Table of Contents

Article 1 Preamble 

Section 1.1 Rulebook

Section 1.2 Purpose of Program

Section 1.3 Importance of Rules

Section 1.4 Policy on Rules

Section 1.5 Duty

Section 1.6 Participation is a Privilege

Article 2 Coaches and Team Assistants 

Section 2.1 General Purpose

Section 2.2 General Responsibilities of Head & Asst. Coaches

Section 2.3 Conduct of Head & Assistant Coaches

Section 2.4 Statement of Compliance

Section 2.5 Requirements to be a Head Coach

Section 2.6 Application and Background Check Form

Section 2.7 Conducting the Background Check

Section 2.8 Background Check Results

Section 2.9 Interview and Selection Process

Article 3 Sportsmanship And Rules Enforcement 

Section 3.1 Sportsmanship Committee

3.1.1 Function and Jurisdiction

3.1.2 Composition

3.1.3 General Responsibilities

3.1.4 Game Day Responsibilities

3.1.5 Sunday Meeting

Section 10.2 Filing of Complaint

3.2.1 Form and Content

3.2.2 Consideration

3.2.3 Complainant

3.2.4 Alleged Violator

3.2.5 Submission to SC Co-Chair

Section 3.3 Hearings

3.3.1 Hearing

3.3.2 Notice

3.3.3 Continuance

3.3.4 Failure to Appear

3.3.5 Waiver

3.3.6 Ruling

3.3.7 Case-By-Case Basis

Section 3.4 Penalties for Violation of FCCJC Rules

3.4.1 Reprimand

3.4.2 Suspension

3.4.3 Lifetime Ban

3.4.4 Probation

Section 3.5 Repeat Violations

Section 3.6 Consideration When Imposing Penalties

Section 3.7 Forfeiture of Games

Section 3.8 Permanent Record

Section 3.9 Dual Imposition

Section 3.10 Appeals

3.10.1 Procedure

3.10.2 Form

3.10.3 Hearing

Section 3.11 Coaching Application/Player Contract and Consent/Waiver Form

ARTICLE 1 PREAMBLE

Section 1.1 Rulebook

The WCOFCC has established the following Rule Book to govern the operation of the football program.

Section 1.2 Purpose of Program

The WCOFCC football program was established to provide youths the opportunity to compete in football, to learn the values that come with being part of a team, and, most importantly, to build strong character that will follow each participant beyond the field.

Section 1.3 Importance of Rules

The rules set forth herein provide an important foundation for the operation of the football program. Without rules, the program would collapse. It is important for everyone participating in the program, in any capacity, to follow the rules in all situations. It is also important for everyone participating in the program to understand that attempts to avoid the rules, and actions that violate the rules, diminish the entire purpose of the program.

Section 1.4 Policy on Rules

By adoption of this Rulebook, the WCOFCC has established a clear and decisive policy in favor of fair and honest play, and in favor of punishment for those who fail to adhere to that policy. It is intended that not only the written letter of the rules be followed, but also the spirit of the rules.

Section 1.5 Duty

As set forth within this Rulebook, it is the duty of each participant to adhere to the rules, beginning with the head coaches. The head coaches in this program have a unique position of responsibility and accountability – it is their duty to follow the rules and to direct all those for whom they are responsible to follow the rules.

Section 1.6 Participation is a Privilege

An adult participant in this program has been granted the great privilege of working with young people, who learn by your actions. If each action is considered with that understanding, adherence to the rules will be a natural progression.

ARTICLE 2 COACHES AND TEAM ASSISTANTS

Section 2.1 General Purpose

The WCOFCC football program was established to provide youths the opportunity to play football in a competitive and learning environment, to learn the values that come with being part of a team, and, most importantly, to build strong character that will follow each participant beyond the field.

Section 2.2 General Responsibilities of Head and Assistant Coaches

2.2.1 Each head coach and assistant coach must have full knowledge of the rules governing the WCOFCC football program. It shall not be a defense to any violation for a head coach or assistant coach to claim a lack of knowledge or understanding of the organizational rules herein.

2.2.2 Each head coach and assistant coach shall adhere to and act in compliance with the organization rules.

2.2.3 Each head coach is responsible for selecting assistant coaches and team assistants, and ensuring their compliance with all league rules.

2.2.4 Each head coach is responsible for the conduct of the players, coaching staff and spectators/parents during games.

Section 2.3 Conduct of Head and Assistant Coaches

Each head and assistant coach shall adhere to and act in compliance with the following “Coaches Code of Conduct” with respect to WCOFCC games, practices, functions, and/or activities. Coaches shall:

2.3.1 Not use abusive or profane language.

2.3.2 Not have physical contact with a player in a manner that is abusive.

2.3.3 Not institute or direct contact punishment drills.

2.3.4 Not use, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

2.3.5 Not use tobacco in any form.

2.3.6 Not physically assault or threaten any coach, official, spectator, or other person.

2.3.7 Not take any actions that cause ejection from a WCOFCC game.

2.3.8 Not engage in actions or conduct that incites or provokes spectators or players to engage in unruly behavior.

2.3.9 Not direct or allow by complicity violation of the league rules by players, assistant coaches, helpers, or spectators.

2.3.10 Conduct all discussions with officials regarding game issues in a controlled and professional manner.

2.3.11 Take all reasonable and necessary actions to control his team’s spectators and ensure compliance with Section 2.3 of the WCOFCC rules.

2.3.12 Ensure and demand that all team assistants adhere to the Coach’s’ Code of Conduct.

2.3.13 Be truthful and correct in the form and details of all paperwork submitted to the WCOFCC.

2.3.14 Not seek by omission or deception to avoid compliance with the rules of the WCOFCC.

2.3.15 Not contact a WCOFCC player on a team other than his own regarding participation in a tournament without first obtaining the approval of the player’s head coach.

2.3.16 Support the activities of the WCOFCC.

2.3.17 Keep in mind at all times that his conduct and actions are witnessed by the players.

Section 2.4 Statement of Compliance

On each application for head coach or assistant coach, said coach shall verify agreement to adhere to and act in compliance with the league rules, including the “Coaches Code of Conduct.”

Section 2.5 Requirements to be a Head Coach

2.5.1 Be age 21 or over.

2.5.2 Have completed a certification program as required by the WCOFCC, said certification being in good standing.

2.5.3 Be of proper moral character.

2.5.4 Not have been convicted of a felony.

2.5.5 Have the necessary knowledge of the game of youth football and the capability to instruct players on the fundamentals of the game.

2.5.6 Complete an application, the form of which shall be determined by the Board of Directors, and paid the appropriate fee, if any.

2.5.7 Be approved by the Sportsmanship Committee.

2.5.8 Be approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 2.6 Application and Background Check Form

Each year, those interested in being a head coach or assistant coach must complete and sign the WCOFCC application and background check form (see Appendix A). This application will be kept on file for three years at the WCOFCC office, and then destroyed. WCOFCC staff members as determined by the Board of Directors will be designated to process the background checks of coaching applicants. The WCOFCC Executive Committee will review any pertinent information from the background check.

Section 2.7 Conducting the Background Check

WCOFCC retains an outside consultant for the conduct of criminal background checks on WCOFCC coaches. If information is received by the WCOFCC of a coaching applicant's alleged criminal history from a source other than an approved vendor's screening of the individual's background, the WCOFCC may conduct additional background checks through third-party vendors or other individual means. WCOFCC will handle this additional information on a case-by-case basis. Nothing in this policy prohibits the WCOFCC from conducting other independent reference and/or criminal background checks on any coaching applicant.

At a minimum, the background checks will include:

2.7.1 Social Security Verification, which confirms the coaching applicant’s name against the Social Security Number provided.

2.7.2 Address Trace, which verifies the coaching applicant’s current address and identifies previous addresses.

2.7.3 State or County Check, state- or county-wide criminal records check to record all misdemeanor and felony convictions in that jurisdiction.

2.7.4 National Check, access through a national directory for criminal data from throughout the country.

2.7.5 Sex Offender Registry, which provides for a search of State and/or County repositories for known sex offenders.

2.7.6 Volunteer Profile – A profile report on each coaching applicant that is submitted will be received by WCOFCC. This profile will include all relevant information related to the background screening process. If there is no criminal record found, this will be noted on the profile along with the jurisdiction that was searched. If conviction(s) are found, all details including charges, court disposition(s), and sentencing will be provided.

Section 2.8 Background Check Results

2.8.1 Information regarding background investigations of coaching applicants may be shared only on a "need to know" basis. All persons obtaining background investigation information regarding any coaching applicant must keep the information in confidence.

2.8.2 WCOFCC will reject a coaching applicant if the applicant refuses to submit a fully completed Application granting permission to conduct a criminal background check or if the background check reveals the following:

2.8.2.1 Coaching applicants who handle cash or other assets of the WCOFCC shall be excluded for theft of funds, fraud, larceny or other financial crimes.

2.8.2.2 Crime of child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor/adult, causing a child's death, neglect of child or any other individual.

2.8.2.3 Any assault against a minor/adult, or kidnapping.

2.8.2.4 Crime of physical abuse, murder, manslaughter, felony assault, arson or criminal sexual conduct.

2.8.3 WCOFCC has the flexibility to make a determination as to whether to accept or reject a coaching applicant upon discovery of the following:

2.8.3.1 Being subject to any court order involving domestic order of protection which restricts contact with a minor or had parental rights terminated.

2.8.3.2 Drug, alcohol or controlled substance related offenses.

2.8.3.3 DWI, DUI or three (3) or more moving violations within the past three (3) years.

2.8.3.4 Other Potential Civil Liabilities or Damages.

2.8.3.5 History of other behavior that indicates the person may be a risk to any participant or staff of the WCOFCC.

2.8.4 WCOFCC retains the right to exclude any coach or coaching applicant from participation at any time when it believes the person poses a risk to the safety of any participant or staff of the WCOFCC. WCOFCC may consider the severity of the incident and the time that has elapsed since the incident.

2.8.5 Any coaching applicant who has been rejected for any reason other than the required reasons stated above may appeal such discretionary ruling to the WCOFCC Executive Committee. The WCOFCC Executive Committee has the authority to make the final decision as to any application in the category of crimes for which applicants may be excluded. There are no appeal rights to the determination of the WCOFCC Executive Committee.

Section 2.9 Interview and Selection Process

2.9.1 The appropriate Area Director shall interview each head coach applicant. See Appendix B for recommended “Interview Questions for Coaches” to be used as a guide.

2.9.2 Selection of head coaches, as well as continuing direction and control, shall be the responsibility of the Sportsmanship Committee.

2.9.3 Selection of assistant coaches and team assistants shall be the responsibility of the head coach, subject to the continuing approval, direction and control of the Sportsmanship Committee.

2.9.4 The selection and continuing direction of head coaches, assistant coaches and team assistants shall be subject to the approval of the Sportsmanship Committee and the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 10 SPORTSMANSHIP AND RULES

ENFORCEMENT

Section 10.1 Sportsmanship Committee

10.1.1 Function and Jurisdiction: The Sportsmanship Committee (“SC”) shall govern issues involving rules and rules enforcement, and shall administer the same with jurisdiction over all head coaches, assistant coaches, team assistants, spectators, parents, players, and other associated with the WCOFCC, working on behalf of or as part of the WCOFCC, or attending WCOFCC functions and events.

10.1.2 Composition: The SC shall consist of two annually elected Co-Chairs, one member representing the Board, and one member representing the Coaches.

10.1.3 General Responsibilities: The SC shall function to:

10.1.3.1 Promote good sportsmanship;

10.1.3.2 Review and propose rule changes and modifications;

10.1.3.3 Interpret organization rules and policies;

10.1.3.4 Enforce organization rules;

10.1.3.5 Assess penalties for rules and policy violations;

10.1.3.6 Make emergency rulings and impose penalties or restrictions pending formal hearing.

10.1.4 Game Day Responsibilities:

10.1.4.1 Game Day SC Assistants: On each game day, an SC appointee shall be responsible for discharging SC functions under the direction of the SC Co-Chairs, as SC Assistants.

10.1.4.2 Duties: The SC Assistants shall on a consistent basis scrutinize conduct of all coaches, players, spectators, and all other persons on an impartial basis; observe designated games; report rule violations; provide assistance to those filing written complaints, and report to the SC Co-Chairs.

10.1.4.3 Attendance: A SC Co-Chair or SC Assistant shall be present at all game fields at all times during game play.

10.1.5 Sunday Meeting: The SC shall meet 15 minutes after the conclusion of the last scheduled game, but not prior to 5 p.m.

Section 10.2 Filing of Complaint

10.2.1 Form and Content: All complaints to the SC regarding rules violations shall be in writing, in affidavit form, and shall contain the following information, as available:

10.2.1.1 The date, time, and location of alleged violation;

10.2.1.2 The name of the alleged violator;

10.2.1.3 The team affiliation of the alleged violator;

10.2.1.4 The nature of the alleged violation’

10.2.1.5 The names of witnesses to the violation;

10.2.1.6 The date and time of the complaint;

10.2.1.7 The signature of the complainant.

10.2.2 Consideration: A complaint may be considered by the SC if it is in substantial compliance with section 10.2.1.

10.2.3 Complainant: Any person may make a complaint.

10.2.4 Alleged Violator: The alleged violator may be any head coach, assistant coach, helper, spectator, parent, player or others associated with the WCOFCC, working on behalf of or as part of the WCOFCC, or attending WCOFCC functions and events.

10.2.5 Submission to SC Co-Chair: A complaint shall be submitted, or filed, with a SC Co-Chair. Said requirement shall be fulfilled by delivering the same to a SC Assistant, who shall deliver to a SC Co-Chair.

Section 10.3 Hearings

The SC shall meet 15 minutes after the conclusion of the last scheduled game, but not prior to 5 p.m., or at another date and time as set by the SC Co-Chair.

10.3.1 Hearing: At the Saturday meeting of the SC, hearings shall be scheduled and held in which the individual making the complaint of a rules violation shall present the allegation and any evidence to the committee. The alleged rules violator shall be entitled to present any evidence or mitigating factors.

10.3.2 Notice: When a complaint of a rules violation is received, the accused rules violator shall be promptly notified of the allegations, advised of the specific rulebook section allegedly violated, and notified of the date and time of hearing.

10.3.3 Continuance: If an individual cannot, due to the unavailability of documentation or witnesses outside of the alleged rules violator’s control, present a defense at that time, either of the SC Co-Chairs may, at their sole discretion, grant a continuance of the hearing to a later date. Any such continuance must be in writing and signed by an SC Co-Chair.

10.3.4 Failure to Appear: Failure of the accused rules violator to appear before the SC shall not preclude the SC’s ability to act on a written complaint.

10.3.5 Waiver: If an accused rules violator fails to present any evidence or mitigating factors at the section 10.3.1. hearing, said failure shall constitute a waiver of the right to present the same.

10.3.6 Ruling: The SC shall rule on the complaint, subsequent to the hearing, but not greater than three days subsequent to the hearing, by providing the following, in writing:

10.3.6.1 The specific section of the rules violated:

10.3.6.2 The facts supporting the finding of a violation;

10.3.6.3 The penalties imposed;

10.3.6.4 The rights and requirements on appeal per section 10.5.

10.3.7 Case-by-Case Basis: The rulings of the SC shall be made on a case-by-case basis, and precedent from prior rulings shall not be dispositive.

Section 10.4 Penalties for Violation of WCOFCC Rules

There shall be punishments for violation of WCOFCC rules, which may be imposed upon any head coach, assistant coach, team assistant, spectator, parent, player, or others associated with the WCOFCC, working on behalf of or as part of the WCOFCC, or attending WCOFCC functions and events, as follows:

10.4.1 Reprimand

10.4.1.1 Requirement: Every rule violation shall result in a reprimand, which may or may not be coupled with a suspension per sections 10.4.2, or a ban per section 10.4.3.

10.4.1.2 Form: A reprimand shall be in writing, and specify the section of the rules violated and all facts supporting the finding of a rules violation.

10.4.2 Suspension

10.4.2.1 Duration:

10.4.2.1.1 One week suspension.

10.4.2.1.2 Two week suspension.

10.4.2.1.3 Four week suspension.

10.4.2.1.4 Season suspension.

10.4.2.1.5 One year plus the balance of the current season suspension.

10.4.2.2 Requirement: Every violation of the WCOFCC rules may result in a suspension.

10.4.2.3 Effect: A suspension for the term designated shall prohibit the suspended party from participating or attending any meetings, practices, or games related to the WCOFCC.

10.4.2.3.1 Exception: if the offending party is a coach and has a child participating, then the offending party may attend the child’s games solely as a spectator after two weeks have expired under the suspension.

10.4.3 Lifetime Ban

10.4.3.1 A lifetime ban shall extend for the lifetime of the banned party.

10.4.3.2 Requirement: A lifetime ban shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

10.4.3.3 Effect: A lifetime ban shall prohibit the banned party from participating or attending any meetings, practices, or games related to the WCOFCC.

10.4.3.3.1 Exception: If the offending party is a coach and has a child participating, then the offending party may attend the child’s games solely as a spectator after one year has expired under the ban.

10.4.3.4 Reinstatement: A party who is the subject of a lifetime ban may make written application for reinstatement after five years. Said application shall be considered at the sole discretion of the Sportsmanship Committee.

10.4.4 Probation: In lieu of, or in conjunction with, the imposition of any reprimand, suspension or lifetime ban, an offending party may be placed on probation on a first offense, if recommended by the SC, under terms designated by the SC.

Section 10.5 Repeat Violations

10.5.1 Should a coach be ejected from a WCOFCC game two times during any two consecutive season period of time, then that coach shall be suspended for one year.

10.5.2 Should a coach be ejected from a WCOFCC game three times in five consecutive season period of time, then that coach shall be suspended for five years.

Section 10.6 Consideration When Imposing Penalties

The Sportsmanship Committee shall consider the following factors when imposing

a penalty for a rules violation:

10.6.1 Past history of the offending party.

10.6.2 The willfulness of the violation.

10.6.3 The nature of the violation.

10.6.4 The good of the players.

10.6.5 The good of the WCOFCC.

10.6.6 The need for consistent and decisive rules enforcement.

10.6.7 Any other relevant factors deemed appropriate by the SC.

Section 10.7 Permanent Record

Any penalty imposed shall become a part of the offending party’s permanent file with the WCOFCC.

Section 10.8 Dual Imposition

Penalties for the same offense may be imposed against multiple individuals, including players, and the penalties in such a situation do not necessarily have to be the same.

Section 10.9 Appeals

Any individual assessed penalties under section 10.4, unless accepted by the offending party, in writing, may be appealed to the WCOFCC Board at the next regular meeting:

10.9.1 Procedure: Appeals of penalties under section 10.4 must be received by the WCOFCC office no later than 12 noon the next business day following the ruling by the SC and notification of the appealing party.

10.9.2 Form: Any appeal not in the following form shall be summarily denied:

10.9.2.1 In writing;

10.9.2.2 Signed by the offending party;

10.9.2.3 A detailed statement of the alleged errors made by the SC;

10.9.2.4 Specific rulebook citations, by section, relied upon by the appealing party.

10.9.3 Hearing: If the appeal is timely under 10.10.1, and the form of the appeal is proper as per section 10.10.2, then a hearing shall be held before the WCOFCC Board, or the Executive Committee acting in lieu of the WCOFCC Board at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee, at the next regular session.

10.9.3.1 Authority on Appeal: The WCOFCC Board and/or the Executive Committee, shall have full power to modify, reverse or uphold all or part of the SC ruling.

10.9.3.2 Closed Hearing: The hearing shall be closed to all persons except the appealing party, one designated representative of the appealing party and the WCOFCC Board and/or Executive Committee.

10.9.3.3 Presentation: The appealing party, or the designated representative, shall have a maximum of 5 minutes to present the basis of the appeal, utilizing only evidence that was submitted to the SC.

10.9.3.4 Inquiry: The WCOFCC Board and/or Executive Committee may question the appealing party and/or the designated representative, and hear from others at the discretion of the WCOFCC Board and/or Executive Committee.

10.9.3.5 Vote: The WCOFCC Board and/or Executive Committee shall then vote outside of the presence of the appealing party and the designated representative.

10.9.3.6 Notification: The appealing party will be informed of the decision immediately following the vote.

Section 10.11 Coaching Application/Player Contract and Consent/Waiver Form

Each Coaching Application and Player Contract and Consent/Waiver Form shall contain as statement of consent and acceptance of the penalties and procedure herein and the authority of the WCOFCC to govern conduct of those participating in WCOFCC activities, and the delegation of said function to the SC, at the discretion of the WCOFCC. Said statement shall reference the general WCOFCC rules, the penalty sections of this Article, and that a rulebook is available for inspection either at the WCOFCC office or on the league website.