CSFL RULES FOR 2023

1. Voting Procedures

All member teams will have one equal vote. The coaches will vote on proposals at the annual CSFL meeting and the result of those votes will be brought to the Athletic Directors for consideration and approval.

A. The following measures will require unanimous approval of the Athletic Directors to cause change in current status and procedures:

• Removal of current members of CSFL (with exception of affected team).
• Increase of number of games in CSFL schedule.
• Changes to weight limit (183 and 178 limits, % Body Fat, or Urine specific gravity).
• Changes in coaching staff (HC and 7 asst.) or roster size (65).
• Punishments for flagrant violations. Temporary punishments may be put in place until final decision is made.

B. Acceptance of new members and other routine matters not covered in paragraph A will require at least a 2/3 vote to be passed. If the proposal does not gain a 2/3 majority, the proposal will not be implemented and the former rules remain in effect.

2. Schedule

Each league member will compete in seven (7) regular season formal contests. Any member schools that do not qualify for the CSFL Championship Game will have the opportunity to schedule an eighth game the week after the conclusion of the regular season. It will be treated as a non-league game and not listed in the league win/loss or statistics. A contest is any game, match, exhibition, scrimmage or joint practice session, in which competition in a sport occurs between an intercollegiate athletic team and any other team not representing the intercollegiate athletics program of the same member institution. As an exception, an annual alumni game or preseason scrimmage may be played and not counted against this maximum number. Only designated games against League opponents will be used to determine the league standings and championship.

3. Divisions

The league consists of two divisions.

The following teams are in the North Division: Army, Caldwell, Cornell, Mansfield, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

The following teams are in the South Division: Alderson Broaddus, Chestnut Hill, Navy, and Penn.

4. League Champion

The league champion will be decided by a game played between the winners of the North and South division one week after the end of the regular season on either a Friday or Saturday.

A. A division champion shall be the team with the highest winning percentage in divisional games.

B. A win in the league earns two points. A loss earns zero points. A tie football game shall count as half-a-game won and half-a-game lost in the standings and earns one point.

C. If teams in the same division have identical division records, then a tie breaker system will be used to determine the division champion.

1. Head to head between tied teams.
2. If still tied, highest winning percentage within division.
3. If still tied, compare records against divisional opponents in descending order of finish.
4. If still tied, compare records with common cross-divisional opponents.
5. If still tied, compare records against cross-divisional opponents in descending order of finish.
6. If at any point the tie is broken in a multiple team tie, the remaining teams will begin the process again at 1.

D. The championship game will be played at a neutral site if possible. The field must meet NCAA collegiate football specifications and locker rooms with showers and bathrooms must be available.

E. The league will provide seven (7) officials, four (4) official “chain gang” members, one (1) game clock operator, and one (1) 25/40 second clock operator.

F. The team with the best overall record is the home team and will choose what jersey color they want to wear. If the two teams have the same record, then the tie-breaker is head-to-head. If still tied, then record versus common opponents. If still tied, then a coin toss will determine the home team.

G. There are no "comp" tickets for the championship game.

H. All efforts will be made by the hosting institution to "live stream" the game.

I. The league is responsible for providing a Sports Information Director to keep the statistics of the game.

J. The Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that the trophy is presented to the winning team after the contest.

K. All expenses associated with game day operations will be covered by the league.

5. Practice Sessions

A. Organized practice sessions will be limited in number with no more than 16 prior to the first scheduled game in September between any two league opponents. Two-a-day practices are not permissible. Going over the 16-practice limit or conducting two-a-day practices is considered a flagrant violation.

• Organized practice sessions are any workout conducted with football coaches present. Meetings and Walk-thrus are not considered practices.
• The first three (3) days will be conditioning (non-contact) workouts and are included in the sixteen practice sessions. Helmets and Jerseys are permitted during non-contact practices. Helmets must be worn.
• Formal alumni games shall not count in the practice limit and do not count as a formal contest.
• Teams may participate in a preseason scrimmage against another league opponent or against an opponent outside the league. This scrimmage is not a formal contest and will not count as one of the 16 practices. It is intended that the scrimmage be highly controlled.
• Teams may participate in one alumni contest and one pre-season scrimmage. Neither will count as one of the 16 practices. Playing more than one Alumni game or more than one scrimmage is considered a flagrant violation.
• All teams may conduct five (5) days of spring practice with helmets, jerseys, and footballs to allow for weight management, recruitment of potential players from the student body, and retention of current players. Spring practices must occur between 1 February and 30 April and coaches are required to submit their practice dates to the Commissioner no later than the last day of February each year. Teams who do not practice in the spring are not allowed to carry the practices over to preseason. Going over the 5-practice limit is considered a flagrant violation. This will be reviewed on an annual basis.

B. All League members will submit a practice schedule detailing the practice sessions allotted to the League Commissioner no later than the first day of each team's preseason. If any practice session adjustments are made during the pre-season, then the team making the adjustments should send an updated schedule to the Commissioner.

6. Eligibility

A. Any full time undergraduate student of the respective League institution is permitted to play.

B. Students must meet NCAA eligibility as it pertains to normal progress towards degree completion.

C. A student athlete shall not engage in more than 4 seasons of eligibility in Sprint football or Football and shall complete his seasons of eligibility within five years from his first registration for a minimum full-time program.

D. (NCAA rule 12.8) Coaches may request waivers for special circumstances and a 2/3 approval of the coaches is required.

E. The Commissioner will keep a log of all waiver requests that includes both denials and approvals. This log will be available to all coaches when needed.

7. Officials

A. Each game shall have seven (7) officials. They shall be appointed by the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

B. Individuals ejected from a competition will be reported to the commissioner by the Home team and the Referee. If any coach refutes the decision of the officials' committee, regarding the ejection and playing status of an ejected player, he may send a film to the CSFL commissioner to be sent forward to the Officials' commissioner for review.

C. Schools are permitted to use volunteers as the "chain-gang" during regular season games.

8. Weigh-In of Players

With a sincere concern for the health and welfare of the student-athletes participating in Sprint Football, each player will be examined by a physician or sports medicine staff member prior to the season to ensure the safety and appropriateness of that individual participating in Sprint Football at the specified weight limit.

A. CSFL Weight certification procedures:

1. Practices. No student athlete may begin official practice including drills or other football related activities (with or without equipment) until they have demonstrated one the following: Note: all scales must be digital scales that have been certified by the local weights and measurements department within the previous calendar year. The weight scale certification form must be turned into the Commissioner the same time the practice roster is submitted, which is prior to the first day of pre-season practices.
   • A body weight of 170.0 lbs. or less, or
   • A body weight of 183.0 lbs. or less while simultaneously (within ½ hour) having body fat of 5% or greater and urine specific gravity less than or equal to 1.020. The student athlete will be permitted to attempt achievement of this standard as many times as they like, but will be withheld from all practice activities until achieving the standard.
     Note: First year players (players who have never participated in Sprint Football) are exempted from this requirement in an attempt to allow newcomers the opportunity to adjust their body weight. Any athlete previously on a roster, at any time, must meet the 183.0 lb. practice standard.
   • A list of all practice players must be submitted to the League Commissioner on a standard form provided by the League prior to the first day of pre-season practices. The list must include name of player, year in school, urine specific gravity, % body fat, body weight and must be signed by the coach and sports medicine staff. If a player initially does not meet the standard to practice, the coach will still include that player's name on the form and will update the commissioner once the player meets the standard.
2. Formal Contests. Student athletes will be required to weigh 178.0 lbs. or less on Monday and Wednesday, before a Friday contest (Tuesday/Thursday before a Saturday contest, etc.) each week of the season in which they have a game. Note: The one exception to this rule is if a school plays a Sunday game which is followed the next week with a Friday game, they would only have to weigh-in on Wednesday before that Friday game or followed by a Saturday game, they would only have to weigh-in on Thursday before that Saturday game.
   • Urine Specific gravity and body fat composition do not have to be measured again once each player has achieved the standard for the practice weigh-in of 183 lbs with a body fat of 5% or greater and a urine specific gravity of 1.020 or greater.
   • 2200 on the second weigh-in to allow at least 48 hours for maximum rehydration.
   • Failure to achieve this weight on either date will result in the student athlete being withheld from competition in that week's contest.

B. Coaches must ensure that unsafe weight loss practices such as the use of saunas, rubber suits, "hot tops" are prohibited. Only breathable fabrics are allowed. The use of laxatives, diuretics, or any other banned substances are expressly forbidden.

C. All weight certifications must be conducted by members of the athletic medicine staff or by an administrator with responsibility for the sport at the respective institution, but not members of the coaching staff. The head coach may be present during the weigh-ins.

1. A detailed weight certification sheet must be submitted to the opposing coach on a standard form provided by the League prior to the start of each formal contest. This same form must be submitted to the Commissioner by the end of the week following the contest. The detailed weigh-in sheet will include, for all players: name, number, position(s), year in school and the exact weight for both weigh-ins for that contest.
2. Every form submitted to the Commissioner should be signed by the institution's supervising official of the weigh-in and the head coach. The supervising official may not be a coach.
3. 24 hours prior to kickoff time of any formal contest, a head coach may notify the opposing head coach in writing (and must include conference office representatives on that communication) they would like to challenge an opposing player to weigh in because they believe a player is over 190.0 lbs. The player(s) in question will be taken to a designated weigh-in area upon arrival at the facility with both head coaches serving as witness. If the player in question weighs over 190.0 lbs., without wearing his uniform or pads, then the player will not be allowed to play in that contest.
4. Virtual Random Weigh-Ins: Each team will take part in a random weigh-in check during each week of the season. Platform to View Weigh-Ins: All random weigh-ins will be conducted via Zoom. The conference office will create weekly Zoom links for each team to use for the random weigh-ins. The Zoom app can be downloaded onto smartphones and tablets.
5. Process to View Weigh-Ins (Per Team):
   • By Sunday at 4 p.m., prior to that week's game, a school will send written confirmation to the conference office of their final weigh-in day and time for that week. The schedule of the final weigh-ins will be sent to league membership for its planning purposes to select individuals for random weight checks (ie on Sunday, Sept. 12, by 4 p.m., School A will send to the league office notification they will do their second weigh-in on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m., for their game on Friday, Sept. 17, vs. School B).
   • The commissioner will randomly select five student-athletes from a specific team to participate in the Zoom weigh-ins. The opposing coach for that week's game will have the opportunity to select up to five additional individuals to participate in the Zoom weigh-in.
   • If an opposing coach opts to select certain individuals for weigh-in, they must be sent to the conference by 10 a.m., the day before the final weigh-in. The commissioner, or a representative from the conference office will send that school the entire list of chosen student-athletes by 12 p.m., the day before the final weigh-in (ie, for the example mentioned above in Point #1; once School B receives School A's final weigh-in date/time, then B must send its list of individuals for weigh-in to the league office by Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. The league office will notify School A of the 10 names - maximum - by Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 12 p.m.).
   • It is recommended the Zoom weigh-in occurs no earlier than 7 a.m., of the second weigh-in day, and must be completed by 7 p.m., of that day. However, multiple Zoom weigh-ins may be completed throughout the final check-in day to allow designated student-athletes to make weight (ie, if a student-athlete for School A weighs-in at 180 pounds during the random weigh-in at 8 a.m., they could still have the opportunity to be re-checked via another Zoom weigh-in by 7 p.m., of that day). If a team chooses to do a second weigh-in for that student-athlete, they must give advance notice of when the second weigh-in will occur that day so that conference office staff can create a new Zoom link for the check-in.
   • The commissioner or designated conference office staff member will view the Zoom weigh-in to verify all checked weights. The Zoom call will be recorded and archived as well.
   • (OFFICIAL CSFL RULE): All weight certifications must be conducted by members of the athletic medicine staff or by an administrator with responsibility for the sport at the respective institution, but not members of the coaching staff. The head coach may be present during the weigh-ins.
   • Each selected student-athlete will first face the camera and announce their name, number, and position, before stepping on the scale. This is done to allow conference office staff to verify it is the correct student-athlete, as cross checking can be done through online rosters/headshots. Student-athletes MUST at least wear shorts during the Zoom weigh-in, and a half-pound of flexibility will be given to account for the added weight of clothing (ie, if a student-athlete checks in at 178.5 pounds, or less, they would qualify for making weight for that week's game).
   • Written notification from the conference office will be sent to the direct administrator, head coach, and the opposing head coach of that week's game if a student-athlete fails to make weight.
   • Scales must be recertified each year, and proof of the recertification sent to the league office by the start of preseason weigh-ins.
6. Upon request to the Commissioner and opposing coach, any coach or sports supervisor from another CSFL institution may attend to verify a weigh-in of any other team. Additionally, a staff member selected by the Commissioner must spot check each team at least once during the season at League expense.
7. The falsification of the weight certification sheet is a flagrant violation.

9. Physicians

It shall be the responsibility of the home team to have a qualified physician in attendance 15 minutes before the game, during the game, and available after the game.

10. Length of Games

All games should be four (4) periods of 15 minutes each. However, by agreement of both teams and in the interest of safety, running clocks or other means to shorten the game may be allowed. Halftime will be 20 minutes unless special arrangements have been approved by both teams and the head referee has been notified ahead of time.

11. NCAA Football Rules

The NCAA Collegiate Football game rules shall be in effect.

12. 40/25-Second Clocks

The home team will provide two (2) 40/25-second clocks and an official 40/25-second clock operator for all games. If possible, clock operators should be certified.

13. Coaching Staff Size

Maximum = One (1) Head Coach and Seven (7) Assistants. A "coach" for this rule is defined by NCAA Bylaw 11.7. Head coaches will include the names of their assistant coaches when they submit their final 65-man roster to the Commissioner.

14. Game Uniforms

Visiting teams will wear light colored or white jerseys, and home teams will wear dark jerseys unless otherwise agreed upon.

15. Squad Size/Number of Players in Uniform at Games

A. During each year's season, there is a maximum squad size of sixty-five (65) players (including varsity, junior varsity and freshmen) who are eligible to practice, compete or participate with the program in any manner. Note: teams are not allowed to have "practice players" who exceed the maximum number of 65.

B. All League members will submit an official roster with a maximum of 65 players to the League Commissioner by the Thursday prior to the first weekend of games. The official roster:

• Will detail the jersey number, player name, and year in school.
• Will include all players participating in any team activities.

C. Additions to the official roster will not be allowed after the roster submission on the last day of preseason except:

• A team that did not have 65 players participating at the time of roster submission may add players, up to a total of 65, with notifications to and approval from the League Commissioner.
• Any unusual situation which will require approval from the League Commissioner and 2/3 consensus by vote of coaches.

D. The falsification of the official roster is a flagrant violation.

16. Coaches Game Restrictions and Use of Headsets

A. All coaches must remain on the field in the coaching area during the conduct of the game except for two coaches from each team who are allowed in the coaches' box.

B. The use of headsets is permissible and there is no limit on the number of headsets a team may use. Only two headsets are allowed in the coaches' box.

C. If there is a failure in the headset system due to the error of the host institution, i.e. electricity goes out, then the head referee and opposing coach must be notified and both teams will no longer use headsets.

D. The use of scissor lifts or similar lifts to serve as a coach's box or as a place to film from is strictly forbidden for safety reasons.

17. Bands at Games

A. Teams having bands at games are responsible for their conduct. The band should not play while the game is in progress and should concentrate their efforts during time outs and both the pre- or post-game periods.

B. There should be no artificial noise after the ball is declared ready for play.

C. Home teams remain responsible for the proper conduct of their bands even if game officials are reluctant to act.

18. Reporting Statistics and Game Scores

A. As soon after the game as possible, but not later than the following Monday morning, members are responsible for sending in statistics and scores of games to Doug DeBiase at media@sprintfootball.com(.) Doug DeBiase's telephone number is (203) 298-4806.

B. The specific reporting form to be used will be coordinated by Doug DeBiase and should be submitted according to his specifications.

19. Scouting and Film Exchange

A. All game film will be distributed weekly to all schools via HUDL by the Home Team. No on-site scouting is permitted at any time.

B. Film must be of a complete game, include all plays, be sideline wide and end zone tight, and include a visible score at least each quarter.

C. All film will be distributed by the home teams to all other teams by 10 a.m. Saturday following a Friday game and 10 am Sunday following a Saturday game.

D. If a home team encounters a delay in delivering the film on time due to travel or other unavoidable reasons, the offending coach must notify the future opposing coach beforehand and try to plan with other teams to get a film sent on time.

E. Visiting teams may also film at every away location.

F. Missing the film exchange deadline is a flagrant violation.

20. Coordinating Arrival of Visiting Team

A. The home team coach is responsible for coordinating the arrival and stay of the visiting team.

B. The visiting coach is responsible for calling the home team coach the week of the scheduled game. This assistance should include such considerations as arranging for locker rooms, on-campus meals, housing, practice fields, etc.

C. The head coach (or his designee) should personally check on everything before arrival and meet the visitor's bus at a predetermined time and place.

D. All student-athletes deserve our best efforts in this matter of sportsmanship.

21. Dues

All teams are assessed dues of $2,600.00 annually for the services of the Commissioner, Sports Information Office, assigning of officials, purchasing of awards, and conduct of other League business. The Commissioner will provide a financial report to the coaches and administrators at the annual league meeting.

22. All-League Awards

A. Each institution may nominate for both the 1st Team All-League Offensive and Defensive Teams according to its place finish and overall record in the league according to the following formula:

• League Champion = 14 nominations; League Runner Up = 13 nominations.
• Best record between the two 2nd place teams in each Division = 12 nominations; second best record of the 2nd place teams = 11. (if records are the same then both get 12 nominations)
• Best record between the two 3rd place teams in each Division = 10 nominations; second best record of the 3rd place teams = 9 nominations. (if records are the same then both teams get 10 nominations)
• Best record of the two 4th place teams in each Division = 8 nominations; second best record of the 4th place teams = 7 nominations. (if records are the same then both teams get 8 nominations)
• The 5th place team in the North Division = 6 nominations.
• Head coaches will have one vote for the individuals by position but cannot vote for their own team. 1 QB, 4 WR, 1 TE, 5 OL, and 3 RB will be selected for Offense. 4 DB, 4 LB, and 5 DL will be selected for Defense. Kickers/Punters/Returners will also be voted on as well. In the case of a tie, both players will receive the award. Those that do not earn 1st or 2nd team will be placed on the Honorable Mention list.
• Head coaches will have one vote for the league Most Valuable Player Award (the James Kay Award). The MVP will be determined from the league's offensive player of the year, defensive player of the year, special teams player of the year and newcomer of the year.
• The offensive, defensive, special teams and newcomer of the year awards will be determined by a separate ballot vote from the all-conference awards. Each coach will be able to nominate one student-athlete per award. A newcomer is defined as a first-time competitor at the collegiate level. Voting will be conducted on a 5-3-1 points basis (1st, 2nd, 3rd place votes).
• All nominations must be submitted no later than the Tuesday following the championship game on a form provided by the League Commissioner. Voting will be done electronically, and coaches can submit write-ups on behalf of their nominees.

23. All-Academic Team

Schools may nominate student-athletes for the CSFL All-Academic Team. To be eligible, a student-athlete must a) have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher; b) competed during the season; c) and must be at least a sophomore both academically and athletically. There is no limit to how many nominees a school may have.

24. Annual Meeting

The annual coaches meeting will be held either on the third Tuesday of November after the completion of the championship game or in conjunction with the annual American Football Coaches Association convention. If required, a second meeting or Conference Call may be held in the spring. There will be a preseason conference-call on or about 15 August to resolve outstanding issues.

25. League Commissioner

A. The position of Commissioner will be reviewed on a yearly basis. If possible, it would be most equitable to rotate the responsibilities every three (3) years among the athletic staffs of the member institutions or through an independent league office.

B. Daniel B. Mara was elected to serve as the CSFL Commissioner for at least the next year. If the term ends up being three years, then at the end of the second year, the future Commissioner will be elected so that he/she may spend a year learning from the sitting Commissioner.

26. Admission

A. In the event admission to a game is charged, the home team will provide complimentary tickets for each member of the visiting team listed on their opening season roster and two tickets for each member of the coaching staff.

B. NCAA rules for complimentary admissions will be followed.

27. Recruiting

A. Teams within the league that fall under the Division II level and below may be able to recruit off campus provided that the rules stipulated to football in the NCAA rule book for Division II and III are adhered.

B. No coach may recruit a player from another member school per para 14.5.5 of the D1 NCAA manual.