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posted 11/08/2008 RULE 20: MANDATORY PLAY.
1. All players participating in JMFA shall participate in every game including playoffs and the Carnation Bowl, with the following minimum play requirements:
a. All players, regardless of grade (2nd - 8th grades)
b. 15 plays including kickoff, kickoff return and extra point conversions.
2. Reasons for not participating in mandatory play are:
a. Illness
b. Injury
c. Unexcused absent one practice (or more) per week without cause
d. Poor school performance as related by the parent
e. Attitude (justifiable), and
f. Official ejection.
3. If a child is not eligible prior to the start of the game, the player eligibility form must be completed and present at the pre-game meeting of the head coaches. Players who are ineligible are not required to meet this rule.
4. If a player becomes ill, is injured or has an attitude problem at any point during the game, the head coach shall notify the head official and the play-counters who will note the minimum play count sheet. In this case, the Area Director will exercise final say if a violation of this rule is alleged.
5. Each area shall provide one scorekeeper/play counters. That person will be part of the "officiating crew", along with timekeeper, and chains personnel.
6. Each play counter (one per team per game) is required to use the league-standard play-counting sheet. Play counting sheets are to be signed by each play counter at the conclusion of the game.
7. All play counters are to meet at midfield at the beginning of halftime to consolidate notes and agree on status of all players. This shall take place in the presence of the head referee. Play counters will then inform their respective head coaches of status of all players before the start of the 3rd quarter.
8. Failure to comply with mandatory play shall not be a forfeitable offense in the regular season
9. Failure to comply with mandatory play in the playoffs or Carnation Bowl shall result in a forfeit. The JMFA County Board shall provide play counters at the Carnation Bowl.
10. Failure of coach to comply with the mandatory play rule shall be reported in writing to the Area President and team manager, or appointed team representative keeping account of players and plays. This complaint is to be delivered to the respective coach along with a warning.
a. The Area Director at his/her discretion may review film to determine that the play count violation did/did not occur.
11. A second reported offense should be brought before the board or its designated committee. If the committee or board determines that the coach in question has violated the mandatory play rule, then the coach shall be barred from participation or attendance at the team's next game.
12. A third reported offense, with a determination by the Area President or designated committee that the coach in question has violated the mandatory play rule, shall result in the coach being barred from coaching in the JMFA program for the remainder of the calendar year and an additional one calendar year beginning on January 1 the following year.
13. Failure of play counter to sign play-counting sheet at conclusion of the game may result in one-week suspension for their team’s head coach, as determined by Area President/Director.
14. At NO TIME shall a coach approach a parent or player and make an agreement to reduce the number of plays one game and increase the number of plays in subsequent games to make up the difference.
a. If it is determined by an Area Director and/or board that the above statement has occurred, the head coach of that team shall be suspended for one calendar year from the date of infraction.
