Anti-Violence Policy

 

Due to the increasing violence and rising numbers of physically abusive incidents in our nations’ youth football programs during and after games, the Executive Board of Directors of the NJFL have unanimously approved a "ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY" related to violent or inappropriate behavior at practices, games, and any other league-sponsored activities (including cheer activities). The Board feels that all organizations in the league and their officials, parents and coaches, should be proactive in seeking a safe and instructive environment for children without the threat of violence, inappropriate behavior, or language on the sidelines.

 

While most inappropriate behavior is obvious, the actions that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to the following:

• Parents and fans on the field without permission.

• Inappropriate and/or offensive language.

• Yelling negative comments at the referees or an opposing player.

• Instigating players, parents, officials.

• Trashing fields and/or school grounds.

• Attending events drunk or smelling of alcohol.

• Physical displays of aggression or threats of violence or physical aggression towards hosting or visiting team representatives,    Field Marshals, or game officials.

• Any action that officials or coaches deem to be inappropriate, or the individual has previously been asked to stop doing. 

 

Any player, coach, parent or fan, participating in inappropriate behavior will be ejected from the game and stadium, if participating in inappropriate behavior listed above. Ejections can occur before, during, and after games. (Reference the NJFL Code of Conduct Policy for 1st offense). In cases where the offending party does not leave the area, the Field Marshal in charge will immediately dial the police and have the offender removed. A league report will be filed, and if the same person is ejected twice, they will no longer be allowed to attend any NJFL events. Based on the nature of the offense, charges may be filed against the individual. Threats or physical displays of aggression will be reported to the police.

 

• In the event that ANY game has to be stopped or cancelled due to any of the behavior(s) listed in this policy, the offending team(s) involved will take a mandatory forfeit for that game and the following weeks’ game. If the next week is a bye week, it will be the next scheduled game. If a second violation occurs, the team(s) will forfeit playoff eligibility, will have all remaining home games pulled from the schedule, and may face removal from the league.

 

• In the event that any organization in the league loses the ability to host games on their home field due to an escalation of violence by visiting teams, the offending team will lose playoff eligibility for that season and may face removal from the league.

 

• In the event that any organization causes such a disruption that local football officials associations refuse to work with the NJFL to officiate games, the offending team(s) will be removed from the league.

 

Actions toward Referees

 

Any Coach, Player, or Fan that makes threats of physical violence towards the referee (on or off the field) will immediately be asked to leave the facility and the local police shall be called to prosecute the individual for the threats within the extent of the law. The referee shall immediately notify the Field Marshal who will be responsible for the removal and the call to 911. There will be no warning before the removal and the call placed to police. This will result in the coach, player, or fan being suspended for the remainder of the season, without the possibility of appeal. The NJFL will not be responsible for any legal fees incurred by the individual for any charges that may occur from the incident.

 

The NJFL hopes this policy will ensure a safe, tolerable environment for your family to be around and your children to play in. Safety is our main priority. Thank you for doing your part to help.

 

Every Team, parent, player, and coach is expected to do your best to prevent all violence.