RULES & REGULATIONS
Below are the rules and regulations for the Elite American Football League
Section I: Team Requirements
1) EFAL Team fee is $1,000 (Non-Refundable)
a) Application Fee $50 (Non-Refundable)
2) The Season will consist of 10 games, playoff games, EAFL Elite Super Bowl, and Elite Skills Challenge by position with individual awards.
3) All Team Rosters must be submitted to the EAFL by Monday, February 7, 2022 at 10:00PM. On February 8, 2022 the rosters will be posted on League website.
4) All players, coaches, and staff up to 14 individuals must register at the league’s website. These individuals will be the only ones admitted free admission at the opponent’s venue.
5) No children are allowed on the sidelines. Only children allowed on the sideline are registered ball boy/water boy.
6) Teams must have at least 11 players present before kickoff in order to participate in a scheduled game. If unable to meet this requirement the team will forfeit after 30 minutes from the posted kickoff time, and the other team will be awarded the win.
7) If a team folds after official rosters have been submitted, those players are eligible to go to another team within the League as long as it’s by week 3 of the season. After weeks 3 no one can be added to a roster.
8) A player that is on a official roster can only play for another team prior to week 3 if he has a release from his current team owner.
9) Any team caught with players not on the official roster for their team will forfeit every game they’ve played in.
10) When a player registers on the league website under a team name this puts them on their roster, and only an owner of that team can release him from the team. No team owner, or coach can register a player without their consent. All players are to register themselves on the EAFL website.
11) Every team must be able to travel no more then 4 hours for a game unless they have request it.
12) If a conference call is set up, every team must have an owner or team rep on the phone to represent the team.
Section II: Uniform Requirements
1) Teams MUST have Home and Away uniforms.
a) Each team must have 2 jerseys. Light Color and Dark Color for the two jerseys.
b) Uniformity and Integrity from all teams in the EAFL is expected 100% and there will be no exceptions to the rule. Each team must have at least 2 jerseys with one pants. If team owners fail to do so by their first game you will be dismissed for the season with no fees refund.
c) Teams must match in all uniforms, which include helmets (face masks also), jerseys, socks and pants.
d) Team SOCKS must be the same solid color. They don’t need to reach the knees but must all be the same solid color.
e) Away jerseys do not necessarily have to be white, but it must be opposite of the home jerseys. Home team picks their jersey color for the game.
f) Team Jersey – Undershirts must be the same team colors for all players on the team for that game (Compression Shirts, T-shirts, Sweaters).
g) Football pants must be worn -No shorts, sweatpants, jeans, etc.
h) If tights are worn by players, the colors must match for the whole team.
i) Cleats are required and cannot have metal spikes.
j) Coaches must be in team color polo shirts or t-shirts during game.
k) Cleats and Gloves must be black, white, or team color ONLY.
Section III: Field, Facility, and Game-day Requirements
1) Home teams are responsible for having a home field and all cost associated with it. All fields will be reviewed by an EAFL league representative and will be approved or denied. Teams will not have the right during the season of not wanting to play at venue without league approval. If the board approves the venue to be utilized, then the visiting team must partake in the game or face forfeiture with a $100 fine enforced.
2) Fields must be an eleven-man legal field, 120yards x 53 1/3rd yard, and properly marked with:
a) Yard Line Numbers
b) End Zone Pylons
c) Yard Lines Marked
d) Goal Post
3) Chains and down markers are required for all EAFL games.
4) Security must be hired by the home team.
5) Facilities must have restrooms and a place for spectators to sit or set up their own chairs while allowing adequate space between the field and spectators.
6) Home team must supply an area for visiting team to change.
7) Scoreboard is requires at all facilities.
8) Home team are to supply water and ice for the visiting team.
Section IV: Player Requirements
1) All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate in a EAFL game. If a team has a minor play in a game and it’s reported and confirmed with the league that team will forfeit that game.
2) All players in the EAFL are not permitted to play in 2 different leagues at the same time. The player will be disqualified for the remainder of the season and removed from the roster. A league investigation will determine any potential disciplinary action to the team, which could include forfeiture for all games that player participated in.
3) No player can be on 2 rosters at the same time. Any player that knowingly puts himself on 2 rosters will be removed from the EAFL.
4) The League is not responsible for individual team fees, equipment, or other expenses owed by a player to a team.
5) Participation in the EAFL is voluntary and no one receives compensation from the league.
6) Players are encouraged to have Medical Insurance during the EAFL season. The EAFL does not cover players for any injuries sustained in any game during the season.
Section V: Game Rules
1) EAFL will use the NCAA College Rules; Official College leather balls are the only footballs permitted.
2) Pre-season games/scrimmages may start before the regular season begins and will not reflect any EAFL League standings.
3) All Referees and Time Keeper (if needed) must be paid during halftime. If home team does not pay the referees and time keeper at halftime then the game will be CALLED and home team will receive a forfeit lose.
4) Players must play in 6 regular season games to be eligible for the playoffs.
5) All updated PDF roster will be posted on the league website no later than Thursday of game week. Each team must print out the opponents PDF roster that has been approved by the League for game day player check in.
6) Teams are to line up in numerical order to be checked in. Once player check in is done the individual that completed the player check in must take a picture of the check in paperwork with their phone and Text or Email it to the designated league official no later the Sunday 3:00pm who will be in charge of keeping track of players games played throughout the season.
7) Player’s check-in must be checked no later than 15 minutes prior to kickoff of the game by a team owner or staff.
a) A player who arrives after kickoff can be checked in by the opposing coach at the start of the next quarter.
b) A list of eligible players will be signed off by both head coaches prior to kickoff. This list should be adjusted prior to the second half kickoff with any late arriving players who checked in at half.
c) At the start of the 2nd half no player at that point will be able to check in and is not eligible to play the remainder of the game.
d) Any team who allowing a player to play who didn’t check in will receive a forfeit.
8) Any team refusing, or not doing book check will forfeit their game. It is MANDITORY to do book check at the latest 15 minutes before kickoff.
8) Video replay will not be allowed to change an official’s call. Video may only be used by the League to determine disciplinary actions.
9) Home teams are responsible for recording the entire game. The League may request the use of the video to determine disciplinary actions only.
10) The home team will choose the time of the game. The game cannot be scheduled no earlier than 6pm unless agreed upon by visiting team. This must be sent via email to the team that is visiting as well as to the league commissioner with all parties in agreement. If visiting team doesn’t agree then there’s no agreement, and the home team is subject to forfeit for playing before 6:00pm.
11) Games must be played at the time presented by the home team, which must be communicated to the visiting team and the League by 7PM on Wednesday prior to the game.
12) A minimum of 5 Certified Referees are required for all league games to be played
13) The home team will provide 3 individuals, 14 years or older, to work the chains on the home sideline.
14) Home team is to contact the visiting team no later than Wednesday for upcoming game. When the home team contacts visiting teams, the following information must be included: Game location, time, Color of jersey, bleachers or not, and where team can change.
15) Game cancellation due to inclement weather – game will be rescheduled for a later date. Scheduled games will continue as planned. The rescheduling of any games will be agreed upon by the teams involved and the League Commissioner.
Section VI: League Conduct
1) All persons participating in EAFL events will conduct themselves in a professional manner.
2) Absolutely “NO FIGHTING” will be tolerated. Players will be ejected from the game. There is NO appeal process for ejected players or coaches.
a) First Offense- Minimum 3 game suspension, pending League investigation for larger suspension.
b) Second Offense- Suspended for the remainder of the season, pending League investigation.
c) Video review will be allowed for League investigations. If no video is available, the League will depend on the Referee’s report.
d) Any player or coach that uses anything as a weapon (helmet, football, cleats, etc...) will be automatically banded from the EAFL.
e) Anyone caught spitting on another person will be immediately removed from the EAFL.
6) Any staff, coaches or players caught stealing or vandalizing will automatically be removed from the premises and removed from the League.
7) If an altercation breaks out on the field only Coaches are to come on to the field to break up a fight. NO PLAYER is to leave the sidelines onto the field. Any player that leaves the sideline will be Suspended for 2 games. If video is provide the EAFL will review it, if no video is available then EAFL will use the Referee’s report when handing out the suspensions..
8) All team owner(s) will be held responsible for their players and coaches on all social media sites and internet forums. As long as they’re on your team you are responsible for their behavior. We will expect you to set standards and guidelines for your organization that everyone abides by.
9) We will have ZERO TOLERANCE dealing with any issues of players, coaches, or staff threatening someone over the internet. Anyone that decides to break this rule will be subject to suspension for the season and a possible lifetime band from the EAFL.
10) The league will not allow any disrespect/defamation towards any owner(s), player(s), coach(es), or the EAFL. Any owners, staff, players, or coaches that choose to do so will face suspensions or removal from the EAFL.
11) All ejections will result in at least a minimum of a 1 game suspension. The League reserves the right to increase suspension time to reflect the action which provoked the ejection.
12) Any unsportsmanlike penalties towards referees may result in suspension to be determined by the League. Anyone threatening a referee will immediately be removed from the league.
13) No Player, Coach, or staff member is to address the opposing team in any manner without respect. Anyone flagged or thrown out is subject to a multi- game suspension to be determined by the League.
14) No staff, players, or coaches will wear anything negative or possess curse words to any EAFL function.
15) NO smoking or use of any tobacco products as well as alcohol at any EAFL function including games. This includes pre-game, during the game and post-game.
16) There will be no illegal controlled substance allowed at any EAFL game or event. Anyone caught will automatically receive a lifetime band from the league.
17) No weapons (guns, knives, exc...) are allowed at any EAFL game or event. Anyone caught will automatically receive a lifetime band from the league.
Section VII: Pro Football Player Guidelines
1) Once a player signs a contract with a Pro Team they are no longer allowed to participate in any EFAL football games.
2) A player that signs a “Release of Liability Waiver” just to try-out for a Pro team is still eligible to play in the EAFL. It’s only when they formally sign to the team is when they no longer are eligible.
3) Any player that leaves to play Pro football due to an opportunity, but then gets rereleased from the Pro team will be able to return to the EAFL team they were on. Before returning the EAFL must get an email RELEASE letter from the Pro organization stating that player has been released and no longer with their football organization.
4) Any team that gets caught playing a Pro player will forfeit all games that player participated in.
