1.2 PWS Appendix 2 Minot AFB Sports By-Laws 2020.pdf

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE SPORTS BY-LAWS

01 JANUARY 2020

ARTICLE I

A. These By-laws are established IAW AFI 34-266. It is designed to provide guidance and direction for the conduct and administration of the Minot AFB Sports Program.

ARTICLE II

(Objectives)

The objectives of the Minot AFB Sports Program are:

A. To provide for the wholesome and constructive use of leisure time.

B. To enhance mission readiness through high levels of morale, physical fitness and esprit de corps.

C. To provide a wide variety of sports activities that will allow and encourage maximum participation in sports programs throughout the year.

D. Establish a sports program that is fair and consistent for those who participate.

ARTICLE III

(Responsibilities)

A. The Fitness Center Director (FCD) is responsible for the overall administration and supervision of the Minot AFB Sports

Program. The FCD is advised and assisted in this responsibility by the Intramural Sports Manager and the Fitness and

Sports Advisory Council (FSAC). N/A

B. The Sports Director and fitness center staff provides the technical expertise and manpower for the planning, organization and operation of the sports program.

C. The FSAC represents the base population at large in the formulation and administration of the base sports program.

Through recommendations promulgated in the sports committee meetings, the committee provides the base population a voice in sports program decisions.

ARTICLE IV

(Sports Program Development)

A. The FCD is responsible for developing an annual plan for conducting the base sports program. While developing this plan the FCD should take into account available resources, funding, and interests of the base populous when determining activities and events. This plan should be developed in enough time to be presented to the FSAC for review and recommendations before going to the 5th Force Support Squadron Commander for approval.

ARTICLE V

(Sports Advisory Committee)

A. PURPOSE: The purpose of the FSAC is to provide a forum for the expression and validation of the athletic desires of base personnel and to translate those desires into meaningful recommendations for possible implementation in the base sports program.

B. MEMBERSHIP: Each Air Force squadron, detachment, or other tenant units assigned to Minot AFB will be represented on the committee and will have one voice in committee business. Each unit will elect or appoint one primary and one alternate unit representative. Letters of appointment to the Intramural Director will identify all unit representatives.

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PWS Appendix 2 - Minot AFB Sports By-Laws

C. OFFICERS:

1. Chairperson: AFI 34-266 identifies the FCD as the Chairperson who will preside over meetings of the FSAC. In conjunction with the Executive Secretary, the chairperson will ensure that agendas for council meetings and minutes of the proceedings are published and distributed to committee members in a timely fashion.

2. Executive Secretary: The Sports Director will act as the executive secretary to the committee. The director’s primary function is to provide the interface between the fitness center and the FSAC by informing the committee of proposed sports activities, advising on the availability of resources, and providing the technical expertise necessary to formulate realistic recommendations. The Sports Director will also work with the chairperson to produce meeting agendas and will record the minutes of council meetings.

D. RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNIT REPRESENTATIVE: The unit representative is the organization’s representative for all sports activities and a member of the FSAC. The unit representative will:

1. Ensure that teams representing their organization are entered in sports activities by the closing date prescribed by the fitness center.

2. Be familiar with the rules and eligibility criteria, the bylaws of each sport, and the governing rules of each sport.

3. Appoint team coaches who have knowledge of the particular sport as well as leadership ability.

4. Represent the majority opinion of their views on issues before the committee.

E. COMMITTEES: Various committees may be established to look into particular issues concerning the sports program. The

Sports Director, upon the request of the FSAC Chairperson, will form these committees.

F. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS:

1. The presence of five voting members (excluding the chairperson) shall constitute a quorum, and normal council business may then be conducted. If a quorum is not present, the meeting will proceed as normal, except that no issues requiring a vote may be resolved.

2. The council meetings shall be fully documented in the minutes to include a discussion of approved and disapproved motions and the status of issues discussed.

3. Approved motions documented in the minutes shall constitute recommendations to the FCD. The FCD, for additional input and review, will review these recommendations. The 5th Force Support Squadron Commander approves these recommendations for implementation upon approval of the minutes unless he/she notes an exception to the contrary when signing.

4. All issues before this council may be resolved by a simple majority of the eligible votes present (excluding the chairperson) with exception of amendments to this constitution. In the event of a tie, the chairperson may cast a deciding vote or may elect to carry the issue over to a subsequent meeting when a simple majority may be achieved without this vote. The chairperson may not vote unless a tie vote has occurred. Amendments to this constitution require approval by two-thirds of eligible votes present and the FCD. The FCD may deviate from this constitution or make amendments if he/she deems it in the best interest of the program. The FSAC will be notified of any changes or overrides at the next scheduled meeting.

G. PHILOSOPHY: The sole purpose of the Minot AFB FSAC is to assist the athletic section in ensuring that the base sports program satisfies the desires of the base population. To that end, the following guiding principles will prevail:

1. Unit representatives must truly represent the consensus of opinion in their organizations without regard to personal opinion or prejudices. A polling of the unit population on issues before the FSAC should occur when time permits.

2. Issues before the FSAC will be settled in favor of “maximum participation”, unless exceptional overriding considerations make that principle undesirable.

3. While majority rule will govern the activities of the FSAC, the minority opinion has a right to a fair hearing. A compromise should be attempted whenever possible.

ARTICLE VI

(Eligibility, Player’s Pool, Selection of Players and Rosters)

H. ELIGIBILITY: All active duty military personnel, their dependents 18 years of age or older (out of high school), and

Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees assigned/attached to Minot AFB units are eligible to participate in the intramural sports program. TDY personnel/reservists/guard assigned to Minot AFB for thirty days or more may also compete. Dependents and retirees may participate if their presence on a team does not interfere with an active duty members chance to participate.

1. Military personnel must play for their squadron if the squadron fields a team(s). Otherwise, a letter of release from the squadron sports representative signed by the unit’s commander, first shirt, or sports rep will be required. Military spouses must play on their spouse’s team. They have the option to play for the squadron they work for if they are a

DoD employee. Once they have played a game, they are committed to that team for the rest of that program.

2. Participants transferring to another squadron (PCA) during the season have the option to continue competing with their original unit of assignment or with their new unit of assignment. However, the first game played following the effective date of their transfer commits the player to that team for the entire season.

3. Squadrons are advised to enter one team for intramural play but may add other teams if squadron’s have enough players. The squadron’s “A” team will be designated as the team competing for Commander’s Trophy Points if a squadron chooses to enter more than one team for a particular sport. Participants are limited to playing for one team only.

4. Players are NOT eligible to join another team if their team forfeits out of the league. This rule prevents forfeitures and the potential stacking of squadron teams.

5. Officials in the intramural league are not eligible to serve as coaches, managers, or players in league or tournament play.

6. COMBINING UNITS: Squadrons, detachments, or units with an insufficient number of personnel assigned (less than

300) may be combined to form one team. Combined squadrons, detachments, or units must remain under 300 personnel. Requests must signed by each unit commander, to the Intramural Director at the start of the sports year.

These units will compete the entire sports year under eligibility requirements associated with a single unit. All

Commander Trophy Points will be divided amongst the combined units.

I. PLAYER’S POOL: The program is designed to assist players in participating in sports programs where their squadron can not field a team and to supplement squadrons that have a desire to participate but need minimal Player’s Pool support.

1. Personnel assigned to a unit, which does not enter a team into league play, may enter the Player’s Pool. Entry into the Player’s Pool requires participants to obtain a signed letter from their Squadron Commander or First Sergeant releasing them from their unit’s designation.

2. Teams requiring players from the Players Pool must designate the number of players needed on their letter of intent (LOI) prior to the start of the season and no later than 70% of their season. No more than 4 players from the

Players Pool can go on any one team.

3. Teams cannot inquire about specific names. Player’s pool designees are completely anonymous.

4. Squadrons with more than one team are not authorized to utilize the Players Pool; they should combine their squadron teams. Squadrons approved to merge with other squadrons (for the entire sports season) are not allowed to utilize the Player’s Pool.

5. All teams needing additional players must have a signed letter from their Squadron Commander or First Sergeant.

6. Teams are not eligible to request player’s from the Player’s Pool after 70% of their regular season is complete.

7. Players from the Player’s Pool will not be considered for future league play with other teams of the same squadron or not be guaranteed to play with the same team the following year.

8. You must play with the team that you are selected to play for or forfeit your participation rights for the rest of that intramural league.

9. Squadron Sports Representatives and/or coaches are encouraged to engage with the Sports Director if any questions concerning the Players Pool

J. SELECTION OF PLAYER(S): Selection from Player’s Pool will be accomplished using the following procedure:

Players will be placed in the Players Pool chronologically as the request letters (LOI) are turned in. The team that turns in their

LOI first will get the first player from the Player’s Pool. The second team that turns in their LOI will get the second player, and so forth. On the upper corner of the LOI, the Fitness Staff will write in the date and time the LOI was turned in to determine priority. If requests exceed the number of available players; the next requesting team will be notified once a player enters the pool. If players exceed the number of requests, teams will be called based on squadron manning (smallest to largest) until players are on a team. All teams will be notified after the initial requests are filled when players are available in the Players Pool.

In no case can the Fitness staff tell teams the number of players in the Player’s Pool or how many teams have requested players to prevent collusion. Retirees are authorized to enter the Player’s Pool and participate in any sport however their family members are ineligible. If the retiree is a civil service employee, he/she must participate for the unit to which he/she is assigned.

EXCEPTIONS: If member begins season on active duty and he/she retires from active duty they may finish that sport even know they have since retired.

K. ROSTERS: A team roster identifies a detailed list of team members for each designated unit. Team’s rosters must include each player’s first name (no nicknames), last name and rank. Alpha/Recall and flight rosters will not be accepted. Team rosters must be submitted to the Fitness Center prior to the start of the first regular season game or the first game and subsequent games will result in a forfeit. Rosters can be turned in/updated in person to any of the fitness center staff ONLY by the team coach, assistant coach or Squadron Sports Representative. Each new entry will be initialed and dated by the person making the change(s) if done in person. The Fitness Center member on duty will verify entries by annotating initials at the same time.

Rosters must be turned in and/or updated in person. A player not on the roster prior to that day’s game time is considered ineligible to play that day. Only players that are willing/able to play should be on a team’s roster. A team’s roster will be reviewed in the event of a cancellation request. In other words, don’t have a roster of 40 people, submit a request to cancel a game due to duty commitments and not be able to support your cause. Rosters are locked at the end of regular season. All changes to rosters must be made prior to the end of the last game of the season.

1. The penalty for using ineligible players is forfeiture of all games in which ineligible players participated.

Forfeiture of Commander’s trophy points in that sport if the “A” team is involved. EXCEPTIONS: This rule applies only to the sports that have paid officials; other sports that individual match result will be ruled as a complete loss once verified by the Sports Director.

2. All initial sports schedules will be electronically sent to all unit Sports Representatives, Coach, and Assistant

Coach. Changes made after initial distribution will be accomplished electronically. Acknowledgement “read receipts” of said e-mail constitutes formal and official notification of your team and organization.

ARTICLE VII

(Forfeitures/Postponements)

A. Postponements may be granted for ONLY military duty commitments such as deployments, alerts, valid inspections, etc.

Unit/social functions are not considered duty commitments. At least 50% of your squadron’s players listed on the roster must be working or attending a military function for a game postponement to be considered. The team coach or Sports

Representative must submit the request for postponement in letter format signed by their Squadron Commander to the

Fitness Center for approval a minimum of 24 hours prior to the original scheduled event. The game will be considered a forfeit if the team fails to notify the fitness center within the prescribed time limit.

B. Consideration may be given in the event of emergencies that preclude prior notification; however, it will be the responsibility of the sports representative, coach, or assistant coach to take necessary steps to ensure the

Intramural/Extramural Director is notified the day before the scheduled match is to be played. This may be done by e-mail, but when e-mailing ensure that you include the Intramural/Extramural Director and the fitness center member overseeing the sport.

C. Two forfeits in a season will result in the team being dropped from the league. All Commanders’ Trophy Points earned for that specific sport will be forfeited if the “A” team forfeits out.

D. If a team forfeits out of the league, all contests in which they were involved will count towards the final standings and their remaining games will be logged as losses and wins for their opponents.

E. Game time is forfeit time. A forfeit will be declared if a scheduled team fails to have the minimum number of players at game time. A double forfeit will be recorded if both teams fail to field the minimum numbers of players. The head official will make the call.

ARTICLE VIII

(Protest/Player Conduct)

A. PROTESTS:

1. All protests will be limited to rules interpretation situations and eligibility only. Judgment calls will not be grounds for a protest. If a coach determines to protest a rule interpretation, the coach must notify the head official at the specific time of the incident, all pertinent information must be recorded on the score sheet by the head official. The official will then notify both team managers that the game is being played under protest and so stated in writing in the official score book to include all game details at the time of protest. If a coach determines to protest an ineligible player, he/she must notify the head official prior to the conclusion of the game. In addition, all protests must be submitted in writing to the athletic department no later than noon the following duty day. Failure to comply with the prescribed procedures will negate the protest. Protests can be filed by the coach, assistant coach, or the squadron sports representative of the organization involved. .

B. CONDUCT/SUSPENSION:

1. Unsportsmanlike conduct or profanity will not be tolerated by any coaches, players or fans. Coaches are reminded of their responsibility for the conduct of themselves, their players and fans. Officials are authorized to remove any coach or player from the game for any form of unsportsmanlike conduct. At a minimum, a suspension of two played games will be imposed if a coach or player is ejected from a game. A player/coach must immediately leave the sight and sound of the playing area if ejected from a game or their team will receive a forfeit.

2. Flagrant misconduct violations may be brought to the attention of a judiciary subcommittee for further action.

Pending on the severity of the incident, harsher actions may be taken. Any acts of violence or threats against a player or official will not be tolerated! Any player/coach who strikes, attempts to strike, or intentionally puts their hands on an official or opposing player will be suspended for the remainder of the program. The subcommittee consisting of the Intramural Director, Fitness Center Director plus three other committee members that will meet to decide if the punishment for this individual should be extended for the remainder of the Intramural Sports calendar year. The Fitness Center Director and Intramural Director will decide the punishments if the committee cannot meet. Commanders and/or First Sergeants will be notified in the event of excessive misconduct.

3. If a player or coach feels that there are circumstances that warrant not sitting out the next two games, he/she must appeal in writing to the Intramural Director by 1200 hours on the following business day. Officials do not have the authority to waive this suspension. Any player caught playing under suspension will be barred from the program for the remainder of the season and their assigned team will receive a forfeit for all games the suspended player played in.

4. Any player or coach who is ejected twice during the season will not be allowed to participate in the sport for the remainder of the season. The infraction may be brought to the attention of a disciplinary board for further action if deemed necessary.

5. No smoking, alcohol, chewing tobacco or food products are allowed in the dugouts or playing field at anytime. For your safety and to those whom may be around you, no player or coach will be allowed on the playing field if the umpire/official suspects any player or coach is under the influence of alcohol. Anyone suspected or caught being under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to play or could be ejected from the game. Suspensions will be enforced by the Intramural Director if a player was ejected for the above reasons. Teams are responsible for cleaning the trash from their dugout prior to departing. EXCEPTION: Golf, Bowling, Horseshoes and Darts are the only intramural sports allowed to consume alcohol during league play: The facility manager where these programs are held will be deciding authority.

ARTICLE IX

(Program Provisions)

A. LEAGUE ORGANIZATION:

1. LOI’s will be sent to each squadron sports representative prior to the start of the season. One LOI must be turned in by each squadron prior to the deadline and must include ALL teams a squadron will field. Teams will not be added to the league after the deadline. Squadrons who do not wish or can not have a team participate must also turn in a signed LOI. Each team must have a coach and an assistant listed on the LOI. Both coaches are required to have a valid e-mail address and phone numbers. The unit’s commander, first sergeant or sports representative must sign the letter(s).

2. At least six teams must participate to have the program or it will be run as an extramural program and there will be no Commanders Cup Trophy Points or plaques awarded.

3. Leagues will play as many games / matches as possible based on time and money available for officials. Normal league play will be a single round robin and a double elimination tournament.

4. Governing body and all other pertinent information will be outlined in each sports by-law.

Schedules for regular season play will be sent out to the coaches and Squadron Sports Representatives. From that point, coaches and Sports Representatives are responsible for keeping their team informed of all changes and amendments. Coaches and Squadron Sports Representatives are responsible for reviewing the schedule upon receipt.

Discrepancies to the schedule must be immediately reported to the Sports Director or Sports Programmer.

B. GAME DAYS:

Game days will be Monday through Thursday unless otherwise noted on the individual sports by-laws/schedule. Make-up games will be scheduled Monday-Saturday. There may be days of “Mandatory Make-up” games. These games are mandatory and will not be rescheduled again. If a team can not play on this day(s) because of a validated duty commitment, then they will not receive a loss; however, their opponent will receive a win for the game.

C. PLAY-OFFS AND TIE BREAKER RULES:

Playoff format will be determined by the league coordinator, with inputs from team coaches and approved by the Intramural

Sports Director and Fitness Center Director. A team must complete at least 80% of their regular season schedule to be eligible for the playoffs. Once post season play-offs are scheduled and announced, no schedule changes will occur unless done by the fitness center. Play-offs will not be held up by one team to inconvenience all other teams. There will be no postponements once the playoff bracket is published unless initiated by the Fitness Center. If you are unable to make the scheduled game(s), it will be a forfeit

1. Head-to-head competition among the teams tied will decide all ties for play-off positions.

a. Teams must revert back to “win”-“loss” records against all the teams with whom they are tied. Example:

Team A beats team B during the regular season and both teams are tied for playoff positions. Team A would then take the playoff position ahead of team B.

b. If a tie still exists, placement will be awarded based on point differentials between the teams involved.

Point differential is determined by subtracting the points against the team from the points awarded to the team. Example: Team scores 50 points against the team it is tied with and they score 57. Point differential for this team would be 50 - 57 = (-7). Team with the highest point differential wins.

c. If the tie with point differential is between three teams and two of the teams are tied with point differential, but are better than the third team, the third team is eliminated and it will then revert back to head to head competition among the two tied teams.

d. If teams are still tied and there are only two teams, a play-off game will be held. If more than two teams are tied, a blind drawing will be held for play-off positions and all Commanders’ trophy points will be split.

ARTICLE X

(Attire)

1. The Fitness Center will provide jerseys for checkout for indoor team sports. Teams may purchase and wear their own jerseys;

however they must conform to all rules and safety guidelines for that particular sport.

2. Appropriate athletic attire will be worn at all times. Individuals will not be allowed to participate if the attire does not meet the standard requirements as listed under the separate sport by-laws. All attire must be in good taste with this determination being made by the head official. No jewelry besides flat wedding bands may be worn. It is strongly encourage that player’s either remove or cover the bands. Pockets may be worn with athletic shorts and pants. No pants or shorts with belt loops will be allowed. The head official on duty has final say in all matters concerning this subject. Individuals will not be allowed to play until they are in proper attire.

ARTICLE XI

(Commander’s Trophy, Point System and Awards)

This perpetual trophy is intended to stimulate and maintain interest and participation in base intramural sports. It will be a traveling trophy awarded to the organization with the highest accumulation of points during the sports year. The winning squadron will house the trophy for a one-year period. Points will be awarded based upon participation and achievement in major and minor sport categories.

A. INTRAMURAL SPORT PROGRAM: These programs will be in league format and be held over a period of 12 months.

B. POINT DISTRIBUTION:

1. Major Sports as listed for Minot AFB (Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Soccer, Flag Football)

Participation 20 (only for team that complete the regular season)

Coaches’ Meeting 5

2. Division placement points: Here is the breakdown for divisional placement points.

#1 30

#2 20

#3 15

#4 10

#5 5

If one squadron has multiple teams and they place within the top five, only the designated “commander’s cup” team will receive points. All others will occupy a space; however they will not receive points.

5 OG – 30

5 SFS- 20

5 MXS -15

5 LRS (A)-10

5 LRS (B) - (not commander’s cup eligible).

5 AMXS -0

Play-off Points:

Champion 50

Runner-up 25

Play-off Spot 10

3. Minor Sports as listed for Minot AFB (Over 30 Basketball, Bowling, Darts, Billiards, Horseshoes, Golf, Racquetball, Paintball)

Participation 10

Coaches’ Meeting 5

4. League Play Points: Here is the breakdown for divisional placement points.

#1 15

#2 9

#3 6

#4 3

#5 1

Play-off Points:

Champion 25

Runner-up 15

Play-off Spot 5

(Play-off spot is included in the totals for Champion and Runner-up)

5. Units may have more than one team participate in the play-offs. Commanders Trophy points will be given only for the team that is designated as their “A” team prior to the start of the season.

6. Squadrons will be awarded 10 points for participation in the sports advisory committee meetings. Sports

Representatives must be appointed in writing by their squadron/group commander in order to receive points during sports advisory committee meetings. Members must sign-in on the sign-in sheet before the meeting is over or your squadron/group will be awarded zero points.

7. In the event of tie for the Commander’s trophy, the team that scored higher on the first program of the year

(Basketball) will be considered the winner.

C. AWARDS: One team trophy will be awarded to each of the following: Base Champion and League Champion(s). The award presentation will be held immediately after the championship game. The presentation will take place in the center-most part of the playing area, closest to the spectators, i.e. softball games will be at softball field, basketball championship will be at basketball court. Both, runner-ups and base champs will line up on opposite sides of the trophy table to start the presentation. Fitness staff and/or base leadership will present the base champions the championship trophy. This will be the standard for all major team sports.

ARTICLE XII

(Oversight)

A. The Fitness Center Director reserves the right to rule on all matters associated with the base sports program.

B. During coaches’ meetings, unit representatives/coaches will be informed on rules and other pertinent information for the sport being discussed.

C. The material covered in this constitution is binding for each sport and can only be changed with the approval of the Fitness

Center Director. The Fitness Center staff reserves the right to change or alter any of the by-laws for the betterment of the overall intramural program. The material covered in these general by-laws is binding for each sport and can be changed with the suggestion of the Sport Council Members and approval of the Fitness Center Director.

D. Situations not covered by these by-laws or the official rulebook will be resolved by the Fitness Center Director or Intramural

Director.

//Signed//

Judy LaRue, GS-09, USAF

Fitness Center Director

The following attachments pertain to each individual sport and the rules that apply to that sport and only that sport.

Soccer

Official F.I.FA. Rules apply except as amended by the general bylaws.

A team will consist of seven players. Must start game with seven players or it will be a forfeit. You may continue a game with less than seven players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Example: You have seven players, on the field, and two are injured during the game. You can still play the game with five players.

Molded rubber cleats (no screw in spokes) or regular tennis shoes are permitted. No shorts or pants with belt loops will be allowed. You may have pockets. No protective equipment will be worn other than shin guards. The head official on your field will have final say in proper equipment for the game. This may happen before or during your game.

The game will be played in two twenty-minute halves (running clock) with five minutes between halves. Each team is allowed one (one minute) time out during each half and one during any overtime period. There will be no carry over of time outs. The clock will run continuously except for time outs and the final two minutes of the game

Football

A team will consist of seven players. Teams must start the game with six players or it will be a forfeit. During the game if someone gets injured then you can continue to play (i.e. if two players get injured, you can continue on with 5).

There will be a minimum of three people on the offensive line of scrimmage, if not, you will be assessed a penalty of 5 yards.

On all punts, the receiving team must have a minimum of three players on the line.

Football cleats will not be permitted. However, molded rubber cleats (no screw in spokes) or regular tennis shoes are permitted.

No shorts or pants with belt loops will be allowed. You may have pockets. No protective equipment will be worn other than elastic ankle or knee supports or kneepads. The head official on your field will have final say in determining proper equipment for the game. This may happen before or during your game.

Protective mouthpieces must be worn at all times when player is on the field. Players can purchase their own or go through the Dental Clinic at the hospital to have one fitted at no charge to them.

BLOCKING:

NO blocking is permitted down field (i.e. anywhere beyond the offensive line of scrimmage). Blocking IS permitted on or behind the offensive line of scrimmage. Flag football is a speed/finess-type sport. Use of “excessive force” to block or rush will not be tolerated (i.e. putting someone on their back while blocking or running over someone in an attempt to get to the QB).

“Excessive force” will be determined by the officials. Also, no hands to the neck/face while blocking or rushing.

Removing the flag:

1. When the flag is clearly taken from the ball carrier, the down will end and the ball declared dead. A player who removes the flag from the ball carrier should immediately hold the flag above his/her head to assist the officials in locating the spot where the catch occurred. The flag may be dropped at the spot of capture with no penalty.

2. In an attempt to remove the flag from the ball carrier, a defensive player will not use his / her hands on any part of the opponent’s body. A defensive player will not hold, push, or knock the ball carrier down in an attempt to remove the flag. EXCEPTIONS: If the ball carrier’s flag inadvertently falls off, a two hand touch above the waist, but not on the head or face, will constitute a capture.

3. Tackling: A player will be ejected for the remainder of the game plus the next two played games with the possibility of suspension from the league pending on the severity of tackle.

4. Diving for the flags will be allowed.

5. There will be no “stiff arming”.

6. Kicking: A free kick (punt) must be pre-announced. Team “a” or team “b” may not charge or cross the line of scrimmage until the ball has been kicked. The kicker must kick the ball within 10 seconds of the snap. The penalty for violation of either rule is 10 yards.

7. Point after touchdown (PAT): The offense may choose to go for a 1 point or 2 point PAT. If you chose the 1 point PAT, the ball will be placed on the 3 yard line. If you chose the 2 point PAT, the ball will be placed on the 5 yard line.

GENERAL RULES:

a. The game will be played in two twenty-minute halves (running clock) with five minutes between halves. Each team is allowed one (one minute) time out during each half and one during any overtime period. There will be no carry over of time outs. The clock will run continuously except for time outs and the final two minutes of the game. The seven-play rule will take effect at the two-minute warning. This means with two minutes left in the game the clock will no longer be kept; instead there will be seven plays (total) left in the game. If one team is ahead of the other by 17 points or more at the two-minute mark the game will be called. The Fitness Center will do its best to let coaches know if games will be played that day or not. Games will still be played if it is raining or snowing. Games will not be played if there is extreme lighting (Official’s call). Once a game makes it to halftime, it is an official game. If the game is stopped after halftime, that game will be over, it will not be finished at a later date

b. The playing field will be 40 yards by 80 yards with 10-yard end zones. The field will be divided into four zones and the ball will be placed on the 20-yard line at the start of each half and after a touchdown or point after. The offensive team will receive four downs to make it to the next zone.

c. No player may be within 7 yards of the sideline at the snap of the ball.

d. Passing:

1. All players are eligible to receive a forward pass. All passes received behind the line of scrimmage will be treated as a lateral. The receiver of a kick may pass provided he / she takes no more than two steps after catching the kick (this is an element of the game which will make it more exciting and challenging). There will be no down field blocking.

2. Offensive Interference: After the ball is snapped and before being touched by the receiver, offensive interference will not be allowed.

3. Defensive Interference: After the pass is thrown and until it has been touched, defensive interference will not be allowed. If defensive pass interference occurs in the end zone, the offensive team is given first down with the ball on the one-yard line.

4. Legal “Quick Hikes” are snaps that go though the legs of the center and do NOT come back thru.

e. Rushing:

1. There will be no down field blocking or moving screens.

2. Spinning will be allowed as long as the ball carrier does not block their flag.

3. A rusher may not guard his / her flags from a defender.

f. Alternating Sudden Death Method:

1. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation play, a coin toss will decide who will be on offense first.

2. In the event of a tie game at the end of the 4th quarter: after an official’s time out, a coin will be tossed. The winner of the coin toss will choose their choice of playing, offense or defense first. The ball will be placed on the forty-yard line and each team will have four consecutive plays in which to score the same amount of points or no points at all, the team who gains the most additional yardage shall be the winner. If after four consecutive downs each team remains tied in all combinations of the above, additional downs will be played, one down at a time, alternating until a winner is decided. During the tiebreaker, there will be one time out per team. If a team scores a touchdown, it will be allowed to use its remaining plays, beginning again at the 40-yard line, a free down will be granted after each touchdown for the PAT

In the event of an interception, all remaining plays are nullified. Point of total penetration will be counted from the line of scrimmage.

8. SAFETY:

All players are encouraged to be familiar with the safety conditions surrounding the playing area. “Dakota Rat” holes will be filled when the field is prepared. Unfortunately, this doesn’t last for very long due to persistence of Dakota Rats! Please assist the gym staff with this pressing safety issue by simply filling in any holes that you identify back up (more than likely, there will be a mound of dirt right next to the hole!).

SUMMARY OF PENALTIES

A. Illegally handing the ball forward 10 YARDS & A DOWN

B. Illegal forward pass 10 YARDS & A DOWN

C. Intentionally grounding a pass 10 YARDS & A DOWN

D. Offensive pass interference 10 YARD PENALTY

B. Excess time out 5 YARD PENALTY

F. Delay of game 5 YARD PENALTY

G. Free kick infraction 5 YARD PENALTY

H. Illegal snap 10 YARD PENALTY

I. Illegal formation 5 YARD PENALTY

J. Illegal motion, Offensive player 5 YARD PENALTY

K. False start 5 YARD PENALTY

L. Illegal use of hands or arms (offensive/defensive) 10 YARD PENALTY

M. Striking, kicking, kneeing 10 YARD PENALTY

N. Clipping, tripping 10 YARD PENALTY

O. Illegal return of disqualified player FORFEITURE OF GAME.

P. Player caught not wearing a mouthpiece CANNOT PLAY

Q. Unsportsmanlike conduct: (Player, coach or attendant) 15 YARD PENALITY

R. Defensive pass interference AUTOMATIC 1st DOWN AT POINT

S. Individual with possession of the football cannot advance the ball by diving ahead. No exceptions!!

NOT ALLOWED

T. The Referee is empowered to rule on any situation that arises which is not covered by these by-laws or basic rules.

Basketball, both Intramural and Over 30

1. EQUIPMENT:

a. Only athletic style shoes will be allowed.

b. Athletic clothing must be worn.

c. Shorts or sweatpants may have pockets.

d. No part of the military uniform will be authorized.

e. No jewelry will be worn (only flat wedding bands are authorized).

f. Officials will have final decisions on the legality of all equipment.

g. All shirts must be of the same color and have permanent numbers (no duplicates) on the back.

h. Numbers can not be made of tape

i. The coach can sign for jerseys at the issue counter

2. THE GAME:

a. All playing rules shall be governed by the current NCAA rules with modifications as listed in these by-laws. Current

NCAA rules may be found at www.ncaa.org.

b. Teams must have at least four players to start a game, but if a fifth player is available, that player must enter the game as soon as they arrive. After a game begins a team may play with not less then four players.

c. The game will consist of two twenty-minute halves. The clock will stop at the last two minutes of the game. Half time will be a period of two minutes; all overtime periods will be duration of five minutes. “Clock stopping” means an official blows his/her whistle, for any reason, the game time stops. In overtime periods, the clock will stop in the last minute of the overtime period only.

d. Each team will be entitled to two time outs each half consisting of 30-second duration. Time outs are not cumulative. Each team will be given one time out for each overtime period.

e. At least five minutes will be given to each team to warm up prior to starting the game.

f. Team line-ups will be entered in the scorebook five minutes prior to start of the game. Must write the rank, first and last name of all players (no nicknames) All players must be entered in the scorebook and the writing must be legible.

g. All players can stand on the second set of bleachers to cheer on their team but must be seated if they are on the first row of bleachers. Coaches can stand if they choose to. Avoid hugging the court lines as this could potentially cause injuries.

h. Dunking is allowed during the game only. No hanging on the rims for safety reasons. Teams can be issued a Technical

Foul if caught by an official during warm-ups.

i. Mercy Rule: If a team is up by 20 or more points, with 2 or less minutes remaining on the clock. The official will call the game.

j. Players or spectators will use no profanity during the game. First warning is a direct technical foul. Second infraction, the player is ejected and sits out the next two games.

k. Officials may play for there squadron but cannot officiate in their same league. They may officiate in any game if their team is eliminated from the play-offs.

l. Once a player has played a game, they are committed to that team for the rest of that league.

Softball:

RULES OF PLAY:

All playing rules shall be governed by the Amateur Softball Association rules, Minot AFB Sports Constitution, and amended with these by laws.

3. THE GAME:

a. Intramural softball league will be played in accordance with ASA Division A Rules.

b. Each game has a one-hour time limit. Regardless of any time-outs (either by the teams or sports officials), the clock will always continue to run, and the game will end at one hour after start. Only if there is an abnormality (ex: injury) will the clock stop. The umpire is the only one that can stop the clock. A new inning will not begin after the 55-minute point, unless a tie situation occurs.

c. The umpire’s watch is the official time. Game time is forfeit time.

d. Line-ups must be listed on the scorebooks, with all players that are present, ten minutes prior to game time.

e. A team may start with eight players; however, if the ninth and tenth player(s) arrive, they can enter the game regardless of whether or not their team is batting or fielding.

f. You may start the game with eight players, and continue throughout the game with eight. As soon as a ninth and/or tenth player show up, they need to be added to the roster.

g. The fifteen-run rule will be in effect after three complete innings. The ten-run rule will be in effect after five complete innings. The six-home run rule will be in effect as follows: After the sixth home run, any home runs hit will count as an out.

Shorts will be allowed. No team member may wear any part of the military uniform during play. Hats may be worn forward or backward. The wearing of jewelry will be limited to a flat wedding band only. All other forms of jewelry are prohibited.

Catcher’s masks will be offered, but are optional. Metal spikes or metal tipped cleats are not authorized. There will be no cut off jeans or cut off sweat pants allowed.

h. Unsportsmanlike conduct or profanity will not be tolerated! Any player bleeding or has blood on their clothing must leave the playing field to change. Any player bleeding must dress the wound before re-entering the game.

j. Safety bag will be in effect According to ASA rule.

k. Excessive digging in the playing field (ANYWHERE) will result in the player filling the hole back in and the game will not stop for player(s) to fill in the hole. NO DIGGING WILL BE ALLOWED AROUND HOME PLATE DUE TO SAFETY.

l. TITANIUM BATS ARE ILLEGAL, IF CAUGHT USING THEM THE PLAYER WILL BE EJECTED due to the safety of all the opposed players. There also some bats that were considered illegal last season by ASA, it is at the officials discretion whether they are allowed or the bats need to have a certified sticker on it.

4. ADDITIONS:

a. Once the fields have been prepared for play, they are off limits to include general reservations. Unless you are using the field that you will be playing on for warm-up. You may not warm up on a field that you are not playing on if the field is prepared.

b. Each team is required to clean out their dugout after every game.

c. If a game is canceled prior to the completion of the fourth inning due to weather, it will be completely replayed. If the fifth inning has started and the game is called due to weather, it will be considered a complete game.

d. Postponed games will be played as soon as possible.

e. If a game cannot be played due to a military commitment (exercise, etc.), see Article VII in the Minot AFB Sports

Constitution for proper rescheduling and/or paragraph 10 in these general by-laws

f. A decision on whether games will be played at night based on field conditions will be made NLT 1200hrs the same day. If ever in doubt, call the Fitness Center. Coaches, asst coaches and sports reps will also be emailed information as soon as it is available. The officials will have the final call on field conditions.

g. Each team is required to keep score for their team. Officials will verify the scorebook between each inning.

h. Teams may use their own softball to play with. The ball must be the same weight, size, and core count as what the Fitness

Center is using for that season. This has been added because the Fitness Center is working with a very limited budget and can’t supply new balls for every game. Some squadrons have requested to donate their own balls. Both teams and the official prior to the start of the game must approve this. The ball must be a 44 core.

TEAM FORFEIT RULE:

a. If there are four games schedule for a field then the following will apply: If a team(s) fail to make game #3 by game time, the fourth game is an automatic forfeit and the official for that field will go home. If at least one of the two teams show for the third game, they will receive two wins and the team that failed to show will receive two loses and one forfeit. If both teams fail to show, each team will receive two loses and one forfeit. The next game that the team(s) forfeit, they will be removed from the league.

b. If there are only two games schedule for a field then the following will apply: The same rule applies as stated above, except if a team(s) fail to make game #1 by game time, the second game is an automatic forfeit and the official for that field will go home. The same as above about wins, loses, and forfeits still apply to the teams that show or fail to show for a scheduled game.

c. All forfeits will be scored as 1-0 for tiebreaker purposes

Volleyball:

1. Directive:

5 FSS Operating Instructions, USA Volleyball Rules 2006-2007, Volleyball By-laws, and the governing directives located in the

Minot AFB Sports Constitution.

2. THE GAME:

A. The match will consist of the best two out of three games. The first two games will be rally points. Rally point consists of every serve counting as a point. Win by two up to 25 points, with a maximum of 27 points.

B. The third game will be rally point. First team to reach 15 wins. The team with a two-point advantage wins. Maximum 21 points.

C. A one-minute rest period between the first and second game, and a two-minute rest period between the second and third game will be used.

3. FORFEITS:

Scheduled game time will be forfeit time for the first game of the match. Game time will be official’s game time. Match forfeit time will be fifteen minutes after scheduled game time. In order to win by forfeit a team must have at least 5 players present and listed in the score book and ready to play. A side out will be in effect when the sixth position is to serve. If neither team is prepared to play, the match will be considered a double forfeit.

4. UNIFORMS:

Jerseys may be checked out at the Fitness Center for matches. If teams supply their own jerseys, they must be numbered. No military cut-off’s, or dress shorts with belt loops will be allowed. You may have pockets. Gym shorts are allowed.

5. OBSTRUCTION:

Any ball that hits any beams or ceilings will result in a side out or point. However, the ball is playable on your side.

6. SERVING - Server has only one chance to execute the service.

7. SCOREKEEPERS: Each Team will provide a Scorekeeper. Scorekeepers may be either a player or bystander; scorekeepers who are players will alternate between teams between matches. The Official will confirm the accuracy of the score between matches.

8. SUBSTITUTION: Teams are allowed to make substitutions during games. See rules 11.1 and 11.2 in the USA Volleyball

Rules 2003-2004.

9. LINE JUDGES: All players can be line judges. The line judges will judge for the opposite team. They may be players, or volunteers, but can not play in the current game that they are judging. Each squadron will provide one line judge.

Racquetball:

1. DIRECTIVE:

5 FSS Operating Instructions, American Amateur Racquetball Association (AARA) rules, and the governing directives located in the Minot AFB Sports Constitution.

2. EQUIPMENT:

a. Only athletic style shoes will be allowed.

b. Eye protection is mandatory during all games. Play will not start until everyone is using eye protection. (Eye protection is available for sign out at the front desk)

c. It is highly suggested you bring your own racquet. (Racquets are available for sign out at the front desk)

d. Athletic clothing must be worn. No part of the military uniform will be authorized.

e. No jewelry will be worn (only flat wedding bands are authorized).

3. THE GAME:

a. Competition: team competition, double round robin format

b. Composition: unlimited roster, four individuals per match

c. Format: Four individual single matches will be played. Teams will receive one point for the first team to win three matches. If the score is tied 2-2, a doubles match will be played as the tiebreaker.

d. All players on a team will be ranked with the best player being #1, next being #2, etc, until all players are numbered.