutes of all meetings of the League;

 

6.1b        Prepare and send notices of all meetings of the League to Voting Representatives and Association Presidents.

 

6.1c        Prepare and send football game results and Division standings to the Voting Representative during the football season; (Amended 1992)

 

                6.1d        Maintain appropriate files on all permanent and legal papers of the League.

 

6.1e        Keep an accurate roster of the Associations’ football teams.

 

6.1f         Deposit all funds of the League in a demand or Savings Account as directed by the Executive Committee.

 

                  6.1g      Keep proper account of all funds received and disbursed by the League.

 

6.1h        Maintain and reconcile these accounts.

 

6.1i         Provide financial statements to the Board at each regular scheduled meeting.

 

6.1j         Make all books and financial records available to an audit committee at the appropriate time, and assist the Committee in any way requested.

 

6.1k        See that all bills approved by the Commissioner are paid in a timely manner. All obligations will be paid by check, not as cash.

 

6.1l         Prepare a financial statement for the Board and Association Presidents for the December meeting.

 

6.1m       Make other necessary written correspondence as directed by the Commissioner, Executive Committee or the Board;

 

6.1n        Perform such other duties relative to the office as may be authorized by the Commissioner or the Executive Committee.

 

6.1o        Keep on file a detailed map outlining the area each Association serves, and to be updated anytime there is a change in boundaries.

 

ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

1.1          There shall be an Executive Committee Consisting of the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Division Commissioners and the Assistant Division Commissioners. (Amended 1980)

 

2.1          The Committee shall meet at the discretion of the Commissioner.

 

3.1          The Committee shall establish an annual playing fee for each Association in the League. The fee is due and payable to the League's Secretary-Treasurer on or before the dates established by the Commissioner.

 

4.1          The Committee shall rule on all protest and disputes.

 

5.1          If a member of the Executive Committee other than the Commissioner leaves office for any reason, the Commissioner shall have the power to appoint  an interim replacement pending open nominations and approval of a permanent replacement by the Board of Coaches at the next scheduled meeting. (Amended 1993)

 

6.1          No member of the Executive Committee shall miss two regular meetings, not more than three regular meetings in a twelve-month period - Excessive absences will be reviewed by the Commissioner and reported to the Board (Added 1988).

 

7.1          Executive Committee member non-attendance for special meetings shall be reviewed by the Commissioner, and if necessary, reported to the Board. (Added 1998)

 

8.1          The order of succession shall be Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Northern Division Commissioner (Odd Years), Southern Division Commissioner (Even Years)

 

ARTICLE VIII - NEW ASSOCIATIONS

 

1.1            An Association applying for acceptance into the League shall prepare and submit to the League a map outlining the area in which their Association serves. The Bylaws of the Association applying for acceptance into the League shall be consistent with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of the League.  This application must be received by April 1 of the year the Association wishes to start playing in the League, and voted on in the April meeting of the League. (Effective 1988, Added 1987)

 

ARTICLE IX - COACHNG REQUIREMENTS

1.1          Head Coaches must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

 

2.1          All Coaches must reside in Chesterfield County or Powhatan County with the following exceptions:

 

2.1a        Any active coach that moves out of Chesterfield County or Powhatan County may remain a coach only with the Association he has been coaching for.

 

3.1          Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Northern Division Commissioner, and the Southern Division Commissioner may serve as coaches while holding their respective positions as League Officer.  The Northern and Southern Division Commissioners or their appointee shall be the head coach of the Super Seniors. (Amended 2001)

 

3.1a        Upon request of an opposing coach or Voting Representative the Commissioner or Deputy shall waive their right to any decision making matters where there is a direct conflict of interest (Amended 1993)

4.1          Assistant Division Commissioners may serve as a coach.

 

5.1          In addition to a team's coaches,  a water person and first aid person are allowed in the coaches box during a game, but may not be dressed the same as the Coaches (Amended 1986)

 

6.1          Coaches in the coaches box shall be identified by either caps, shirts or jackets.

 

7.1          A coach charged with a misconduct penalty will be assessed a fifteen yard penalty and may be ejected from the game.  If a coach receives a second misconduct penalty, the coach will receive another fifteen yard penalty and will be ejected from the game.  Failure to leave the coaches box within three minutes following the game will result in his team forfeiting the game.  The coach may take a seat in the stands, keeping in mind ARTICLE XX, 2.1 and 5.1, or leave the premises.  Fifteen yard penalty for a coach being on the field does not necessarily constitute misconduct. (Amended 1988) (Amended 1998)

 

8.1          Any coach on the Association’s Coaches Roster will be allowed to be in the coaches box during any regular season game.  To be allowed in the coaches box during post-season play, the coach must have been on the Association's roster and active during the regular season.

 

9.1          Any coach having coached for at least one full year and remaining active may have their own children play for that Association regardless of location, or relocation within Chesterfield County or Powhatan County.  If the parent leaves active coaching while the child has any eligibility left (years), that child must return to the proper Association the next year. Exception: 13 year old Senior.  The player will carry the OPC designation and will count towards the maximum of four (4) OPC’s (Article X 1.1d).  Coaching can not be used to break a Player Waiver.  (Amended 4-13-2004) (Added 1985)

 

10.1        Each team in every Association shall be represented at the annual CQL Coaches Clinic, if held.  It is recommended that all coaches attend, if possible. (Added 1984)

 

11.1        All coaches must be listed as eligible to participate in Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department co-sponsored youth activities (Background Check) before the first game. (Amended 4-13-2004)

 

ARTICLE X - PLAYER ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION (Amended 1993)

 

1.1          In order to be certified on a team roster a player must qualify as an eligible participant under the following requirements:

 

1.1a        All players must play with the Association representing the Elementary School District where the player lives and would normally attend, if in the first grade.  All players must attend Chesterfield/Powhatan County schools, private schools or recognized home schools. (Amended 1997) The intent is to keep children in a geographical area and create a parody among Associations.  The following exceptions apply:

 

                1.1b        Each Association is allowed 24 Open Players (8/level). In subsequent seasons,  the Open Players must play with the Association that recruited them and will count in the total number of Open Players.  If returning players would create an overbalance of Open Players on a squad, that would be permissible, but you would not be, allowed to add any new Open Players to that squad, and any players creating the overbalance would count into the total of 24 Open Players per Association.  However,  the players must come from an Open Player area within the associated middle school boundaries, with the following exceptions:

 

1.1b1      Gordon and Midlothian have Open Players rights to Crestwood.

 

1.1b2      Matoaca and Ettrick have Open Players rights to Ecoff.

 

To cover an overflow of Open Players there will be an Open Player Waiver rule.  When the Open Player Waiver Rule is exercised, the final results will be determined by the Northern Division Commissioner (if in the South) and the Southern Division Commissioner (if in the North).  If there is an overflow of 15% or more, it needs to be brought before a committee made up of two Voting Representatives from the North and two Voting Representatives from the South and the appropriate Division Commissioner.  The end results will be brought before the Board of Coaches by one of the Voting Representatives of the committee. (Amended 1996, Amended 2000)

 

  1.1c      Player Waiver:  Must sign up at Home Association and remain with Home Association until both Voting Representative have signed the waiver.  Failure to do this falls under ARTICLE XIV, 5.1.  A Player Waiver can be used one time during the player’s six years of eligibility.  Needs to be approved by both Voting Representatives and by the Commissioner.  Once waived, the player will remain with the Association waived to and will count as an Open Player for the remainder of the player’s eligibility.  (Amended 2000)  A player waiver must be issued between June 1st and prior to 12:01 AM, October 1st.  Weigh in rules per Article X (3.1) shall apply. (Amended November 3, 2002)

 

  1.1c1    All Player Waiver Forms must be typed and signed.  After the Commissioner approves and signs the waiver, a copy will be given to the players “New” Association.  It will be the Associations responsibility to provide a copy every year at weigh-in.  (Added 4-13-2004)

 

  1.1d      A maximum of four (4) Open Players per level will not be counted as an Open Player and will not effect the 8 Open Players/level with a maximum of 24 Open Players/Association is the parent actively participates and is certified to coach.  The 4 OPC will remain with that Association and retain the OPC designation for the remainder of player eligibility as long as the parent continues to coach.

 

1.1d1     The Open Players who are covered under the coaching rule must be designated as "OPC",  and all Open Players as "Op" on the CQL and game rosters.

 

1.1e      No child of eligible age in Chesterfield or Powhatan Count within the boundaries of the CQL will be denied the opportunity to play Association football.

 

                                  1.1f       If an Association fails to field a team in each Division, rosters with the names of registered players will be given to the Commissioner and he will ensure that these Players are placed on teams in neighboring associations in an equitable manner.

 

                              1.1g          When a boundary change occurs and no new school is involved, there will be a one year grace period allowed for those youths involved. The second year all youths involved would go to the new Association except those youth that would be 13 that second year. (Amended I992)

 

                              1.1h          Player Loans:  Each Association is allowed Player Loans.  A player may be loaned for one (1) year only then the player must return to their Home Association.  Coaching status of a parent will not override the requirement to return to the Home Association (ARTICLE IX 9.1 will not apply to this player).  The player may ask for a Player Waiver (ARTICLE X 1.1c).  All Player Loans will count as OP’s for the team they are on. (ARTICLE X 1.1b).  All Player Loans must be approved by the Executive Committee.  A player who has received a Player Waiver cannot be loaned.  (Amended 4-13-2004)

 

1.1h1     All players must reside in Chesterfield or Powhatan Counties.

 

1.1h2     Any Player moving after the second week of practice and remaining in Chesterfield County or Powhatan County has the option of playing with the Association representing his new Elementary School District or completing the season with the Association representing his former Elementary School District.

 

1.1h3     Any 13 year old player that is redistricted or moved and remains in Chesterfield County or Powhatan County, may choose to play for the Association he previously played for, or for his new Association.  He must have been a member of the Senior team the previous year.

1.1h4     Player must be on  an Official C.Q.L. team roster three games prior to-first play off game to be eligible in any playoff games. (Added 1994)

2.1          At Weigh-In

2.1a        Present player’s contract (Permission Slip) filled out complete and signed by parent(s) or legal guardian(s).  Writing must be legible.  (Amended 4-13-2004)


 

2.1b         The player must present a Birth Certificate or legal record of birth at their initial weigh-in when changing Associations or if they did not play the preceding season

 

2.1c         A player shall not be cut from or prevented from being a member of an Association's team as long as the player abides by the disciplinary rules and regulations established by either the team or the Association with which the player is playing. (Amended 1987)

 

2.1d         The weigh-in must be administered by the Division Commissioner and the ADC for the teams directly assigned to him/her. (Amended 1997)

 

2.1e         The Commissioner shall determine the place(s) and date s) of the weigh-in. The official weigh-in shall take place at each Association's practice site on a date to be determined by the Commissioner.  The weigh-in shall be completed by the Wednesday preceding the first scheduled regular season game.  A minimum of 48 hours notification will be given by the Commissioner. (Amended 1987, Added 1986)

 

2.1f          A make-up weigh-in will be at a time and place determined by the Commissioner and conducted the Wednesday following the date of the first regular season game. (Amended 1983)

 

3.1           Official Weight:  The player will be weighed wearing at the least, a pair of shorts.  Weight will be determined with the player standing stationary on the scale.  A player will be weighed only one (1) time per season (unless challenged ARTICLE X 3.1a).  If over Division Weight the player will be “STRIPED” and will remain striped for the season.  (Amended 4-13-2004)

 

3.1a         A players weight can be challenged (one (1) time per season) up to 12:01 a.m. October 1.  Challenged players name, jersey #, team and a check in the amount of $25.00 per player must be submitted in writing be Association Voting Representative to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Northern Division Commissioner or Southern Division Commissioner prior to 12:01 a.m. October 1.  The challenged players Voting Representative will be given a minimum of 48 hours notice from the Northern/Southern Division Commissioner as to when and where the player will be weighed.  The player will be allowed five (5) pounds over the established Division Weight.  If the player exceed this weight he will be “STRIPED” for the remainder of the season and his Association will pay the League $25.00.  At the challenge weigh-in only the player, his parent(s), Head coach Voting Rep and challenging Voting Rep plus Norhtern/Southern Division Commissioner will be allowed at that site.  (Amended 4-13-2004)