Blue Collar Football League
Constitution and By-Laws
Dated Jan. 22nd, 2023
Article I (Name of the Organization)
The name of the organization shall be known as the Blue Collar Football League (BCFL).
Article II (Mission and Purpose of the Organization)
The Blue Collar Football League's Mission is to promote and provide good clean family-friendly entertainment in a safe and professional environment in the 3 state area (Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana) To assist all athletes in their quest to advance to the next level (Pro) or to go back to College. Also, it helps all athletes keep a balance in their minds, body, and spirit. Our objective is to promote winning in a fair manner with unparalleled sportsmanship. The Blue Collar Football League and its member teams are dedicated to working with their chosen community programs. Through community groups, community awareness, community involvement, and a professional approach on and off the field, The Blue Collar Football League is ready to provide quality sports entertainment for our communities!!
Section 1. Players, coaches, and staff members of each team will maintain appropriate behavior on and off the field.
Section 2. No excessive profanity which includes the gratuitous use of racial slurs will be tolerated during games especially when players are standing near the sideline where fans can hear it.
Section 3. Fighting or threatening players, referees, coaches, league officials, or fans will bring Suspension from the Blue Collar Football League. This includes threats via social media such as Facebook, Twitter Message boards, etc.
Section 4. Players using Profanity towards any Coach, Referee, or League Official including Commissioner, President, Vice President, or Secretary will result in your suspension from the Blue Collar Football League.
Section 5. Coaches using Profanity towards any opposing player or Coach, Referee, or League Official including Commissioner, President, Vice President, or Secretary will result in your suspension from the Blue Collar Football League.
Article III (Constitution and By-Laws of the Organization)
Section 1. The Constitution and By-Laws will be the complete Articles and Sections contained in this
document, no more or less.
Section 2. Constitution and By-Laws amendments must be approved by the Rules Committee. Members may make recommendations to the Rules Committee for proposed changes.
Section 3. Constitution and By-Laws must be submitted to the membership thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which they will be voted.
Section 4. Constitution and By-Laws amendments will require a simple majority vote to be ratified.
Article IV (Memberships)
Section 1. All teams must submit an application for review. Prerequisites for admission to the BCFL will include, but is not limited, to the following:
· Evidence of financial stability.
· Evidence of operational stability.
· Evidence of structured ownership.
Section 2. Membership shall consist of one level:
· Full Member – a member who has served a minimum of one year in the BCFL and is in good standing.
Section 3. Probationary members are Full members who are not in good standing.
Section 4. All teams must be in good standing with the league and have all-league dues paid in order to receive a vote.
Section 5. Expulsions – A team that is expelled from the league cannot apply for admission into the league under the same ownership or same team name.
Section 6. Cost of League Membership, Dues for the 2023 season are $500 for all Probationary Members, $500 for Full Members. A $100 deposit is due at the first league meeting the remainder of the league dues are due in the January meeting. Teams will not be scheduled if League fees are not paid in full by the January meeting.
Section 7. All member teams are required to a team website and/or Facebook page with updated team information. The site should contain the team logo and BCFL logo
Section 8. Official Team contacts are required to have a valid email address and working phone numbers for use by all BCFL member's teams, BCFL official league communications news, and any other pertinent information.
Section 9. Each BCFL member team must be "in good standing" in order to maintain their membership in the BCFL. "Good standing" means the said team has fulfilled its financial obligations to the BCFL, has not forfeited any games for the current season, and has not committed any willful acts against the BCFL or its member teams, as determined by the Commissioner.
Section 10. A team shall be considered "not in good standing" if it has forfeited 2 games or if, in the judgment of the Commissioner and Support Staff, it has acted in willful violation of the BCFL By-laws and Standing Rules
Section 11. New teams will not be accepted into the league while having the same name as a current member team in good standing, any member team can change its name as long as it is different from the existing member team's name.
Section 12. Forfeit Fee each team understands that $100 of their league dues is part of the Forfeit fee, If teams complete the full season without a forfeit will receive $100 at the end-of-year meeting of the completion of the season. If a said team(s) has a forfeit the $100 will not be returned to the said team(s) at the end-of-year meeting.
NOTE: Teams that are found, reviewed, and considered in good standing will be declared Full Members by the end-of-year meeting at the end of each season in the BCFL.
Article V (Expansion Teams)
Section 1. Expansion teams will be any team that is applying for membership regardless of their prior membership in the BCFL or any other league.
Section 2. Expansion teams will be considered for Probationary Membership if they fit the geographical boundaries as defined by the Rules Committee.
Section 3. Expansion teams must be sponsored by a current Full Member that is within 50 miles of the closest proximity of their proposed playing location.
Section 4. Expansion teams accepted for Membership will serve a one-year probationary period.
Section 5. Expansion teams must have fifty-one (51) percent vote of the current Full and Probationary Members of the League to be accepted into the League.
Section 6. Expansion teams will also have a forfeit fee of $100 which is a part of their league fees. If the expansion teams complete the full season without a forfeit they will receive $100 at the end-of-year meeting of the completion of the season. If the Expansion team finishes the season in “good standing” and is invited by the BCFL to become a Full Member of the league.
Article VI (Meetings)
Section 1. The BCFL will end each year with an annual league meeting in which every Full or Probationary Member in the league and league staff must be present if in person or remotely. The Weekend of the All-Star Game Either (Friday Night or Saturday Morning/afternoon) before the All-Star Game.
Section 2. In October the BCFL will conduct an annual League meeting in which every Full or Probationary Member in the League must be present. New Team Applicants will be voted on by the League. A $100 Deposit of the League Fee is due by all New Expansion Teams and for all Returning 2022 Teams.
Section 3. In November the BCFL will conduct an annual League meeting in which every Full or Probationary Member in the League must be present.
Section 4. In January the BCFL will conduct an annual League Meeting in which every Full or Probationary Member in the League must be present. League Fees are due paid in full (even fines). The Schedule will be reviewed for any mistakes and the final will be given out no more than 7 days after the League meeting date.
Section 5. The location of the meetings will be centrally located and established thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. Due to Covid started doing remotely and every year will discuss to continue to or meet in person.
Section 6. Additional meetings may be called by the President or League Commissioner or with a written request from fifty-one (51) percent of the Full and/or Probationary Members.
Section 7. The League Commissioner will conduct meetings. In the absence of the League Commissioner, the President will conduct meetings.
Section 8. In due to any emergency a Full or Probationary Member can miss the League meeting needs to be approved by the Commissioner or League President.
Section 9. All Full or Probationary Members must submit to the Commissioner who(m) will attend the League Meetings.
Section 10. Weekly Conference calls (Monday 9 pm) will take place 2 weeks prior to Week 1. Will be ongoing throughout the regular and postseason. Full or Probationary Members in the League must be present on the call.
· Last physical or remotely meeting prior to the start of the regular season, strategies, marketing, vendors, new business/ old business, and idea-sharing.
· Outstanding issues of the regular season, discuss playoffs, championship, and all-star voting.
Article VII (Quorums)
Section 1. A quorum will consist of sixty (60) percent of Full and/or Probationary Members for purposes of conducting normal BCFL business.
Section 2. A quorum will consist of sixty (60) percent of Full Members when voting on Constitutional or By-Laws amendments.
Article VIII (Voting)
Section 1. Full Members or their appointed alternates will be allowed to vote on all matters coming before the BCFL.
Section 2. Probationary Members or their appointed alternate will be allowed to vote on all matters before the BCFL except Constitution and By-Laws Amendments.
Section 3. A quorum (sixty (60) percent)must be present before any vote may be taken.
Section 4. Simple majority rules on all votes.
Section 5. The Board of Directors may vote on matters of emergency when it is impossible or not practical for the Full and Probationary Members to meet.
Section 6. Votes may be done via conference call, facsimile, or email. A quorum must be present for any conference call or facsimile vote to take place and be valid.
Article IX (League Structure/BCFL Officers)
Section 1. The League Structure will be made of an Executive Board of Directors which consists of the following offices:
· League Commissioner
· President
· Vice President
· Secretary
Section 2. The President, Vice President can remain in their position until the end of the year by being voted to keep them in their position. If they are not voted back to their position or step down their term will end. After the end of the year meeting in Sept, the league will ask others who would like to hold the position of President, Vice President, and secretary.
Section 3. Secretary positions will be held with the same individuals until forfeited by said person.
Section 4. President, Vice President, and Secretary may be removed from office at any time by a 3/4 vote of the Full and Probationary Members.
Section 5. Commissioner may be removed; a 75% member vote can impeach the commissioner. In the case of successful impeachment, the President will become the acting commissioner until the time of the official vote of a Commissioner is appointed.
Article X (BCFL Officer’s Duties)
Section 1. The League Commissioner shall be responsible for at least the following items:
· Will act in the absence of the President.
· Administers all League Meetings.
· Oversees the league operations.
· Will appoint all standing committees and task force chairpersons.
· Will act as Chairperson of the Rules Committee.
· Enforces the League By-Laws in collaboration with the Executive Board.
· Enforces that the Full and Probationary Members are responsible for their fines due to the league and given to the League.
· Maintains active records of all team rosters and waivers.
· Help to coordinate the BCFL Championship and All-Star Game with the President and Special Events Committee.
· Collection of all money due to the BCFL.
· Payment of all invoices to the BCFL.
· Maintain and report to the BCFL Members, the balance of all accounts.
· Maintain records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
· Develop BCFL budget on a yearly basis
· Assist with the development of the League
· Use deciding votes when teams are deadlocked in any decision-making process.
Section 2. The President shall be responsible for at least the following items:
· Brings all League Meetings to order.
· Administers League Meetings in the absence of the League Commissioner.
· Sends out press releases, promotes the league through different avenues of marketing, and acts as the Chairperson for the Media Relations Committee.
· Monitors activity of national organizations and submits Full and Probationary Members stats such as but not limited to the Semi-Pro Football Headquarters, etc.
· Assist with and help coordinate the BCFL Championship and All-Star Game by overseeing the Special Events Committee.
· Assist with scheduling all meetings of the League.
· Conduct all Weekly Conference calls with Full or Probationary Members in the League.
· Pre-screen potential new teams and give an assessment of potential new teams.
· Take overall league responsibilities with potential corporate sponsorships.
· Review all-league disciplinary reports and make an assessment of the League Commissioner.
· Works with the League Commissioner to help run the Conference efficiently and reports any and all violations to the League Commissioner.
Section 3. The Vice President shall be responsible for the following items:
· Assist the President and Commissioner with scheduling all meetings of the League.
· Assist with sending out press releases, promotes the league through different avenues of marketing,
· Complete record keeping of all BCFL information.
· Coordinates for the BCFL Championship and All-Star Game and acts as ChairPerson Special Events Committee
· Works with the League Commissioner to help run the Conference efficiently and reports any and all violations to the League Commissioner.
· Take overall league responsibilities with potential corporate sponsorships.
· Assist the President with all Weekly Conference calls with Full or Probationary Members in the League.
· Maintains active records of all team rosters and waivers.
· Responsible for making sure the teams have a website with current information.
Section 4. The Secretary shall be responsible for the following items:
· Recording of all minutes for any BCFL meetings.
· Reporting during BCFL meetings of recorded minutes.
· Complete record keeping of all BCFL information.
· Will does not carry a vote towards the Board of Directors' executive decisions.
· Contact Teams regarding meeting location and time.
· Attend meetings and give suggestions concerning league growth.
· Keep a record of all league disciplinary reports, course of action taken, and results.
· Keep an accurate file of all team rosters, staff, and stadium/field info.
Section 5. The Social Media/Marketing Personnel shall be responsible for the following items:
. Will keep the League Facebook up to date with not only league news but also the BCFL team members.
. Will help Market the League and its members to the community they are a part of.
. Will help promote sponsors from the League and its team members sponsors who have a Facebook.
. Will help promote the BCFL and its team members on local bulletin boards
. Attend Meetings and give ideas to enhance league growth
Section 6. Media Relations shall be responsible for the following items:
. Will be sending out press releases that promote the league and its team members.
. Will assist the President with the Media Relations Committee
. Will work with Team Members and the League in their communities with local TV news and newspapers.
. Will post the stories of the League and Team Members on the BCFL website and Facebook page.
. Will maintain a youtube BCFL channel and help create videos to post on the BCFL website and youtube channel.
. Attend Meetings and give ideas to enhance league growth
Article XI (Committees)
Section 1. Rules Committee – will be Chaired by the League Commissioner of the BCFL and will recommend and review all policies governing the BCFL. All Constitution and By-Laws changes will be recommended by the Rules Committee prior to presentation to the Full Membership.
Section 2. Media Relations Committee – will be Chaired by the League President of the BCFL and will be responsible for all media including but not limited to: press releases, media guides, and statistics. In the absence of the primary chair, the League Commissioner will serve as the BCFL ambassador.
Section 3. Special Events Committee – will be Chaired by the Vice President of the BCFL and will be responsible for the annual all-star game and all-star selection process. Will be in charge of all the awards coach of the year, MVP, etc. They will oversee the BCFL championship game and any other events produced or sanctioned by the BCFL.
Section 4. Finance Committee – will be Chaired by the League Commissioner of the BCFL and will be responsible for allocating where all monies go for each year’s budget.
· It will take a 2/3 vote for any and all monies to be spent or removed from the league account.
Section 5. Marketing Committee – will be responsible for Marketing the League.
Section 6. Ad Hoc Committee – may be established by the President when necessary to deal with a specific topic or function.
Section 7. All committees will have a Chairperson appointed by the League Commissioner of the BCFL, with the exception of the Media Relations Committee and Special Events Committee.
Section 8. Committees may have members outside of the BCFL Membership. All committee members outside of the BCFL may not vote in any matters concerning the Full Membership.
Article XII (BCFLPA) see the BCFLPA bylaws. The BCFLPA will help work with the owners to make the BCFL the best league in the country.
Article XIII (Dues)
Section 1. Dues for the BCFL will be set at the end-of-the-year annual meeting.
Section 2. All dues will be due and payable prior to the January Meeting.
Section 3. Dues will be for a period of one calendar year from the date of the annual meeting.
Section 4. If dues are not paid by January the Meeting, Full or Probationary Member will be fined $100 each month not paid in full.
Section 5. Schedules will be released to a Full or Probationary Member, while not paid another team could be voted into the League to take the place of the Full or Probationary Member until their League Dues and/or Fines owed to the BCFL are paid in full. If a new team is voted in as a replacement for the late member any money paid to the BCFL will not be refunded and the Member will be out of the league.
Article XIV (Chain of Command)
Section 1. Chain of Command: All teams must follow the appropriate chain of Command when filing a complaint against a player, coach, or team in the Blue Collar Football League.
Section 2. Chain of Command for Players.
· Team Player Rep
· Coach
· Owner
· Vice President
· League President
· Commissioner
Section 3. Chain of Command for Teams.
· Owner
· Vice President
· League President
· Commissioner
Article XV (Fighting)
Section 1. The Blue Collar Football League is a ZERO TOLERANCE League. We do not tolerate violence or threats of violence of any kind!! Any violence or threats of violence be it verbal or physical Could result in their immediate dismissal from the Blue Collar Football League. Any player, coach, or team owner that displays himself or herself in a manner deemed inappropriate or unacceptable will be dismissed from the Blue Collar Football League pending a thorough investigation.
Section 2. Any representative of a team fighting and ejected from the game must be removed from the property. If a player is on the visiting team and is not able to be removed from the property due to traveling the Head Official and Owner will determine where the said person can be located. The representative fighting could be suspended from the Blue Collar Football League for the remainder of the season. This includes playoff, championship, and all-star games as well as forfeiting any awards that may have been granted to him for his performance. Depending on the severity of the offense; legal action may be taken. The only appeal that will be reviewed will be video evidence and only then the Commissioner could reinstate it.
Section 3. Any Player or team representative ejected from a game, the owner of that team must notify the Commissioner of the Blue Collar Football League as soon as the game is over via email with Full names and descriptions of the incident regarding all parties involved. Will serve no less than 1 full game. Repeat offenders can receive multiple game suspensions.
Section 4. Any incident regarding accusations of violence will require game film from all parties. Failure to produce a film can result in a delay in the decision-making process.
Section 5. Any player that is ejected for excessive use of profanity or gratuitous use of racial slurs will be suspended for no less than (2) games.
Section 6. If a player is ejected during the playoffs he will not be eligible for the remainder of the playoffs nor the all-star game and may be punished the following year.
Section 7. All player or team representatives must be reinstated by the league members following a suspension for fighting.
Section 8. Players can request to have the BCFLPA help with their grievances of said player.
Article XVI (Fines)
Section 1. Fines will be levied against Full and Probationary Members for violations of the BCFL Rules and Policy Manual.
Section 2. The Executive Committee may levy fines not covered in the Rules and Policy Manual.
Section 3. All fines will be due and payable immediately after they have been levied unless otherwise stated by the Executive Committee. Failure to pay the fines could result in not being able to participate in the postseason. Or be in good standing for the following year.
Section 4. Fines resulting from violations of the Rules and Policy Manual may be appealed to the Executive Committee. If an appeal is made, the Executive Committee’s decision is final.
Section 5. Fines resulting from being levied by the Executive Committee may be appealed to the Full and Probationary Membership. Full and Probationary Membership decision is final.
Section 6. The appealing member is responsible for any cost to the BCFL associated with the appeal process.
Article XVI (Rules and Policy Manual)
Section 1. The Rules and Policy Manual will be the official rulebook of the BCFL.
Section 2. All Full and Probationary Members will be required to adhere to all rules and regulations as defined in the Rules and Policy Manual.
Section 3. The Rules and Policy Manual may be updated as needed by a majority vote of the Full and Probationary Membership.
Article XVII (League Budget)
Section 1. Payment to League officials; payments will be paid in three (3) payments. 1st payment will be 2 weeks before the 1st regular-season game. 2nd payment will be after week 5 of the regular season. 3rd payment will be at the end of the year meeting.
a. Commissioner $900
b. President $300
c. Vice President $200
d. Secretary $100
e. Social Media/Marketing $350 for travel expenses.
Section 2. League Trophies and awards $450
a. League Champs
b. 2 Conference champs
c. League MVP
d. Coach of the Year
f. Executive of the Year
g. Championship Player of the Game
h. All-Star Player of the Game
i. Rookie Of the Year
j. Gotomeeting.com $150
(joinggotomeeting.com) $25 per month Apr-Sept
k. All-Star Game
1. All-Star Refs $500
l. Championship Game (Alternate from Columbus,Dayton,Cincinnati each year)
1. Championship Refs $700
m. website $350
n. Entry Fee for National Championship $600
