Eligibility Material is due in the CFA/ACEA Office Friday, August 5, 2016 Make copies of your Team Eligibility List before mailing to the CFA/ACEA office. Mail to: CFA/ACEA Office PO Box 559 Gardendale, AL 35071
Guidelines for Certifying Athletic Eligibility Revised April 9, 2015 It is the responsibility of the school administrator to complete and return to the CFA/ACEA office the athletic eligibility material listed below by the assigned due date. A late fee of $10 per business day will be assessed beginning on the fourteenth day following the due date for eligibility to be in the ACEA office. - Team Eligibility List (one per team) - Must have original signature of the Administrator - Transfer Student Verification Form - Financial Assistance Student Reporting Form - Copy of Season Schedule - Name of Officiating Association with contact information - Coaches Signed Statement - Copy of ACTive Concussion Training Certificate per coach (if not already on file in the CFA/ACEA office) In addition: 1. New Schools: Students listed on your Team Eligibility List A copy of each student s birth certificate Grades for 6 th to present Grades for 5 th if student is currently in 6 th grade 2. Schools that played sports in the CFA/ACAA the previous year: Check Birth Certificate/Transcript List of items on file in the CFA/ACEA office. If a student is listed we have a copy of their birth certificate. If grades for 6 th and 7 th are checked you do not need to send additional grades. Students that were enrolled in your school the previous year, but are not listed on the Birth Certificate/Transcript List of items on file in the CFA/ACEA office you will submit the following: A copy of the student s birth certificate Grades for 6 th to present Grades for 5 th if student is currently in 6 th grade 3. For transfer students submit the following: A copy of the student s birth certificate Grades from 6 th to present Grades for 5 th if student is currently in 6 th grade 4. When adding student(s) to your Team Eligibility List after the initial list is submitted: Submit a Team Eligibility List for the student(s) that are being added with original signature of Administrator. Submit a copy of birth certificate and grades as shown above as applicable for - Schools that played sports in the CFA/ACAA the previous year - Transfer students or - New school 5. The following forms are kept on file at your school: Medical Release Form Medical History Form
2016-2017 CFA DATES Spring Practice March 31 May 20, 2016 (Any 10 days 5 without pads, 5 with pads) CFA Spring Meeting Brooklane Baptist Academy April 7, 2016 Membership / League fee due ($300) Due on or before April 7, 2016 Practice may begin without pads July 22 - July 28, 2016 Practice may begin with pads July 29 August 12, 2016 Eligibility material due in ACEA office August 5, 2016 CFA League Play may begin August 19, 2016 Last day to add players to roster September 16, 2016 (Must wait five school days to play, after being added to roster) NOTE: If you choose to not have spring practice you may add 5 additional days to your summer practice schedule. 2016 WEEK / SEASON PLAY DATES (Regular season play dates can be Thursday, Friday, or Saturday as determined by the home team.) Week 1 - August 19, 2016 Week 2 - August 26, 2016 Week 3 - September 2, 2016 Week 4 - September 9, 2016 Week 5 - September 16, 2016 Week 6 - September 23, 2016 Week 7 - September 30, 2016 Week 8 - October 7, 2016 Week 9 - October 14, 2016 Week 10 - October 21, 2016 (ACEA Teacher s Convention is October 19-21, 2016 in Huntsville, AL) (Post season play dates will be determined by the CFA league) Week 11 - October 28, 2016 (Semi-Final Games) Week 12 - November 4, 2016 (Championship Games)
CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Team Eligibility List Students in grades 7 th 12 th ( ) Six Man Eight Man NOTE: 6 th grade students are not eligible to participate in football School Name City Team Name Administrator Coaches Name Coaches Cell # Coaches Email Address: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Students Full Name (Please print or type) Date of Birth Age Grade Eligible * Uniform Inspected * Please indicate in this column the year each student entered the 7 th grade for the first time. Health/Physical Form on File in school Office Medical Release Form on File By signing this form I, the Administrator, affirm that the students listed on this Team Eligibility List are academically eligible and in good standing and have met eligibility requirements to participate in CFA league play. Signature of Administrator Printed Name of Administrator Date:
FOOTBALL Transfer Student Verification Form Please attach this form to each Team Eligibility List. Please complete the information below for all students who transferred into your school from the beginning of the previous school year to present. Name of Transfer Student Transferred from: Name of School Date of Enrollment in your School Make copies of this form for each Team Eligibility List submitted if applicable.
CFA Financial Assistance Student Reporting Form School Administrator Sport Being Reported: Football Please complete the following items Yes No 1. Does your school provide any financial assistance to any students? If yes, how many? Yes No 2. Does you school provide any financial assistance to any student athletes? If yes, how many? Yes No 3. Does any team member in this sport receive financial assistance? If yes, how many? Please list any athlete reported in item #3 above NOTE: For the purpose of this form, tuition benefits available to school employees do not constitute financial assistance. Please attach a copy of the school s written policy for financial assistance. Administrator s Signature Date *NOTE: Form cannot be accepted unless signed by the school administrator.
CFA COACHES SIGNED STATEMENT According to CFA requirements, we the undersigned have read the CFA Operations Manual and agree to comply with all rules and regulations as stated. We agree to absolve the CFA/ACEA from all liability because of any injury sustained during any CFA/ACEA sponsored event. Administrator Athletic Director Coach Date Coach Coach
ACTive Athletic Concussion Training for Coaches Required for all Coaches 1. Go online to http://activecoach.orcasinc.com 2. Watch the video 3. Download and print your certificate of completion 4. Make a copy of your certificate and send it to the ACEA office 5. Keep original on file at your school
Forms to be completed and kept on file at your school: Medical History Form See attachment Medical Release Form
MEDICAL RELEASE FORM Guidelines Please copy one form per athlete. The top two signatures are if the parent(s) grants permission for medical information to be discussed with school personnel. The bottom two signatures are if parent(s) does not grant permission for medical information to be discussed with school personnel. Keep signed forms on file in the school office. Give the coaches a copy of each form to keep with them if needed at away games. If you have any questions, please call the CFA/ACEA office.
STUDENT / ATHLETE Medical Release Form Christian Football Association Federal guidelines under HIPAA now requires a signed release form to be on file before any medical or financial information can be given on the named patient. Student / Athlete: Permission to discuss the medical condition of above named patient with the following people is granted for all school related health problems: 1) Athletic Director; 2) Coaches; 3) Trainers; 4) School Administration; 5) Insurance agent (Planned Benefits services) Signed: Relationship: Signed: Relationship: School: The medical condition of the above named patient is not to be discussed with any person other than the patient and parents or guardians. Signed: Relationship: Signed: Relationship: Date: (Copy One Form per Athlete)
Forms to use as needed Officials and Coaches Game Report Misconduct Report Form Information to read Recruitment and Scholarshipping of Athletes Explained and Defined The Case for Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity in High School Athletics
Officials and Coaches Game Report Instructions: Game officials and coaches are requested to complete this report at the conclusion of the game and mail it to the CFA/ACEA office no later than the next day. (It is not necessary to send in a report after each game, unless there is a problem to report.) Rationale for Game Report: It is the desire of this Association that our coaches, players, pastors, administrators, and fans conduct themselves in a way that becomes a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and the standards of conduct commonly associated with good sportsmanship. Your cooperation is expected and it is appreciated by the CFA Committee. Home Team Visiting Team 1. Coach s conduct & attitude 1. Coach s conduct & attitude a. Excellent a. Excellent b. Average b. Average c. Poor c. Poor Comments: Comments: 2. Player s conduct & attitude 2. Player s conduct & attitude a. Excellent a. Excellent b. Average b. Average c. Poor c. Poor Comments: Comments: 3. Pastor/Administrator s conduct & 3. Pastor/Administrator s conduct & attitude attitude a. Excellent a. Excellent b. Average b. Average c. Poor c. Poor Comments: Comments: 4. Fan s conduct & attitude 4. Fan s conduct & attitude a. Excellent a. Excellent b. Average b. Average c. Poor c. Poor Comments: Comments: Please circle the representative rating for each classification given above. If any Technical Fouls (ejections or disqualifications) are awarded, please complete the Misconduct Report Form. Thank you, CFA Committee (Permission granted to CFA/ACEA member schools to duplicate this form as needed) Alabama Christian Education Association/Christian Football Association PO Box 559 Gardendale, AL 35071 Phone #: 205-631-3000 Fax #: 205-631-3090
MISCONDUCT REPORT FORM CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Report of Flagrant Fouls, Technical Fouls, or Ejections Please FAX to CFA/ACEA Office the morning following the infraction FAX to: 205-631-3090 School Sport Coach Location of Game Date of Game Player s * Infraction + Individual s Individual s Name Grade Uniform # F, T, E, C Total * F -- Flagrant Foul; T Technical Foul; E Ejection +Complete this column if you are reporting an individual from your team; leave blank if reporting an individual from another team. Comments: Submitted by Date School
Penalties for Excessive Misconduct Participants are allowed to accrue a maximum of fifteen (15) penalty points in a given season. Penalty points accumulate as follows: Flagrant fouls and technical fouls (carded in volleyball) 3 points (Note only technicals that are for poor sportsmanship or misconduct; not to include rule violations that carry such penalty, i.e. failure to enter a name in scorebook, reaching over the end line on a throw-in, etc.) Ejection (any sport) 5 points + 1 game suspension Penalties as follows: When a participant reaches 10 points 2 game suspensions When a participant reaches 15 points season disqualification All infractions are to be self-reported the next business day (24 to 72 hours) following the infraction (infraction in any game CFA or not); failure to do so means that until penalties are enforced, the offending party will be treated as an ineligible participant (games may be forfeited). Reporting forms will be provided. NOTES: An individual who has not accrued five points during the regular season shall begin the playoffs with a clean slate. Points accrued in the playoffs, if not leading to a suspension penalty, may be carried over to the next season. Suspensions will be served in league games or playoff games.
Recruiting RECRUITMENT AND SCHOLARSHIPPING OF ATHLETES EXPLAINED AND DEFINED Initiating contact with or seeking to influence a student s enrollment for the purpose of improving your school s athletic program or to advance a student primarily for athletic purposes is prohibited. Athletic recruiting is not allowed by any school/church employee, volunteer, parent, or any other person associated with or representing your school. School administration and athletic departments are responsible to monitor carefully the enrollment of new students to ensure that no student enrolls in any CFA school as an athletic recruit. School administration and athletic departments are responsible to educate their people regarding the unethical practice of athletic recruitment in high school amateur sports. Penalty minimum player ineligible; maximum player ineligible and school forfeits games where ineligible players participated. Scholarships Any incentive offered to any student athlete, monetary or otherwise, that is based on participation or performance in any athletic program is clear violation of the CFA operations policy. This includes, but is not limited to, cash or monetary payments, reduced or free tuition, stipends for travel or performance, or other enticements to enroll in school, participate in school s athletic program, or perform at a certain performance level in an athletic contest. In cases where schools provide some form of tuition assistance, all students should be considered on an equal basis. No preference shall be given to athletes or athletic students. Schools will be asked to apprise the CFA of its policy and adherence to said policy. No parent, alumni, church member, or any party with an interest in a member school may provide any tuition assistance, monetary gifts, or incentives for athletes. The school should monitor who is paying for a student s tuition and fees. School administration is responsible to educate their people regarding the unethical practice of providing athletic scholarships to amateur athletes participating in sanctioned play. Penalty minimum player ineligible and school forfeits any games where ineligible players participate; maximum same as minimum with school potentially being sanctioned. Adopted June 2004
The Case for Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity in High School Athletics Good sportsmanship is viewed by the National Federation of State High School Associations as a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities that are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. The ideals of sportsmanship apply equally to all athletic disciplines. Individuals, regardless of their role in athletics, are expected to be aware of their influence on the behavior of others and model good sportsmanship. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Who Is Responsible? Ten target groups have been identified within the high school communities that are responsible for conducting themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Following are expectations of these groups: Expectations of COACHES, DIRECTORS, AND SPONSORS Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior. Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship and ethics No. 1 priority. Respect judgment of contest officials, abide by rules of the event and display no behavior that could incite fans. Treat opposing coaches, directors, participants and fans with respect. Shake hands with officials, opposing coach in public. Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards. Expectations of STUDENT PARTICIPANTS Treat teammates with respect. Treat opponents with respect: shake hands prior to and after contests. Respect judgment of contest officials, abide by rules of the contest and display no behavior that could incite fans. Cooperate with officials, coaches, directors and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing school and community; display positive public action at all times. Live up to a high standard of sportsmanship established by coach or director.
Expectations of PARENTS, STUDENTS AND OTHER FANS Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school athletics, not a license to verbally assault others or to be generally obnoxious. Respect decisions made by contest officials. Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs. Respect fans, coaches, directors and participants BE A FAN NOT A FANATIC Expectations of SPIRIT GROUPS Stimulate desired crowd response using only positive cheers, signs and praise without antagonizing or demeaning opponents. Treat opposing spirit groups and fans with respect. Recognize outstanding performances on either side of the playing field or court. Know rules and strategies of the contest in order to cheer at proper times. Maintain enthusiasm and composure, serving as a role model. Expectations of MEDIA Promote ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship. Report acts of sportsmanlike behavior without giving undue publicity to unsportsmanlike conduct. Refrain from making negative comments toward participants, coaches, officials or judges. Recognize efforts of all who participate in the contest. Report facts without demonstrating partiality to any team or school. Expectations of CONTEST OFFICIALS Accept role in an unassuming manner. Showboating and over-officiating are not acceptable. Maintain confidence and poise, controlling contest from start to finish. Know rules thoroughly and abide by established Code of Ethics. Publicly shake hands with coaches of both teams before a contest. Never exhibit emotions or argue with participants and coaches when enforcing rules. Expectations of SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS Develop a program for teaching and promoting the ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship within the school, the league, conference and state. Provide appropriate supervisory personnel for each interscholastic event. Support participants, coaches and directors, and fans and spectators who teach and display good sportsmanship. Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches and fans. Attend events whenever possible.
Expectations of STATE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE Provide leadership and information to member schools. Act as a liaison to other educational associations within the state. Use statewide visibility to actively promote good sportsmanship. Interact with leaders of non-school activity programs to enhance good sportsmanship. Acknowledge commendable displays of good sportsmanship. Expectations of BOARDS Adopt policies that promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. Serve as a positive role model and expect the same for parents, fans, participants, coaches, and other school personnel. Support participants, coaches, directors, school administrators and fans who display good sportsmanship. Recognize the value of school athletics as a vital part of education. Attend and enjoy school athletic events. Expectations of PUBLIC-ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS Treat visiting and home teams comparably. Consistently display neutrality during contest. Offer no personal comments or criticism of players, officials or coaches. Suggestions for TICKET WINDOW-ADMISSION GATE DISPLAY In the game or in the stands, BE A GOOD SPORT. At today s contest, BE A FAN, NOT A FANATIC. Be a good audience member. ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR Applause during introduction of players, coaches and officials. Players shaking hands with opponent who fouls out while both sets of fans recognize player s performance with applause. Accept all decisions of officials. Cheerleaders lead fans in positive school yells in positive manner. Handshakes between participants and coaches at end of contest, regardless of outcome. Treat competition as a game, not a war. Coaches, players search out opposing participants to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching. Applause at end of contest for performances of all participants. Everyone showing concern for injured player, regardless of team. Encourage surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
During the National Anthem, students, participants and fans should remove any hats, face the flag, not talk, place right hand on the heart, and remain still until the end of the anthem. During the National Anthem, when singing, follow the music and lyrics precisely. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR Yelling or waving arms during opponent s free throw attempt. Disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs or gestures. Booing or heckling an official s decision. Criticizing officials in any way; displays of temper with an official s call. Yells that antagonize opponents. Refusing to shake hands or give recognition for good performances. Blaming losses on contest officials, coaches or participants. Laughing or name-calling to distract opponent. Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game or activity. Doing own yells instead of following lead of cheerleaders. WAYS TO PROMOTE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP Develop code of conduct and enforce it. Develop sportsmanship awards program and honor those individuals who exhibit outstanding sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. Hold preseason meeting and assemblies before contest to encourage students to exhibit proper conduct. Work with local radio and television stations to air public-service announcements on sportsmanship. Display message on good sportsmanship throughout school hallways and in gymnasium or on playing field. Have coaches, players and administrators speak to local clubs and organizations to stress need for good sportsmanship in the community. Conduct clinics for parents and others to discuss playing and contest rules, ethics and good sportsmanship. Formulate a committee to work toward improvement of conduct at contest.