KADENA AIR BASE INTRAMURAL GENERAL ... - Kadena FSS

KADENA AIR BASE
INTRAMURAL GENERAL BYLAWS
Updated 4 Feb 2011
PURPOSE
This operating instruction is to provide guidance and direction to all Active Duty Air Force personnel
assigned to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.
OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of the Intramural Sports Program is to maintain the highest possible morale and
physical well-being of all military personnel assigned or attached to Kadena Air Base.
ADMINISTRATION
The Intramural Sports Program will be administered and supervised by the Risner Fitness and Sports
Complex Director; and will be directed by the Sports Program Director.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
The rules that govern each sport will be prepared under a separate cover. The Sports Program Director
reserves the right to modify any and all rules with the best interest of all concerned.
ELIGIBILITY
A. All Active Duty military, reservists, DoD/NAF civilians, local nationals and family members with
government ID cards over the age of 18, assigned or attached to Kadena Air Base.
B. Players may only participate for the squadron in which they are assigned. Personnel TDY to Kadena
AB may participate with their assigned TDY unit only. EXCEPTION; Military member married to
military member can be placed in the player’s pool for their spouse’s unit only if their unit does not have
a team.
C. Reservists, DoD/NAF civilians, local nationals, and their family members may play for either the unit
their sponsor is assigned or in which they work in. They may participate when doing so does not prevent
an Active Duty member from playing.
D. Players transferring from one unit to another prior to the first game of the regular season must play
with the new unit. Players transferring during the regular season may play for either unit. Players
transferring during the regular season may play for either unit; however, after one game has been played
with the team of the player’s choice, the player has used up the option and must remain with that team for
the rest of the season.
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E. Units not assigned or attached to Kadena are not allowed to participate in the Intramural Program,
unless otherwise approved by the Risner Fitness and Sports Complex Director.
F. Teams are not allowed to compete as a group; this is “unit” competition. It is the Unit Commander’s,
sports representative, and coach’s responsibility to make sure their teams comply with this rule. Failure
to comply will result in forfeiture from post-season play; and wall Commander Trophy points
accumulated for this sport will be forfeited.
G. This program is comprised of two divisions: 1) Division I - Large units comprised of 200 or more
active duty members, and 2) Division II - Small units comprised of 199 or less active duty members. If
units enter more than one team (e.g. Team “B”, “C”, “D” and so on), only Team “A” is eligible for
Commander’s Trophy points. Small units will 199 or less active duty members may combine to form one
team. Combined unit strength will not exceed 262 assigned personnel total. Any units wanting to
combine forces will require a written request submitted to the Risner Fitness and Sports Complex
Director, signed by both Unit Commanders requesting their units be combined for the entire Sports Fiscal
Year Calendar season. Large units with more than 200 active duty members will not merge with other
units.
GENERAL RULES
A. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: If a player is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, he/she will not be
allowed to play for the remainder of the game. Player ejected must immediately leave the complex (out
of sight and sound) or the game will be forfeited. Ejected players will be required to sit for an automatic
one game suspension. Situations involving violent play or excessive unsportsmanlike conduct that target
other players, coaches or game officials will receive additional suspensions at the discretion of the Sports
Director. Two ejections in one season will result in an automatic banishment from the remainder of the
regular and post season.
B. Intramural Director will handle all flagrant misconduct. If a player disputes a decision, he/she
must do so in writing by 1200 hrs the following duty day after the decision has been made. The Sports
Director has discretion to review and reverse any and all disciplinary penalties. Appeal of such decision
can formally be requested by unit sports representatives and reviewed by an ad hoc meeting of the Sports
Advisory Council disciplinary committee.
C. Profanity by team members or coaches will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
D. Prohibited Use of Alcohol/Tobacco: Players and coaches are not allowed to have alcoholic
beverages or tobacco products on the playing fields or bench areas. Players using tobacco or are under
the influence of alcohol under the judgment or discretion of the officials or having alcohol in the team
area/field will be ejected from the game and is considered an unsportsmanlike conduct infraction.
Recurring instances will result in Fitness and Sports Complex Director and offending individual’s
command leadership involvement.
E. Military uniforms will not be worn as part of the sports uniform.
F. Home teams will be determined by which team is listed first on the schedule, unless special bylaws
state otherwise. Home teams will have choice of jersey preference and ability to submit roster last (golf,
tennis and racquetball) for all individual sports.
G. Rosters: Full team rosters must be turned into the sports office at least one week prior to the first
game. New/updated rosters not turned in by 1200 the day of the scheduled game will result in the game
being cancelled and a forfeit will be assessed to the team(s). Changes to the rosters may be made before
1600 hrs Monday through Friday. A player not on the roster after participating in a game will be
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considered an illegal player and the game in question will be forfeited. Changes to the roster will not be
authorized after two-thirds of the season is completed. Exception: Personnel PCSing in or returning from
TDY will be allowed to be added to the roster, but will require proof such as orders, travel vouchers.
H. Player’s Pool Information: Players wishing to be put into the player’s pool must complete a Player’s
Pool Release Form from the sports office. Only players assigned or attached to Kadena are eligible.
Players whose unit does not have a team may enter the player’s pool by filling out a players pool entry
form at the sports office. No additional letters are required. Players must have his/her commander or first
sergeant sign the request form only if the unit has excess players releasing that individual into the player’s
pool. Once the form is completed, the player is to return the form to the sports office. It is only then that
the player is considered released to the player’s pool. Players cannot pre-select the team they want to
play with nor can the coach’s pre-select players. Players need not be present for the draft. The draft is a
blind process, players cannot be request or assigned out of turn. If a unit or player refuses an assignment
after request they forfeit their player’s pool privileges for the season.
Requesting Team: Squadrons with more than one participating team cannot draw from the
player’s pool. Units desiring players must submit a Players Request Form. It must be signed by
unit fitness and sports representative and submitted to the sports office. Only then will the team
be put into the draft pool. The first draft of the pool will be conducted at the coaches’ meeting
before start of the regular season. Requesting units from division 2 will draw from the first draft
in a first in, first out process for both requesting units and players. During the first draft, each
team will receive their first player before any team receives an additional player. Once all the
teams have their first player, the process starts over. Division one units will only be eligible to
draw players if all division two teams refuse player assignments or reach their full allotment.
Supplemental Drafts: Supplemental drafts during the regular season occur as follows: All
eligible personnel can sign up for the draft anytime during the sports office’s business hours. The
sports director or designated official will conduct a blind draw immediately when the person
signs up for the draft. Teams requesting players are offered a player before beginning the next
draft. Teams not requesting players from the player’s pool when each draft begins must wait
until the next draft.
Player Pool Assignments: Players/teams may not refuse players pool assignments.
Note: For sports that require seven or less members to start a game, the maximum amount of
players a team can draft are two. For sports requiring eight or more, the teams are authorized up
to four players. The sports director must approve subsequent requests.
I. Protests: The sports office will not accept any protest other than player eligibility and/or rule
interpretation. Standardized protest forms will be available at the officials table and must be completed
at the next dead ball following the suspected rules misinterpretation. At this time, the protesting coach
will contact the lead official and play will be stopped and the official protest form will be completed.
Score, period, time remaining, situational variables (men on base, lineup spot, etc) will be documented by
the officials with a description of the disputed play. Both teams will sign off on the protest and the
contest will be annotated in the official scorebook or on the official score card.
Judgment Calls: Judgment calls are not considered protestable items. If coaches and game
officials are not in agreement on the nature of a call (judgment vs. rules interpretation) protest
will be filed for consideration. Coaches and players must be aware that the sports office will not
reverse judgment calls of the officials unless misinterpretation or gross negligence can be proven.
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Player’s Eligibility: If a player’s eligibility is protested during a game, the individual in question
must render proper identification. The name will be noted in the official scorebook or on the
official score card and checked by the intramural director against the team roster.
General Provision: Sports Director will decide all protests IAW Kadena rules bylaws and those
of national sport governing body
J. Post Season Play: The sports office is the sole decision maker on all protests or on rule interpretations.
The sports office will decide on playing field conditions before game time. When play begins Officials’
input will be requested before the final decision. If an ineligible player is identified, the team will be
forfeited from the tournament. Players ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct will be out for the remainder
of the tournament. Appeals to this rule will be treated on a case by case basis by sports director. The
whistle at the end of the game ends the game completely. No protests or disagreements will be allowed at
this time.
K. Postponements/Forfeits: Game time is forfeit time. Inability to field a team at game time will result
in a loss for that game. There will be no forfeiture fees assessed to the team, but if the team accumulates
two forfeits, the team will be removed from the league. Coaches are required to fill out a Team Schedule
Adjustment Request on the LOI before the start of the season. This will enable the schedule programmer
to accommodate the team’s duty commitments. Games will only be rescheduled to meet mission
requirements. The season will not be extended to accommodate individual teams. It is the responsibility
of the unit commander or first sergeant to submit a letter to the sports office 24 hours prior to the
scheduled game stating the nature of the military contingency that warrants a game to be rescheduled.
Exception: If mission requirement is short notice, letter is due no later than 1200 the following duty day.
Rescheduling Games: Rescheduled games may be played on Fridays and Saturdays; subject to
change and schedule by the discretion of the Sports Director.
Forfeits: If a team forfeits out of the league, the win/loss record prior to removal will stand; any
remaining games will be carried as a win for the opponents and a loss for the forfeiting team. The
forfeited team will forfeit all Commanders’ Cup points for that particular sport. The players of
forfeited teams may enter the player’s pool if team forfeit out before 2/3 of the season has
elapsed. All games and special events are automatically cancelled due to Typhoon Condition 2 or
greater, and for18 th Wing Recall/Exercises. Coaches will contact the sports office on bad weather
days between 1400 and 1500 on the day of the game. After 1500, the decision to cancel game(s)
will be conducted at game time at the field/facility. If the first game is canceled due to inclement
weather, all the remaining games for that night are also canceled.
L. Type of Competition:
Division Breakdown: Intramural and Extramural Sports broken down depending on the number
of teams entered, day of the week preference (Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu), and other pertinent data
will determine the amount of divisions. Division I and Division II units will play in the same
divisions. Play within each division will be single, double or modified round robin based upon
numbers of teams and funds available. Teams with the best percentage in league standings will
be selected for the post-season tournament.
Post-Season: At least fifty-percent of participating teams will advance to the post-season
tournament. The post-season tournament will be double elimination format. If the league has
fewer than eight teams, the top four teams will advance.
Awarding Commander’s Trophy Points: Only one team from each squadron is eligible to
receive Commander’s Cup points. Regardless of designation i.e. “A”, “B”, “C”, only the team
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that scores the most combined participation and competition points will receive Commander Cup
points. See Commander’s Trophy Points System guidelines section of these general bylaws.
League Champions: The win/loss records during regular season play will decide the league
champions. In a two-division league, there will be two division championship teams. When a
division has two or more teams tied at the end of the regular season, the ties will be broken by the
following methods:
Head-to-Head Competition: If 3 or more teams are tied, a comparative matrix will be
used comparing all results involving 2 of the tied teams.
Point differential in head-to-head competition:
SAMPLE:
Points Scored Points Allowed Point Differential
Team 1 100 50 +50 (winner)
Team 2 80 100 -20
League Awards: The first place team in each division in a league (if more than one division)
will receive a team award, if available. The first and second place teams of the tournament will
also receive individual awards as follows:
Basketball
Softball
Volleyball
Soccer
Flag Football
14 per team
20 per team
14 per team
20 per team
20 per team
Note: For additional guidelines on the Intramural Program General Rules, please refer to 18
FSS/FSVS OI 34-266-1, Section 3.
N. Ineligible Players: If a protest results from the alleged use of an illegal player during the league
competition, and the protest is upheld, the offending team will forfeit the game in question. Additionally,
the ineligible player will be suspended from play for the remainder of the season. Teams having illegal
players will be banned from all league playoffs for that sport/season. In addition, the team will receive no
Commander’s Cup points for that sport. If an individual is assigned to a unit with more than one team,
that individual will play with the team he/she has played their first game with. At no time will the
individual be able to participate with another team. If the member plays with another team, he/she will be
considered an ineligible player.
GAME SCHEDULES
X. GAME SCHEDULES
The Sports Program staff will publish game schedules with time and dates as appropriate. At the start of
each game is when forfeitures will be identified.
ATTIRE
Appropriate athletic attire will be worn at all times. At no time will any part of the uniform be considered
in order. Individuals will not be allowed to participate in the attire that does not meet the standard
requirements as listed under separate Rules of Play for each sport.
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STANDINGS
All ties and playoff positions will be decided based on head-to-head competition.
A. Letter of Intent *
B. Team Roster*
C. Player’s Pool Release Form
D. Player’s Pool Request Form
E. Player’s Pool Acceptance Letter
F. Schedule Adjustment Request
LIST OF SPORTS PROGRAM FORMS
*These forms must be received in addition to attendance by coach (or designated appointee) at coaches
meeting in order for a squadron to become eligible for participation.
To gain a copy of these forms, please contact the Sports Office.
COMMANDER’S TROPHY POINTS SYSTEM
A. The purpose of the Commander’s Trophy Program is to generate interest and participation in the
Intramural Sports Program, and to increase unit morale and esprit de corps. All units assigned to Kadena
AB are eligible to participate in the Commander’s Trophy Program. This program is comprised of two
divisions: 1) Division I - Large units comprised of 200 or more active duty members, and 2) Division II -
Small units comprised of 199 or less active duty members.
B. The Commander’s Trophy will be awarded to the unit in each category that accumulates the most
points in a Sports Fiscal Calendar Year. A Sports Fiscal Calendar Year is defined as starting in October
and ending in September with the following seasons: Soccer (October-November), Flag Football
(December-January), Basketball (February-April), Volleyball (May-July), and Softball (Jul-September).
C. Commander’s Trophy Points will be awarded for participation in five of the core intramural sports
(Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball) accordingly to regular season standings (1st
to 5th place). Points are also awarded for attendance to each Coaches and Sports Advisory Council
Meetings. The point breakdown is as follows in Table 1:
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Table 1. Commander’s Trophy Points System
Activity Remarks Points
Fitness & Sports Advisory Council
Meetings
Unit Representative must be present
(held on a quarterly basis, or as
designated by the Sports Program
Director)
25 points
Coaches Meetings Unit Representative must be present 10 points
Regular Season Standings
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place
20 points
15 points
10 points
7 points
5 points
Post-Season Standings
Regular Season Participation Points
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place
Awarded to units who participate in
Intramural sports
30 points
25 points
15 points
10 points
5 points
25 points
Post-Season Participation Points
Forfeits
Awarded to units in post-season play
Points will be deducted for forfeits; each
game forfeited will be a 10 points. If a
team forfeits out of the league, the unit
will lose all points earned for that sport
20 points
-10 points
D. If units enter more than one team (e.g. Team “B”, “C”, “D” and so on), Regardless of designation i.e.
“A”, “B”, “C”, only the team that scores the most combined participation and competition points will
receive Commander Cup points. Small units will 199 or less active duty members may combine to form
one team. Combined unit strength will not exceed 262 assigned personnel total. Any units wanting to
combine forces will require a written request submitted to the Risner Fitness and Sports Complex
Director, signed by both Unit Commanders requesting their units be combined for the entire Sports Fiscal
Year Calendar season. Large units with more than 200 active duty members will not merge with other
units.
E. The Risner Sports Program Director will control and record the Commander Trophy points during the
fiscal calendar year. Commander’s Trophy standings will be posted on the sports program bulletin board
maintained in the Risner Fitness Center. In addition, the top five teams will be announced to attendees at
each Sports Council Advisory Meeting.
F. Before the start of the next Sports Fiscal Calendar Year (after softball and before soccer), the
Commander’s Trophy will be awarded to the unit with the most accumulated points for each division
(Division I-large and Division II-small). These trophies will be maintained by the winning unit, and
returned prior to beginning of the next Sports Fiscal Calendar Year. Presentation of the trophy will be
scheduled by the Sports Director through leadership channels; date and time of presentation will be
announced by the Sports Program Director through Unit Sports Representatives of the presentation of
these trophies in a formal venue presented by one of the following individuals: 18 WG/CC, 18 MSG/CC,
18 FSS/CC or designated representative as schedules permit.
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RULES OF PLAY
Flag Football
Updated 4 Feb 2011
Current United States Flag & Touch Football League (USFTL) rules will apply except as amended
below.
A. Jersey’s of the same color contrast and numbers must be worn. Shorts or pants with no pockets must
be worn on the field. No Exceptions!
B. Teams are allowed eight players on the field. A team must start the game with 6 players on the field
however if they go below 6 at any time the game will be called by the referee. An injured player
must sit out for two (2) plays. If a team is not on the field by the game time, that team shall forfeit its
game.
C. Each team shall designate to the referee between one and four players as its field captain(s). The field
captain or designated representative will speak for the team in all dealing with the officials. A field
captain’s first choice of any option shall be irrevocable, unless a time out is called. This includes the
options available at the coin toss.
D. The home team will be responsible for maintaining the down markers during the first half and the
visiting team the second half. The team listed second on the schedule will denote home team.
E. GAME TIMES:
1. Game will consist of two (2) twenty (20) minute halves
2. The clock will run continuously, except for the last two (2) minutes of each half.
3. The clock will stop for the following reasons:
4. Injuries on the field
5. Time-outs
6. Penalties of any sort
a. Time will begin when the officials have come to a resolution of the penalty, it will be in
their judgment.
b. The clock will stop in the two minutes of each half for the following reasons:
7. Incomplete pass
8. Ball out of bounds
a. There will also be a five (5) minute lapse between each half
b. Game time is forfeit time!
c. The wear of Mouthpieces is Mandatory!
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F. BLOCKING:
1. Contact with opponent may only occur between the opponent’s waist and shoulder. Bull rushing
is not allowed, the offensive player may shield the defensive player by using hand to shoulder
contact. Defensive Players must line up 1 yard from ball off center.
2. Screen blocking will be allowed as long as no physical contact is made between the blocker and
defense. Offensive blocker must run.
3. On a snap, you may not line up over the center’s head. Only shotgun snaps are allowed. No three
(3) or four (4) point stance is allowed. Down field blocking is NOT allowed!
4. There will be no blocking during punts since there is no rush
5. Only one forward pass may be thrown per down and it must be thrown from behind the line of
scrimmage.
G. KICKOFFS
1. If a ball is kicked out of bounds beyond midfield, then the ball is brought out to the 40 yard line;
if a ball is kicked out of bounds before midfield, then the ball is placed where it went out of
bounds.
2. Kickoffs will only be taken at the beginning of each half. All other restarts will be taken from the
15 yard mark.
3. All scrimmage kicks (punts) must be announced. The punter has four (4) seconds after the snap to
punt the ball. If the ball is not punted within the time limit, it will be considered a delay of game
penalty.
4. Teams may not punt the ball on kickoffs. (Only after a safety)
H. FLAGS/DEFLAGGING: If a flag on the ball carrier inadvertently falls off, a one-hand touch below
the shoulder and above the knees constitutes a tackle. Flag guarding will be enforced as a spot
penalty.
I. TACKLE: If the ball carrier is tackled on or within the 20-yard line, a touch down will be awarded.
J. TIMEOUTS: Only two (2) time-outs per team, per half, are allowed and one (1) time-out per team
during overtime plays. Time-outs left over from the regulation game time will not be carried over.
K. SNAPPING OF FOOTBALL: All snaps of the football must be made between the center legs. Only
shotgun snap of three yards or more will be allowed. No hideout plays are allowed. A loss of down
will be assessed.
• At least four (4) players must be on the line of scrimmage on all kickoffs and scrimmage
plays, for the offensive team.
L. PENETRATIONS: No mercy rule will come into play when a team is ahead by 17 points with less
than two minutes left in the game.
1. If a player gets ejected from a game, then he/she will not be able to play the next two games. A
team playing with an ejected player forfeits that game.
M. OVERTIME RULE: During regular season and play-off, a tie game is resolved with the ball been
placed on the 40-yard line and each team given four (4) plays to gain yardage. The team with the
most yards during their four (4) downs wins the game. If an interception is thrown, then you will lose
any remaining downs. You may have and the ball will be turned over to the other team. If both
teams score within four downs the least number of downs will decide outcome.
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