GEJFA sent out an email this weekend, discussing multiple cases of unacceptable behavior at some games this weekend. Some reported by opponent coaches, some reported by officials and even one case reported by a spectator who was there just to watch kids play. Coaches swearing, coaches arguing with officials, coaches calling for fouls, coaches choosing or refusing to shake hands at the end of the game, fans swearing, confronting officials, etc.
Although we know that the SYFA coaches' and parents would not be involved in this type of behavior, the league has asked that we forward the NFHS Rule 9 Contact Foul for all coaches to review. GEJFA follows the NFHS Rules and all SYFA teams received a copy when they picked up their Master Rosters.
Please be aware that the officials will be instructed to penalize teams for poor behavior/sportsmanship. The later may also mean ejections.
If you have any comments, please let us know.
SYFA
High School Football Rule Book
Rule: 9-5-1 No player shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner. Examples are, but not
limited to:
- Baiting or taunting acts or words or insignia worn which engenders ill will.
- Using profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
- Any delayed, excessive or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself.
- Using disconcerting acts or words prior to the snap in an attempt to interfere with A’s signals or movements.
- Intentionally kicking at the ball, other than during a legal kick.
- Leaving the field between downs to gain an advantage unless replaced or unless with permission of an official.
- Refusing to comply with an official’s request.
- Using tobacco or smokeless tobacco.
Rule: 9-8-1 No coach, substitute, trainer or other team attendant shall act in an
unsportsmanlike manner. Examples are, but not limited to:
- Using profanity, insulting or vulgar language or gestures.
- Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
- Disrespectfully addressing an official.
- Indicating objections to an official’s decision.
- Using any illegal communication equipment.
- Holding an unauthorized conference.
- The failure of a team to be ready to start either half.
- Failure of the head coach, following verification, to have player(s) wear legal and/or required equipment.
- Being on the field except as a substitute or replacement player.
- Using tobacco or smokeless tobacco.
- Being outside the team box, but not on the field.
- A substitute who leaves the team box during a fight.
Penalty: if dead ball – 15 yards unsportsmanlike conduct. Also disqualification if flagrant. A second unsportsmanlike foul results in disqualification. A disqualified member of the coaching staff shall be ejected from the stadium area and be prohibited from any further contact, direct or indirect, with the team during the remainder of the game. For failure to comply, the referee may forfeit the game.
Rule 9-9
Art. 1 A player or non-player or person not subject to the rules shall not hinder play by an
unfair act which has no specific rule coverage.
Art. 2 No team shall repeatedly commit fouls which halve the distance to the goal line.
Art. 3 Neither team shall commit any act which, in the opinion of the referee, tends to
make a travesty of the game.
Penalty: Unfair act – the referee enforces any penalty he considers equitable, including the award of a score. Repeated fouls, the game may be forfeited.
