Policy & Procedures

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POLICIES & PROCEDURES

 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this handbook is to give players, parents and coaches a reference guide to the operation of the Innisfail Minor Football Association (IMFA). This handbook outlines the common operational issues and often asked questions. It does not cover all the bylaws, policies, rules or guidelines used by IMFA.

 

Membership & Registration

Player Eligibility

As defined by Football Alberta players will play the age attained during the calendar year.

 

Divisions:

Pee Wee:         Ages 11,12

Bantam:          Ages 13,14,15 (not enrolling in high school in September)

 

Please check the Registration Tab for the current fee schedule. Payments may be made to Innisfail Minor Football Association by cheque, cash, money order, or e-transfer. NSF cheques will have a $40.00 administration fee charge.

 

Fully completed registration forms are required please register with our online form on this website. Fully completed medical forms are also required.

 

Each player will be required to give two post dated cheque's (post dated November 30) of $100.00, one for the required volunteer hours and one for the required fundraising hours. We will be participating in 3 major fundraising events, you will be required to attend and help out with 2 of the 3 events.

 

An equipment deposit cheque (post dated November 30) of $500.00 will be required before equipment will be provided. As long as you return ALL equipment in GOOD condition your cheque will be RETURNED or DESTROYED. Equipment MUST be clean when returned or a $60 cleaning fee will be charged.

 

For league and insurance purposes a player may not take part in the program until his/her registration requirements are completed in full.

 

Fundraising Requirements

1. Bottle Drive: Each player (parent) will participate in a bottle drive. This will include driving players to collect bottles and sorting bottles.
2. Season Ending Fundraiser.

The posted dated cheque of $100 will be returned or destroyed at the year end if your obligations have been fulfilled. If you fail to fulfill your commitment the cheque will be cashed.

Volunteer Requirments

1. Each player (parent) is required to volunteer throughout the season a minimum of three times. Volunteering options include: 50/50 ticket sales, operating concessions, sticks & chains, clock & score sheets, set up & take down of game equipment.

The posted dated cheque of $100 will be returned or destroyed at the year end if your obligations have been fulfilled. If you fail to fulfill your commitment the cheque will be cashed.

 

DUTIES OF COACHING STAFF

Coaches and team management are expected to operate the team within established policy and guidelines set forth by local, provincial and national football associations. Delegation of responsibilities to assistant coaches, managers and parents is necessary, desirable and encouraged.

All teams shall hold a meeting of the parents and coaching staff prior to August 31 of each season. Items to be covered include but are not limited to:

1. Coaching philosophy
2. Team fundraising
3. Time commitment - including number of games and practices
4. Develop a set of team rules or boundaries which the team should adhere to
5. Discipline procedures should problems or conflicts occur should follow the established protocol

Coaching personnel will be reasonable in their demands on the young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that football is not their only activity and that family and educational responsibilities come first. Remember that kids play football for the fun and enjoyment of the game and that winning is only part of it. It is important that the players feel accepted as a member of the team and feel good about themselves and their contribution to the team. All players bring different elements to the team and should be encouraged to share their strengths with the team as well as work on areas of improvement in a positive environment .

Coaching personnel must recognize their responsibilities as Leaders, Educators and ROLE MODELS for young players. Players need a coach they can respect and look up to. Coaching personnel must ensure proper supervision of the team before, during and after all games, practices and other team functions and accept reasonable responsibility for the conduct, safety and well-being of their players. Coaching personnel must make a personal commitment to keep informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of the children. Coaching personnel must attain the appropriate certification for the level they wish to coach.

The use of illegal drugs or alcohol before and/or during a sanctioned Minor Football function will result in disciplinary action when coaching personal are solely responsible for all players and no other parents are present. Coaching personnel must abide by the Coaches Code of Conduct signed at the beginning of the year. Failure to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary action by the disciplinary committee.

 

PARENT & FAN RESPONSIBILITIES/CONDUCT

Parent responsibilities are centered on commitment and support to the player, the sport of football, the association and the community. You as a parent, have not only made a commitment to your child, but have made a commitment to the coaching staff and the other players on a team that are counting on your child’s commitment to the team. It is difficult for a coach to develop a team when some players are continually missing practices and/or games. Football is a TEAM sport; each player is a valuable member and contributes to the team and to the development and enjoyment of each player on the team. The team also relies on parents to assist the team throughout the season in various roles and to serve as positive support and encouragement to players before and after games and practices.

IMFA will NOT tolerate obscene or obnoxious parents or fans. Such individuals will be subject to disciplinary action which could include but is not limited to immediate removal from the game.

 

 

Code of Conduct Expectations:

1. A parent/guardian should be in attendance at practice or reachable by phone in case of emergency. Coaches remain at the field until every player is picked up so please arrive on time.
2. Only players and staff are permitted on practice and game fields. Trainers will handle injuries and coaches will coach the team. If the assistance of a parent is required they will be notified by a staff member or game official. Parents will not address coaches and or officials on the game field. This is a club and league rule. Should you have a question or concern please contact the Team Manager.
3. If you have a grievance or complaint against a coach or staff member you must wait 24 hours and then submit in writing to the Team Manager. The Team Manager will direct your concern to the appropriate team staff member for a reply. Should you not be satisfied with the reply and the complaint will be forwarded to the board.
4. Zero tolerance will be taken with respect to any abuse of our team staff, players, coaches, board members and officials.
5. Smoking is not permitted among the staff while working with players on the game or practice fields. Parents are expected to comply with the City/Town bylaws and school regulations which restrict smoking to areas outside the chain link fences. No smoking is permitted on school property.

PLAYER’S EXPECTATIONS

Players are expected to:

1. Comply and obey all reasonable directions of the coach and team officials providing such directions are within the expected moral, ethical or religious standards.
2. Comply with all Association, League, Football Alberta regulations.
3. Arrive for games, practices, and other team functions at the time designated by the team.
4. Advise the appropriate team official if unable to attend a game or practice due to illness, injury or other commitment well in advance of the activity.
5. Demonstrate respect for the game officials, teammates and opposing players by refraining from use of profanity, verbal, physical and other abuse at all times.
6. Maintain dressing rooms in a clean and orderly fashion. Vandalism of any kind will not be tolerated.
7. Dress cleanly and neatly for all team activities, recognizing that teams may specify a dress code.
8. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or other banned or illegal substances is strictly prohibited at any Minor football sanctioned event.
9. Player’s must abide by the Players Code of Conduct signed at the beginning of the year. Failure to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary action by the disciplinary committee.

 

Various officials are required for all scheduled football games throughout the season. These are volunteer positions that include:

OFFICIALS (Timekeepers / Scorekeepers/Chains) 

1. Scorekeeper: responsible for completing the game sheet, recording touchdowns and penalties and timeouts.
2. Timekeeper: responsible for operation of the clock
3. Chains: As part of the officiating team, the officials are to always respect and abide by the decisions of the on-field officials (referees). Off-field officials are to record all information as requested by the on-field officials; altering of the score sheets are not permitted.

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT- ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Zero tolerance is a policy developed and endorsed by the IMFA. It deals with players and coaches who show disrespect to all on and off field officials.

Any verbal abuse or physical gestures designed to intimidate or embarrass officials will be penalized. To curb abuse, officials will penalize team officials and players who, through words or gestures, made an obvious attempt to:

-intimidate an official

-incite abuse or disrespect of an official by others

-challenge the authority or competence of an official

-embarrass an official

-direct personal comments or gestures at an official

 

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY:

Any person found to be participating in bullying of any kind will face disciplinary action. Persons who have engaged in cyber bullying (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) will face a 3 game suspension after the first offence and an indefinite suspension if a second incident occurs. This includes any photos taken by cameras, cell phones, I-pod’s, etc. Special Note: IMFA has a NO cell phones allowed in the dressing room Policy that will be strictly adhered to.

General Policy

The IMFA expects team officials, players and parents to exhibit qualities of leadership which promote player’s sportsmanship and decorum, considered within acceptable levels of propriety-towards opponents, game officials, and spectators. As such, standards of behavior should be clearly defined and maintained throughout the season within a climate of mutual respect. It is recognized, however, that from time to time, sanctions may be necessary, from an external source, for behavior which transgresses acceptable standards. Such sanctions may be applied to any player, team official, team follower, parent, or association member, and may take the form of: 

                        1) A verbal reprimand

                        2) A written reprimand

                        3) A suspension

                        4) An expulsion

                        5) A combination of the above

The IMFA through its elected or appointed officials, have the authority to discipline any player, team official, team follower, parent or association member. The President shall ensure that written policy or regulations exist with respect to the application of discipline which ensures that each disciplinary incident is dealt with consistently with the process provided for below:

-Profanity by players, parents, team officials or club representatives.

-A player who receives a game misconduct, gross or match penalty.

-A coach, team official or parent who is ejected from a game.

-A team, who in the opinion of the Board, is being assessed too many penalties of a serious nature.

-A team member or team follower who repeatedly brings discredit to the team and IMFA, through violent, abusive, or gross behavior, on or off the field.

-Use of alcohol or other illegal substances while representing Innisfail Minor Football Association through participation in a team activity.

-A parent or guardian who exhibits conduct unbecoming to the integrity of the IMFA program.

Stage 1 - The Informal Process

When incidents occur which may warrant disciplinary action the coach(s) shall report the incident as quickly as possible, and at least prior to the next game, for action.

The Coaching Director and Vice President, and coach(s) shall meet, investigate the incident, and determine the sanction to be applied. In investigating the incident they may consult such game officials, players, parents, or other observers that they may deem necessary to gain the relevant facts of the incident.

 Stage 2 - The Formal Process

The Coaching Director, on receiving a written appeal or request from a member, shall convene a Discipline Committee meeting. The Discipline Committee shall, render a decision and communicate that decision to the board for a vote. Once the decision is complete the committee will communicate the decision to the parties involved in writing.

Appeal

Should a team official, player, or parent feel that board has not satisfactorily resolved the issue, it may be appealed in writing to the IMFA President, within 72 hours, requesting an appeal to the decision.

 

The Appeal Process

The President on receiving a written request for an appeal shall place the item on the agenda for a Special General meeting of the Executive, and inform the Vice- President, Coaching Director and Secretary of its receipt.

The IMFA Executive shall provide up to thirty (30) minutes of meeting time for the person making the appeal to state their case.

The discussion of the case shall take place in the presence of the entire Board of Directors.

The IMFA Executive shall render its decision by motion, and a simple majority of those board members in attendance shall suffice.

The decision of the IMFA Executive shall be final and binding on all parties, except for those avenues of recourse provided by Football Alberta.

 

EQUIPMENT

Protective equipment is required and necessary for full contact play within the Minor Football League. In the interest of safety for our players, it is mandatory that equipment regulations are followed by our players and coaching staff.

An equipment deposit cheque of $500.00 will be required with registration for the following gear:

• Helmet
• Shoulder pads
• Practice jersey
• Practice/game pants
• Thigh pads
• Tailbone pad
• Belt
• Game jersey
• Girdle

The deposit cheque will be held in trust and will be returned once all equipment is returned in satisfactory condition and has been cleaned. Equipment not needed to be returned is girdle. In addition to equipment supplied, each player will need to provide the following:

• Football cleats (no metal cleats)
• Water bottle
• Mouth Guard

Should equipment not be returned your deposit cheque will be cashed. Should equipment be returned in less than satisfactory condition or not cleaned the deposit cheque will be cashed and a cheque will be issued for the deposit amount less the cost incurred to clean, repair or replace the equipment in question.

 

Program Information

 Our season runs mid August until playoffs at the beginning of November with a spring camp running in May / June and a summer camp just before the season starts.

 

Important Information:

• Regular season practices for all teams are held Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday for 2 hours for Pee Wee and Bantam players.
• Equipment is assigned during Spring and Summer camps
• Games are scheduled by the League and usually commence after the September long weekend. Games are held on Saturdays. Each Team Manager will provide parents with a schedule at the beginning of the season and the schedule will be available on the website.
• Players are required to arrive at the field 1 hour before game time (dress code to be determined by coaches at the beginning of the season).
• Players are expected to attend practices and games throughout the season. If you are unable to attend please advise your team manager as well as the coaching staff. If a player misses too many practices during the season the coach will address the concern with the parents and player.
• Safety comes first. Coaches will determine when a player is ready to play. If a player is not ready to play the goal will be to work with the player at practice with the intention of getting the player on the field as soon as he/she is fit do play.
• Playing time is NOT equal or guaranteed.
• As per Football Alberta policies the month of July is a summer break. No association that is a member of Football Alberta at the minor football level may sponsor or organize summer camps for the purpose of training athletes as a team.
• Football is played in all weather conditions. Only in extreme conditions like (-30) or electrical storms will games or practices stop.
• Individual and team photographs are done in September and will be handed out at the year end Awards Banquet.
• Awards Banquet is held at the end of our season in November.