2010 Season, Our 21st Season, Pre-Season
July 31, 2010
 
NAFL CONSTITUTION

THIS CONSTITUTION IS BEING WRITTEN TO GOVERN AND RULE THE NORTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE'S OWNERS AND COMMISSIONER FOR THE LIFE AND DURATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE. THE NORTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES ENTERTAINMENT TO ALL ITS MEMBERS. THIS CONSTITUTION IS BEING BASED ON THE BOOK "THE OFFICIAL MANUAL OF FANTASY FOOTBALL".

SECTIONS
PREAMBLE
I. LEAGUE RULES
A. SCORING
B. ROSTERS
C. FINANCES
D. DRAFT
E. COMPETITION
II. LEAGUE OPERATIONS
A. LEAGUE SET-UP
    1. OWNERS
    2. PLAYERS
    3. OFFICERS
B. SEASON ACTIVITIES
    1. ROSTERS
    2. TRANSACTIONS
    3. DRAFT
    4. COMPETITION
    5. FINANCES
    6. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE/APPEAL (PROCEDURES)
C. OFF SEASON ACTIVITIES
    1. SUMMER MEETING
    2. RECRUITING
    3. OWNERS MOVING
    4. POST-SEASON POOL
    5. EXPANSION
CONCLUSION

PREAMBLE

The Constitution is a guide written to give the league structure, provide its owners assurance that they will receive an equal opportunity to compete, and avoid arguments during the season. The Commissioner and Division Presidents as league officers interpret the Constitution to allow flexibility when new issues come up during the season. The Constitution is broken down into two parts, League Rules and League Operations. The league rules are approved by a majority vote of the owners during the Summer Meetings. In order to solve problems, league officers can administer temporary rules during the year. The league operations section is written to inform the owners on how the Commissioner and league officers will run the league. The Commissioner and officers can change these rules during the year when it becomes necessary. Owners can bring to a vote those league operation rules that they want to change at the Summer Meetings.

I. LEAGUE RULES

The Commissioner can not make arbitrary changes to the league rules section of the Constitution. This must be approved by a majority of the league owners. This can be done at the Summer Meetings or by a temporary rule during the season.

A. SCORING

Scoring is based on the NFL. The official source of information for scoring is the NFL at NFL.COM. What NFL player's score is what NAFL player's score. Scoring is as follows:

  • EXTRA POINT:  1 PT. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • SAFETY: 2 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: 4 PTS.)
  • FIELD GOAL: 3 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: 6 PTS.)
  • TOUCHDOWN: 6 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: 12 PTS.)
  • HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: 2 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • 2 POINT CONVERSION: 2 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • NFL HEAD COACH WIN: 3 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • SACKS,  INTERCEPTIONS & FUMBLES: 1 PT FOR DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS LIMITS OPPOSITION IN POINTS: ZERO PTS = 5 PTS, 1-5 PTS = 4 PTS, 6 – 10 PTS = 3 PTS , 11 – 15 PTS = 2 PTS , 16 – 20 PTS = 1 PT
  • INTERCEPTION THROWN BY OFFENSIVE PLAYER: - 1 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • FUMBLE MADE BY AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER: -1 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
  • YARDAGE POINTS: 1 PT PER 100 YDS PASSING, 1 PT PER 50 YDS RUSHING,  1 PT PER 50 YDS RECEIVING (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A) MAXIMUM POINTS RECEIVED = 5 PTS.

LAST TWO MINUTES IN GAME: THE SCORE IS INCREMENTED UP BY A MULTIPLE OF THE ABOVE SCORE. (IE. A TOUCHDOWN IN THE LAST 2 MINUTES OF THE GAME IS WORTH 12 POINTS. A 50+ YARD TOUCHDOWN IN THE LAST 2 MINUTES OF THE GAME IS WORTH 18 POINTS.) NOTE: NO LAST MINUTE PTS ON INTERCEPTIONS THROWN OR ON FUMBLES.

Double points can be accumulated by any scoring play more than 50 yards or 45 yards or more for a field goal. When a QB throws a TD both the QB and receiver are awarded points. The same applies for all pass plays. Each week the team scoring the most overall points wins the weekly 1st prize. The second highest overall scoring team gets second prize & so on. Whoever scores the most points in a game between two teams playing each other wins that game. If a franchise has a defense or special teams player that scores, the franchise owning the rights to that defense or special team player is awarded the points.

When head coaches are off during an off week, the franchise receives 3 points. When defenses are off, the franchise receives no points.

Scoring Service

The NAFL uses an on-line scoring service (Fantasy Commissioner Web).  Owners pay an additional $5 in league fees to go to the service since it costs more.  Some advantages include allowing instant access to all scoring, real-time stats, adjustable reports and not relying on the commissioner for some of the results.  Some disadvantages include need on-line access, does not support all our scoring (Home Team Wins, 2-minute scores & interception for TD (If passed) rules.  Some reports owners would still have to wait for the commissioner to produce.  For complete information see the Fantasy Commissioner Web Page.

Special Teams Scoring

If a player scores on a special teams play (to be defined as a punt return or a kick return), the owner of that player AND the owner of the special teams unit receive those points. (e.g. -- Tamarick Vanover returns a punt for a TD. Owner of Vanover (if he was started) gets 6 points, plus the owner of the K.C. special teams. If Vanover plays WR and scores, only the owner of Vanover gets points.)

If an owner has a player that scores a special teams score AND also has the NFL defense/special team for which that player plays on, then the owner will only receive points for the player whom scored. The owner will not receive duplicate or double points for having both the player and the defense/special teams.

Defensive Team Scoring

Defensive points are points scored by the Defense when in a Defensive Formation. A punt formation is defined as a offensive formation and any points from that formation is defined as a offensive TD.  For example, defensive points are awarded for an interception for a TD, A fumble recovery for A TD, Sacks, fumbles and Interceptions. A punt return or a kickoff return are defined as special teams plays since the ball was turned over and will be scored as a special teams score. Defenses also score points by limiting their NFL opponent in points.

B. ROSTERS

For procedures on how to conduct Roster operations go to the Roster section of League Operations. The official source of information for roster management is the NFL at NFL.COM.

Roster Size
  • A NAFL roster consists of a total of 16 players to include 13 NFL Players, one head coach and two defense/special teams.
  • All players will be offensive players, unless an NFL team fields a defensive player in an offensive slot.
  • Each team will be allowed to have only 2 QB's and 2 K's on their active roster.
  • Any team carrying more than this amount will be required to release a player. If the team does not notify the league, the Commissioner will make the determination. All other player positions have no restrictions.
  • A team will also consist of 1 NFL Coach and 2 Defense/Special Team./
  • During the bye weeks rosters are amended by one additional roster spot to make a total of 17 spots. Rosters are amended throughout the bye weeks but when they are over, rosters go back to the original 16 spots. The number of QB’s allowed during bye weeks will be three QB’s thereby increasing the number of QB’s a team can have during those weeks helping owners deal with the bye weeks and injuries.

Starting Lineups

  • Each week, each owner will submit a starting lineup to the secretary of the league consisting of 8 players. This will include at least: 1 QB, 1 K, 1 RB, 1 WR and at least 1 TE. All other players can be any other offensive position in the NFL. In addition, each team will start their head coach and 1 defense/special team. his/her starting lineup must also include the 4 remaining reserves in order of preference in case of a tie (see Tie- breaker).

Transactions

  • Teams are allowed to carry two (2) "clearly injured" player on "IR" as a roster exemption. Defined as "Out"based on the NFL's injury report.
  • Players that get put on I/R before week 11 (Trade Deadline) will be eligible to be selected as an I/R Restricted Free Agent the following year. 
  • Teams will be allowed to make two free agent player transactions per week. Team limits are exempted if they are replacing players due to injury. Trades are also not included.
  • The number of Head Coach Transactions is limited during the Regular and Post-Season to two transactions (Hire/Fire) for the year.  During the Off-Season teams are not be restricted.  

Franchise or Keeper Players

  • At the end of the year, a team will be able to keep 3 franchise players on their active roster. A franchise will also be allowed to keep two injured reserve franchise players. The franchise must inform the league by August 1st.
  • A franchise will only be allowed to keep a franchise player/restricted free agent for a maximum of three years. The three-year deadline will be August 1st the following year. When a franchise player is released after three years on the August 1st deadline and put back into the draft pool, the league will give the losing franchise a compensatory 8th round draft pick. The draft pick will be after all teams draft in the 8th round.
  • In the event that existing teams decide to keep franchise players they will be placed in those teams, first available slot in the draft.
  • Rookie players and I/R franchise players will be placed in those teams, last available draft slots in the draft.
  • Defenses /Special Teams are not held over.
  • Head coaches can be kept since they are considered part of management. If a franchise does not inform the league of the status of their coach by August 1st it will be assumed by the league office that the team wants to keep the coach. Before drafting head coaches at the draft, the franchise has one last opportunity to fire the coach and select a new one. However during the season the number of head coach transactions is limited to two during the year.
  • If an owner draft's a Rookie* in the NAFL Draft the franchise must keep him through the year (on your NAFL Roster) and at the end of the season if he is still on your Final Roster (Not via a Trade), the franchise will be allowed to keep him for the following year with no effects on next years draft.  He will be entered as the last pick of the draft for your team. Owners are allowed to draft and keep several rookies. There are no limits on the number of rookies a team may have or keep as long as they meet the exemption requirements.

* - A Rookie is classified as a player that was not on an NFL Roster the following year.  Most likely from College, Arena League, NFL Europe, Canadian Football League or maybe a walk-on in mini-camp who has never been signed by an NFL team. The league will publish a Rookie list before the NAFL Draft. Rookies that are to be kept must be informed to the league office by the August 1st deadline.  Also, owners who draft a Rookie must inform the Commissioner upon draft selection that there player is an NAFL Rookie and get a ruling before the season commences.  The Commissioner has the final say whether the player is a rookie or not.  This will allow NAFL owners to draft a rookie who might not reach his full potential this year but will make more of an impact the following year.

C. FINANCES
Each franchise will pay a total of $100.00 for his or her franchise.

  • The league fee includes $12 for operating expenses.
  • Another $88.00 of the fee is applied to the prize fund.

OPERATING EXPENSES

NAFL Owners will supply a league fund to enable the Commissioner to operate the league.

Total amount collected is $12.00 per team = $168.00 expense fund.

  • Website Expense = $40.00 ($10 * 4 months)
  • NAFL Software Expense = $28.00
  • NAFL Fantasy Commissioner Web = $100.00

PRIZE FUND
Based on a 12 Team League
Total Prize Money = $88 * 12 Teams = $1,056

WEEKLY – Total Fund $518.00
$518 FUND DIVIDED WEEKLY FOR $37 PER WEEK FOR WEEKS 1 – 14.

  • 1ST-$15
  • 2ND-$10
  • Winning Teams get $2 per win a week. (For 84 games or a total of $168)

POST-SEASON – Total Fund $538.00
$538 POST-SEASON PRIZE FUND

  • CHAMPION-$150
  • RUNNER-UP-$75
  • 3rd Place - $50
  • 4th Place - $40
  • 5th Place – $35
  • 6th Place – $30
  • 7th Place – $25
  • 8th Place - $20
  • DIVISION CHAMPS (REG. SEASON)-$50 (2) each
  • TOILET BOWL WINNER-$10
    & NEXT YEARS FIRST 1ST ROUND DRAFT SELECTION
  • TOILET BOWL Runner-up = $3

If 14 teams are achieved the following money is added.
Total Fund = $176
Increase to 2 more teams or 1 additional game per week = $28
Each win during 14 week Regular Season = $1 per win, 98 games = $98
1st and 2nd add $10 = $20.
3rd thru 8th place add $3 = $30.

All prize money will be given out at the end of the year including the post-season fund. Any extra money will go into the league Franchise fee fund and will be divided out in accordance to the Commissioner. If an owner drops out of the league, all their winnings will be forfeited and will be put into the Franchise fee fund.

FRANCHISE FEE FUND

This fund is added to or subtracted from every year depending on how the league's operating budget is run. The league treasurer has control of this fund and will provide the results of this fund at the leagues annual meeting. The Franchise fee is put into a savings account on behalf of the league owners. It is kept there until disbursement is approved by a majority vote of the current owners. All franchise owners earn interest off the fund. The interest is equally divided and distributed at the end of the year. When a franchise leaves the league, the previous owner loses his or her rights to their franchise fee unless they can get a new owner to reimburse their share of the fund.

The fund is based on the franchise fee paid from league owners to fund miscellaneous expenses. Every team has $20 invested in this fund. When new owners enter the league they put $20 from their franchise fee is put into this fund. This amount can be increased or replenished by a vote amongst league owners. The spending of this fund is at the discretion of the Commissioner and must be approved by a majority of the league owners.


D. THE DRAFT

The draft will be held before the first NFL regular season game. The draft will consist of a total of 17 rounds to enable each team to have a 16 player roster.The rounds will consist of 13 rounds of player selections and two rounds of defense/special teams selections. A separate selection is made for a one round of head coach selections. At the end of draft their will be one round for trades and other miscellaneous picks. Defense/Special Teams will be able to picked within the player draft portion of the Annual League Draft. Head Coaches are selected in round 15. Round 16 will be used to round out team rosters.

The winner of the Toilet Bowl Tournament will pick first and the runner-up will pick second. Then the remaining teams from the Toilet Bowl Tournament will pick in descending order based on last year's final standings. The teams that were in the playoffs will pick from where they finished in the playoffs in descending order. Last year's NAFL champion always picks last. If there are any expansion teams added to the league, they will pick before the existing teams from the previous year. These teams will pick from a hat to determine which order they will pick. In the event that existing teams decide to keep two franchise players from their prior teams, they will be placed in those teams, first available slot in the draft.

All selections will be limited to Three Minutes for all rounds per pick. The time limit for the Commissioner/Secretary begins after he finishes updating draft information. Another league owner will monitor this. If an owner fails to make a selection in the allotted time, his turn will be forfeited to the next owner. After that owner picks, the owner who forfeited his pick has One Minute to make his pick. If he still does not pick we go to the next owner. The Commissioner and/or League Secretary will be the official timekeeper.

After the draft is over there will be an opportunity for teams to make a transactions in case you need to make a transaction to drop or add a player or put a player on the injured reserve. Players listed on the PUP List are eligible for injured reserve. Injured reserve players can only be moved after the draft is complete.

E. COMPETITION

1. REGULAR SEASON

  • The NAFL schedule will consist of a 14 week regular season.
  • The season will start on week 1 on the NFL regular season.
  • Teams will play 7 home games and 7 away games. However, due to the format of the last game one conference will only play 6 home games. This will rotate each year.
  • All teams will play all teams in the league one time during the year playing a total of 13 games.  Home and away will rotate every other year.
  • The Commissioner will determine which games are televised and will negotiate the television contract.
  • If the NFL regular season is extended, the NAFL regular season is extended.
  • The extra game will be Week 14 and the opponents for that week will be decided by the team’s standings in the league.   Rank the opponents by conference standing where the first place team in the division (American) plays the second place team in the same division (American). Third place teams (American) would play fourth place teams (American) and so forth. Seventh place teams in each division will play each other.  Home Field Advantage would be based on the better record.

2. PLAYOFFS

The playoffs will be held on weeks 15-17 and will be divided into two tournaments, the Championship Playoffs and the Toilet Bowl. Playoffs will be in a tournament based format. Teams will continue playing until their final ranking is determined. If teams lose in week 14, they go to the bottom bracket and play the other 3 losers to determine the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th place winners. Same holds true for 3rd and 4th place and in the toilet bowl tournament.

Championship Playoffs

  • The eight teams with the most wins go to the NAFL playoffs.
  • All eligible teams will be in an eight team tournament.
  • The teams with the best records getting home field advantage.
  • The division champions will automatically get ranked 1 & 2 and get home field advantage.
  • The pairings will be determined by the league officers, the week before the playoffs begin based on regular season records.
  • Week 15 will consist of the Wildcard Playoffs.
  • Week 16 will be the Trophy Round. Where the winners of the Wildcard games will play each other for the U.S. National and All-American Trophies.
  • Week 17 will be the NAFL Championship Games. These games will decide the final standings for the NAFL season. For example 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th & 13th places.

Toilet Bowl Tournament

The winner of this tournament would receive the first round draft choice in next years draft. On week 14 the six teams that do not make the playoffs are entered in a Toilet Bowl Tournament. The 14th & 13th place teams in the league would get a 1st round bye in the Toilet Bowl Tournament. With the remaining four playing each other at the team with the worst record getting home field advantage. Week 15 will be the winners from round one against the 14th & 13th place teams. Teams continue playing until final results are determined for all teams.

NAFL Championship Weekend (North American Bowl)

  • Week 17 will be the North American Bowl to determine the NAFL Champion. Each trophy champion will play each other to see who is the NAFL Champion.
  • Week 17 will be the NAFL Toilet Bowl. The two last place teams will play for the #1 draft choice in next year's draft. The draft choice goes to the winner of the game. The winner also receives the Toilet Bowl Trophy or Toilet Seat.
  • Week 17 will also determine the final standings (i.e. 3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th & 13th places) for the other teams.
  • The site of the NAFL Championship Weekend will be voted on each year.
  • History of the North American Bowl will be kept forever and the Commissioner will pick the most valuable player.
  • The North American Bowl and Toilet Bowl Championship game will be a neutral site where no home field advantage points will be awarded. This will occur no matter what team is playing in the game, even if the site is a teams home field.


II. LEAGUE OPERATIONS

Under this section, the Commissioner is responsible for running the league and can make procedural changes (League Operations) to the constitution. The Commissioner is allowed to change sections of this part of the constitution without approval of League Owners since this section deals with procedure. However, it is highly recommended that he get approval from league owners or do a temporary rule change and get a vote during the Summer Meetings.

A. LEAGUE SET-UP

The league is organized to give the owners an equal opportunity to compete in the league. The Commissioner rules over all league decisions and can hand out disciplinary action. The Commissioner is responsible for running the league and can make procedural changes (League Operations) to the constitution. A majority of the owners can vote on and approve procedural (League Operations) changes at the Summer Meetings. This would become a permanent change to the constitution. The Commissioner can not make arbitrary changes to the league rules section of the Constitution. This must be approved by a majority of the league owners. This can be done at the Summer Meetings or by a temporary rule during the season.

There will be two divisions in the NAFL, The American Division, and the National Division. The Commissioner will appoint three divisional presidents and if they don't do their job the Commissioner will fire them. The Commissioner will also establish a means of communicating with all league owners in order to run the league. Currently the Commissioner communicates through the NAFL Website at www.nafl-usa.com.

1. OWNERS

All members of the NAFL are considered owners of their respective franchises. They will be responsible for conducting all business associated with their respective franchises. All owners must have access to the NAFL Website to be an NAFL owner and have an active e-mail account. Access to the NAFL website is defined as the ability to obtain news and information from the league in order to participate as an active owner. Owners will be allowed to use other owners/parties e-mail or internet access in order to gain access. An owner must follow the rules as stated by the league and it's governing officers and must not cause the league any embarrassment due to his/her actions. Any action that is deemed inappropriate could result in disciplinary action from the league.

As an owner, the league will give them the following items.

  1. An NAFL franchise with NFL players and coaches.
  2. An EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to compete against other teams in the league for fun and prizes.
  3. They will get 1 vote with regards to how the league is run.

As a franchise owner in the NAFL, the owner will provide the following to the league secretary, to his team, and to his loyal fans.

  1. Payment of the Annual League Fee.
  2. Internet e-mail address.
  3. Weekly line-ups.
  4. A home stadium (No two teams can have the same stadium unless approved by the Commissioner).
  5. Team colors for uniforms, both home and away.
  6. Helmet emblems and trademark.
  7. A mascot (optional, but highly recommended).

2. PLAYERS

Any NFL player on an active NFL roster is eligible to be on a NAFL team. If a player gets traded in the NFL, nothing will happen in the NAFL. NAFL franchise owners retain the rights to all of the players on their previous year's team until August 1st or two weeks before the next NAFL draft (which ever is longer). At that time each owner has to release the rights to all players except those that they are allowed to keep under rules.

3. OFFICERS

Kevin J. Shaw will hold the position of Secretary, Treasurer and Webmaster and runs the league. He is not voted in and can not be voted out as Secretary, Treasurer and Webmaster. He can appoint a successor if he decides to step down. As league Secretary he gets one additional vote in all league matters. Any owner can fill the positions of division president and all owners get 1vote on any rule changes or altercations requiring a vote. NAFL HQ's will be wherever Kevin Shaw is located. The following is a description of the three respective positions.

COMMISSIONER

This position is the most important position in the league. The Commissioner will approve all trades, resolve disputes and approve all new rules and represents the league if there are any problems. The Commissioner has the responsibility to recruit new teams and franchises into the league and to make sure that the league is kept going forward. He also has to make sure that all the rules are followed and adhered to. The Commissioner is responsible for the operations of the league. The Commissioner gets 1 vote. The Commissioner also makes sure accurate records are being kept. The Commissioner is impartial and he rules on behalf of all the owners and for the good of the league. The Commissioner is not allowed to be an owner of a team in the NAFL and does not hold the position of Division President.

The Commissioner can make changes with presidential orders throughout the year. There are two types of changes to the Constitution that could be made. The first is called a procedural change (League Operations) and changes the way in how the league is run with the approval of the league officers. Any permanent changes will be reflected in the Constitution. The second is called a temporary rule change (League Rules) and is only a temporary change (for the football season) that must be approved by the league officers. Any permanent change must be approved by a majority of the owners at the Summer Meetings.

If a problem occurs the Commissioner should solve them through the use of the constitution and/or with the assistance of the grievance committee. This is for the overall positive benefit of the league. The Commissioner can also issue disciplinary action to league owners that do not follow league rules. If the Commissioner does issue disciplinary action an owner can only appeal to the grievance committee the type of punishment that the Commissioner gives out. The fact that the owner is void of punishment can not be appealed.

If an owner decides to pull out of the league he must talk to the Commissioner for franchise bankruptcy approval. If an owner is not fulfilling their obligations to the league, the Commissioner can suspend the right to his or her franchise. When a franchise becomes bankrupt or is suspended, the franchise becomes property of the NAFL. The Commissioner must then decide what will be done with that franchise. In order to get their franchise fee back, the team must recruit a new team in the NAFL, if they do not they "Forfeit" their franchise fee.

SECRETARY

The secretary assists the Commissioner in running the league and helps the Treasurer and Webmaster as well. He assists the Commissioner in interpreting the rules so he can make a fair decision. He also updates the Constitution and assists in recruiting new teams and franchises into the league. The Secretary keeps the league going by handling the day to day operation of the league. Any violations of the rules must be reported to the Commissioner for him to rule upon. The secretary keeps the records for the league and also runs the Annual League Draft according to the Constitution. The following records will be kept:

  1. Schedule of competition.
  2. Standings (weekly)
  3. Keep track of transactions (Rosters, IR and Trades)
  4. Leading scorers
  5. NAFL Database
  6. Awards (Post-season and Pre-season)
  7. Player standings and statistics during the regular season.
  8. Any special instructions according to expansion.

These records are kept according to the way the Commissioner and the Secretary decides to be the best. The secretary will keep for the record, a copy of the original constitution, with a copy going to the Commissioner, Treasurer and Division Presidents.

TREASURER

The Treasurer is responsible for the finances of the league. He has to collect all league fees before the league draft. The Treasurer must also report to the Commissioner, as to which owners have paid all league fees. He can invest this money any way he sees fit as long as the Commissioner agrees to it and it is secure from theft and serious investment risk. The treasurer must also dispense the prize money according to the rules in the constitution. The treasurer must also notify all owners after the Summer Meetings and before the August 1st deadline the amount of money that each owner owes, so that the owners can get the proper fees together for the coming year. At the end of the year the Treasurer will let all of the owners know who much money they have won and the owners must inform the Treasurer where to send the check to. If an owner does not notify the league what to do with the winnings the owner will receive a credit that will be applied to next years entry fee. If the owner pulls out of the league all league winnings will be sent to the last known address.

DIVISION PRESIDENT
Division Presidents will be nominated by the Commissioner. Each Division President will be elected by a majority of the owners for a yearly term. The Division President is an assistant to the Commissioner and helps in keeping the lines of communication open within the league. In assisting the Commissioner, the Division Presidents will receive a $15 discount in league fees at the end of the year for completing their duties. Their duties include:

  • Disseminate information to and from the owners within their division.
  • Assist in aligning teams within the divisions.
  • Assist in scheduling division games, NAFL playoffs and division championships.
  • Assist in writing new rules and with interpretation of the rules.
  • Assist with the NAFL Website by contributing eleven items per year. Suggested items include,
    • Write eleven articles for the NAFL Website during the course of the year
    • Prepare the Team Ranking Report for the NAFL Website for weeks 3 - 14 or 11 times during the year.
  • Gets one vote during a grievance vote to assist in grievances.
  • Any additional duties or assistance that the Commissioner might need.

The following league positions are not considered league officer positions:

WEBMASTER/NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Assists the Secretary and the Commissioner with the preparation and upkeep of the NAFL Website and of the NAFL Newsletter; "This Week". Owner's pay the league for the upkeep of the league's website. The league website is found at www.nafl-usa.com.

COMMITTEES

The Commissioner cans at any time set up special committees to make sure things are done. A Committee chair or leader will be appointed and will report to the Commissioner. (Examples, Competition/Rules, Banquet, Trophy, Awards, Draft, Expansion, & etc.)


B. SEASON ACTIVITIES
The NAFL uses the NAFL Website at www.nafl-usa.com to conduct league business and to conduct roster moves throughout the season. The results from all games are posted every week on the NAFL website.

1. ROSTERS

The Commissioner oversees the operation of franchise rosters. Roster management is the responsibility of the league owners not the Commissioner or the Secretary. The commissioner has the authority to remove players from rosters if a roster is declared illegal due to injured reserve or any other transactions.  The official source of information for roster management is the NFL at NFL.COM.

Starting Lineups

If an owner does not submit a roster, then their last week's roster will be used. All roster lineups must be into the league office by 1:00PM {EST} or 10:00AM {PST} on the Sunday of play. The Commissioner will print out all lineups submitted at that time, if your lineup is not in then you will automatically receive the previous weeks lineup. It is suggested that you submit your lineup in one hour prior to game time in case of computer problems. When there is a Thursday or Saturday game, team owners who have players playing in that game would only have to submit those players in their lineup. Owners would be allowed to submit the rest of their lineup before the Sunday games. If an owner does not hand in a roster for 4 consecutive weeks, then the Commissioner will take disciplinary action.

Game-Time Decisions

Game-Time decisions are where players are in flex due to injuries. Some NFL Coaches do not report these to the last minute. To assist NAFL owners the league has implemented a Game-time decision rule where the NAFL owners can change lineups when a player is a game time decision. To implement the Game-Time Decision rule the owner must do the following:

1. The player must be injured.
2. The player must be a game-time decision where he could play or not play in the game.
3. The owner must announce to the ENTIRE league by the starting lineup deadline.
4. The owner must announce who will start and who will not, clearly for all to understand. For example, Eric Moulds will start if he does not play due to a game-time decision then Antonio Bryant will play. Eric Moulds will be submitted in as the BUP for Antonio Bryant.
5. Only ONE Game-time Decision will be allowed per team per week.
6. The default player will be your announced starter. If that player plays, (which can be verified on NFL.COM) then he goes. Does not matter if he scores or not, if he is listed as playing then he is in your lineup.
7. The commissioner will not allow any game-time decisions after the starting lineup deadline. DO NOT CALL or E-MAIL After the fact.
8. The commissioner will make the final call on all game-time decisions

Injured Reserve

Teams are allowed to carry two (2) "clearly injured" players on "IR" as a roster exemption. "Clearly Injured" is defined as a player who is on the NFL's "Out" list. Players also placed on the NFL's PUP list are also eligible.  

It is the Owners responsibility to put their players on injured reserve and to upkeep their rosters. The Commissioner checks the IR on Sunday's before the start of the games if player is not out, the league drops the player automatically. All transactions that involve Injured Reserve will not count in the number of transactions per week. The number of allowed transactions per week will not change it remain at two per week. This will allow teams not to be penalized when players get injured and still can make other transactions. 

If a team has more than two (2) "clearly injured" players, they will have to make a tough choice: cut an injured player or carry them. The determination of whether a player fits the definition of a "clearly injured" player is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner. He ultimately decides which players are injured, out, or are totally unable to play in a given weekend. Each Sunday, the Commissioner will review the status of each of the exempted players.

When a player is ready to return to play the owner will have to make room on his 13 man-roster or cut the previously injured player. The grievance committee will hear cases involving the Commissioner's team and/or complaints with regards to his decision.

Players that get put on I/R before week 11 (Trade Deadline) will be eligible to be selected as an I/R Franchise Player/Restricted Free Agent the following year. This adds one more franchise player/restricted free agent that a team may have for the draft. Also, injured reserve would be frozen after week 11 so that no player would be able to be added. If your player gets hurt after week 11 you have to carry them on your roster. You will be able to take a player off I/R, however if you do that you will not be able to claim that player as an I/R restricted free agent since you took him off I/R. This rule would allow owners who invest a lot in a player and then gets hurt during the year to get some sort of benefit the following year. Franchise Player/Restricted Free Agent rules would be followed.

Franchise Players

At the end of the year, a team will be able to keep franchise players on their active roster. League owners determine the exact number of players. The deadline for this to occur by is August 1st or two weeks before the NAFL draft (whichever is longer). The rights to all other players are then released. If this deadline is not met, the respective franchises lose the rights to all players. If a franchise wants to improve their position in the draft they can accomplish this by keeping less than the amount determined. Then they can then fill those roster positions with their draft picks. The franchise player is put in the first available position in the draft. A franchise will only be allowed to keep a franchise player for a maximum of three years. After three years the player will be released by August 1st after his third NAFL Season. Restricted Free Agents can only be kept for three years the same as an Franchise Player and the three year time frame includes both time selected as a Franchise Player and/or a Restricted Free Agent. When a franchise player is released after three years on the August 1st deadline and put back into the draft pool, the league will give the losing franchise a Compensatory 8th round draft pick. The draft pick will be after all teams draft in the 8th round.

Also the league has decided that.

  • Defenses /Special Teams are not held over.
  • Head coaches can be kept since they are considered part of management and can not be traded.

Rookie Players / Injured Reserve Franchise Players

Players that have been declared as Rookie Players and qualify for the Rookie Player Exemption and Injured Reserve Franchise Players will get placed at the end of the NAFL draft in that teams draft slot. The league will start to place them starting in Round 14 and work their way forward based on available draft positions.

Restricted Free Agent's (Voted down 2002 NAFL Summer Meetings)

At the end of the year, a team will be able to designate two players from their team as a restricted free agents. This player is put into the draft pool. The franchise that has this player has last refusal rights when that player is drafted. The team must put the player in the first available draft slot. Franchise players from the previous year can not become restricted free agents. Restricted Free Agents must be selected by the August 1st deadline. Restricted Free Agents can only be kept for three years the same as an Franchise Player.

Also, a franchise will be able to select a player as a injured reserve restricted free agent. This player is treated the same as a restricted free agent. (See injured reserve).

2. TRANSACTIONS

Transactions are a way that league owners can conduct roster management. All transactions will be reviewed by the Commissioner and can be disapproved by the league office. All  multiple-player trades between teams will be reviewed to prevent collusion especially trades involving multiple players and draft picks. All trades, however, would be subject to review by the league office (to avoid Super-team collusion deals).

Requirements

Transactions are made on the NAFL Website at www.nafl-usa.com via computer. If their is a problem with the NAFL Website transactions will be accept via e-mail to commish@nafl-usa.com. Transactions must be made before 8:00 pm (PST) or 11:00 pm (EST) on Trade Night (Wednesday night). The Commissioner will then approve all transactions and post the transactions by the following morning. Transaction preference is given based on each franchise/team rankings each week (this is called the Order of Merit Listing). All transactions placed by owners are considered requests until the Commissioner approves the transaction. Transactions cannot be conducted until after the final game of the week. Free agents become available as soon as they are communicated (ex. e-mailed) to the league. The Commissioner has the power to approve / disapprove transactions if he believes it would be for the better meant of the league as a whole.

Automatic Waiver Wire
The NAFL uses a an Automatic Waiver Wire process to pick-up Free Agents. Teams request to add free agents to their rosters are not executed immediately, but are put in a pending status. This allows multiple teams to request the same players. Then once a week on Trade Night (Wednesday Night), a waiver process will be run, executing the pending requests in a waiver rank order. Requests can be made from 7am EST or 4 am PST on Tuesday until 11pm EST or 8 pm PST on Wednesday when the waiver process is run. During a waiver process, pending transactions are automatically processed in an order determined by each team’s waiver rank (Order of Merit Listing). The team with the highest waiver rank will get its first requested player. If that teams highest pending transaction can’t be executed because another team as the requested player, the transaction gets deleted and the teams next transaction, if one exists, is then executed. When a team gets a requested player, the team’s waiver rank is dropped to the end and every other team moves up one and the process is continued. If a team doesn’t have any pending transactions because all players requested were taken by other teams, or the owner simply didn’t request any players, the team’s turn is skipped.

After the waiver process is run, Starting at 7 am EST or 4 am PST on Thursday owners will be allowed to select free agents on a first-come, first-serve basis. All transactions still have to abide by league rules approved by the Commissioner , and can be overturned by the Commissioner. Transaction deadline for free agent transactions will be Saturday at 8:00 pm (EST) 5:00 pm (PST). The Commissioner will approve transactions by Sunday before game time. Example: Let’s say you wanted to pick-up a QB for this week, so you selected three different QB’s on the Waiver Request screen. Unfortunately, after the waiver process is run, you find out all three of the QB’s you requested were selected before your turn came up. But since you are allowed by the new process free agent pickups are on a first-come, first-served bases after the waiver process runs, you simply go to the Add/Drop Players screen and select a QB from the remaining free agents.

Order of Merit
Transaction preference is given based on each franchise/team rankings each week. . The waiver rank is based on the reverse order of the standings (the criteria for this is determined by the commissioner). The waiver rank is reset each week based on the latest reverse order of the standings. The order of merit list is determined by the record of NAFL teams every week with the worst teams getting transaction preference. In the event that teams have the same record the team with the least number of total points would receive the higher transaction preference. The league secretary will publish the order of merit list so owners understand how transactions are awarded.

Trades

The trading deadline is at the end of the 11th week of NAFL competition. Trades can be done when two owners come to terms and trade players from their rosters. A trade is legally accomplished after both owners have notified the league office (Commissioner) via e-mail and when it is approved by the Commissioner for compliance with the rules. (The main issue is that roster compliance remains intact). However, the Commissioner has the power to approve / disapprove trades if he believes it would be for the better meant of the league as a whole.

If after the trade deadline a team's QB, TE and/or K is injured and is put on the team's injured reserve list. Then that would leave that team with less than two QB's, TE's and/or K's. Hence in order to comply with the rules, the trade deadline is temporarily lifted so that the affected owner can make a trade with any other owner in the league.

Free Agents

The transaction deadline is at the end of the 10th week of NAFL competition. During the year, an owner can pick up any player not on any other NAFL roster. The owner must notify the secretary to get approval and then must drop someone from their current active roster.  Moving a player on or off I/R is considered a transaction.

If after the transaction deadline a team is unable to start a QB, TE and/or K due to injury then the team is allowed to pick-up a player so that the team is able to comply with the rules. The transaction deadline is temporarily lifted so that the affected owner can make a transaction. However, this will only occur if the players that are on the active roster are "clearly injured".

Procedures

In the event of two (or more) teams wanting the same player in a given week, preference is given to the team that has the worst record. (See order of Merit list) In the event of a Week 1 transaction, the preference will be given based on the draft order, with the lower draft team getting preference. (i.e. 3rd. choice gets preference over 12th choice). In the event of a tie between records, preference will be given to the team with the least amount of points scored. If it is still tied a coin-toss or the Commissioner conducts random draw. If the Commissioner is one of the owners involved in the transaction, someone else will conduct the coin-flip with a witness present.

Limitations

Teams will be limited to two free agent player transactions per week. Team limits are exempted if it is an emergency transaction, due to replacing a QB, TE or K and the team can not start a player in one of those positions due to an injury. The maximum amount of players to be added could be five players per week. (A QB, TE or K that is injured, plus two other transactions.)

All transactions that involve Injured Reserve will not count in the number of transactions per week. The number of allowed transactions per week will not change it remain at two per week. This will allow teams not to be penalized when players get injured and still can make other transactions. 

Collusion

Is defined as an agreement or cooperation between owners to circumvent, manipulate or push the limits of the rules for their own interest to gain an advantage over other owners. Collusion is illegal and will not be allowed in the NAFL any trade or transaction that the commissioner feels violates the equal opportunity for all owners can be voided by the Commissioner. 

Specifically any trades between owners that involve the same player or draft pick over a two year period will not be allowed. If it appears that a player or draft pick is being used in such a manner the trade or transaction is voided. It is up to the commissioner's discretion to disallow such a transaction when it is committed. This would prevent owners from trading players and draft picks between players to circumvent franchise player rules.

3. DRAFT

The Commissioner and Secretary are responsible for running the Annual League Draft. The majority of the league owners (league rules) decide the format of the draft. The secretary will keep the records of the draft for at least one year. The league Commissioner will determine the draft time and location. An owner can also participate at one of the draft locations, on America on-line (the Internet), and by mail with a list of all players and a choice for every round. The secretary will supply the results of the draft to all owners including all of his selections. The Commissioner will be the official timekeeper.

4. COMPETITION

The Commissioner will oversee the competition of the teams. The Commissioner will negotiate the league's television contract currently.

  • The ESPN TV network will cover two games of the week, the playoffs, & the North American Bowl.
  • The TNT TV network will cover all Saturday night games, one playoff game, & the Toilet Bowl Tournament.
  • The ESPN2 TV network will cover two games of the week & two playoff games.

a. TIE-BREAKERS

Individual games

When a game ends in a tie, the secretary will go through the list of backups and whoever scores one point or more first wins the game. All players are used until a winner is determined. Both teams get a chance, so if team "A" scores 3 pts. then team "B" scores 6 pts then team "B" wins the game even though team "A" scored first. If there is still a tie, the team who has the player with the most points wins. If a tie still exists, then a coin flip between the home division president and the Commissioner will determine the winner.

This same tie breaker format will be used when there is a tie for the weekly pool. Whoever scores one point or more first wins the pool. There will be no dividing the money in the weekly pool. The players who score points in the tie breaking system get credit for playing in the game even though they weren't in the starting lineup, because they are considered playing in the overtime. However this doesn't apply to the tie breaker format used for breaking ties for the weekly pool.

Standings

The following is how the standings are figured out in case of any ties in the standings:

  1. Number of wins against, vs. the Number of losses.
  2. Record against the teams that are tied.
  3. Division Record
  4. Most points scored
  5. Home record
  6. Fewest points allowed
  7. Most money won
  8. Coin toss

Format is used until tie is broken between teams, then the formula begins at the beginning. If a tie occurs with more then two teams, head to head records are skipped and it starts with Best Division Record, then most points scored. The Commissioner and league officers have the discretion and flexibility to carry out this formula.

5. FINANCES

The Commissioner oversees the actions of the Treasurer to administer league finances. Each franchise will pay a total of $100.00 for his or her franchise (Depending on the amount the owners decide). This is due no later than August 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!! If a team does not pay the fee by the deadline, then the owner in question risks losing his or her franchise. The league will take every action necessary to sell the team prior to the annual draft. Ownership is awarded to the first owner (new or old) who delivers the entire franchise fee to the league office after the fee deadline.

Payment Options
To make it easier to pay league fees and control finances the league has set-up a PayPal Account and have owners pay through the internet and the NAFL Website.  Credit and Debit Cards can be used by owners to pay league fees.  All finances are to be tracked through one central account.  PayPal Fees would be offset by the Website Expense that is allocated in the Operating Expenses. 

The Treasurer uses the Operating Expenses in order to run the league. The Treasurer is also in charge of the Franchise Fee. Any amount that exceeds the league operating expenses will be taken out of this fund. The league owners must approve any additional money taken out of the Franchise Fee Fund.

6. GRIEVANCE/APPEAL (PROCEDURES)
Definition of a Grievance

A grievance is a dispute between the Commissioner and an owner based on a ruling that was made by the Commissioner. An owner can only appeal on a decision that was made by the Commissioner. Only the owner or the immediate parties that are involved with the decision can file a grievance. If the Commissioner handles out disciplinary action to an owner, than the owner can only appeal the type of punishment the Commissioner gave out to the other league owners. The fact that the owner is void of punishment can not be appealed.

"New" Appeal Process

When an owner has a dispute with the Commissioners ruling, the following process must be followed in order to file a grievance. If an owner does not follow these rules they are subject to disciplinary actions by the Commissioner.

  1. Communicate with the Commissioner and settle it one on one.
  2. Commissioner tries to handle the grievance with the owner.
  3. If an owner is still unsatisfied, the owner will e-mail only to the Commissioner, asking for a league wide vote.
  4. If an owner does not approve a decision or ruling that the Commissioner makes, the matter must be taken to a league wide vote. For a Grievance to overturn a Commissioners Decision 13 out of 17 votes (14 owners, two Division Presidents and 1 Commissioner) must overturn the decision. Division Presidents and the Commissioner get an additional vote in the grievance process.

Temporary Rules during the Season

The Commissioner, League Officers, and any NAFL Owner would be able to call an owner's meeting and call a league vote at any time during the year. Before any league vote the leagues grievance procedures must be followed if applicable.  This meeting would be held via the Internet and would take place when the Commissioner deems appropriate. A majority of the voting owners must approve any new rules in a vote. Any decisions would become temporary for the football season that the decision was made for. The Annual League Summer Meetings would still be used to change the Constitution permanently.

C. OFFSEASON ACTIVITIES

1. SUMMER MEETING

At the end of the season there will be a Summer Meeting. Basically what will be done at these meetings is to decide on the future of the NAFL. If not done immediately after the season ends, awards will be given out to the appropriate teams and prize money will be distributed. Discussions about future business and old business will be reviewed at this time. Also at this time, owners can bring up complaints about the league and any possible suggestions they might have to improve or change the league. The majority of owners must approve any permanent changes to the league rules at the Summer Meetings. Any permanent changes in league operations must be addressed in an updated constitution. A majority of the owners can vote on and approve procedural (league operations) changes at the Summer Meetings.

2. RECRUITING

This can be done any time during the year. Basically its function is to get new owners and franchises in the NAFL. The Commissioner will be in charge of this activity and will make sure it is done correctly. All new owners will be told the rules of the league and be provided with a copy of the constitution. They will also sign a registration form that will notify all existing owners that they agree to the rules and will abide by them. Recruiting can be done by many different ways, but this will be up to the Commissioner.

3. OWNERS MOVING

If an owner moves and still wants to be in the NAFL he or she can do this. They do this by mailing, faxing, e-mailing or phoning in their rosters every week to the secretary. They can also give their lineups to their Division President via the computer. (i.e. E-mail, America Online) They can conduct business through the NAFL web site as well. They still must pay in advance before the draft and can be at the draft via phone or e-mail. If they can not do that, they can mail in their first 150 picks for the draft and the Commissioner will pick their team for them. If an owner decides to do this they must be very faithful and dedicated to keep their team up to date via the mail or by phone. All rules of the constitution will still have to be adhered to. Prize money can be sent to them via the mail.

4. POST-SEASON POOL

This would allow owners to compete against each other in a post-season contest. This would be a voluntary contest open to all owners and would be an NAFL fundraiser. The Commissioner will determine the entry fee. Make the Post-Season Pool Mandatory. This will add an additional $10 to the annual league fee.

5. EXPANSION

Any additional teams are welcome, but they must always be added in an even number. This will be voted on by the owners and must be approved by a majority vote. The number of new teams and the price of the franchise fee will be up to the existing owners. Expansion was voted on and approved on March 6th 1992 for the 1992 season by a 9-0 vote. The result was that there will be at least 12 teams in the NAFL.

Expansion was voted and approved for July 10, 1995 for the 1995 season by a 7-3-2 vote. The result was there will be at least 14 teams in the NAFL. The two new teams were added to the American and National Divisions. Due to expansion several changes were made to the constitution including competition, rosters, playoffs, and finances. Here are the considerations for expansion:

  • Meet all NAFL rules for ownership.
  • Pay the expansion fee of $20.00 (equals the Franchise fee).
  • In return the expansion team will get all rights and privileges in becoming owners.
  • New teams will also draft before all existing teams.
  • If there is more than one expansion team, a coin flip will determine the draft order.

CONCLUSION

This Constitution was written so that all owners will know the rules of the NAFL so that they can receive an equal opportunity to compete in the league. By becoming an owner in the NAFL, by paying the annual league fee, they must abide by the Constitution and the rules administered by the league's governing officers.

Any permanent changes or amendments to the league rules in this Constitution must be approved by a majority of the owners in the NAFL. Any changes must be communicated to all owners and any permanent changes printed in updates of the Constitution.

Approved by North American Football League Commissioner Kevin J. Shaw and initial league owners on 26 June 1990.

  • Revised and updated on 27 June 1991 by Commissioner Kevin J. Shaw.
  • Updated on 29 June 1992 after the March 6th Winter Meetings.
  • Updated on April 11, 1993 after the 1993 Winter Meetings.
  • Updated after the 1994 Summer Meetings July 1, 1994.
  • Updated and Revised by the Constitution and Expansion Committee's. With owners Ken Hoggins, Committee Chair, Keith Shaw, Derrick Martin and Commissioner Kevin Shaw on August 11, 1995 following the 1995 Summer Meetings.
  • Updated after the 1996 Summer Meetings August 27, 1996.
  • Updated after the 1997 Summer Meetings August 27, 1997.
  • Revised, and Amended by Commissioner Kevin J. Shaw and the Competition/Rules Committee. Committee Chair; John Minigiello, Members; Derrick Martin, Jim Clark, Ken Hoggins and Rob Hibl. Approved by league owners on June 30, 1998.
  • Updated after the 2000 Summer Meetings July 31, 2000.
  • Updated after the 2001 Summer Meetings August 12, 2001.
  • Updated after the 2002 Summer Meetings July 24, 2002.
  • Updated after the 2003 Summer Meetings on August 30, 2003.
  • Updated after the 2004 Summer Meetings on September 4, 2004.
  • Updated after the 2007 Summer Meetings on July 4, 2007.
  • Updated after the 2008 Summer Meetings on August 26, 2008.
  • Updated after the 2009 Summer Meetings on July 22, 2009


SIGNED Kevin J Shaw  

KEVIN J. SHAW  
COMMISSIONER NORTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE 1990 - 2007

SIGNED Keith C Shaw  

KEITH C. SHAW  
COMMISSIONER NORTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2008 - PRESENT

 
   
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