WEST ESSEX FOOTBALL LEAGUE

2006 BOARD MEMBERS

TOWN REPRESENTATIVE HOME# OFFICE#

Fairfield Rich Trovato 973-227-6518H 201-741-9771C

16 Caryn Place
Fairfield, NJ 07004 actionrich@aol.com

**Brian Mc Nany (Rec.Dept) 908-273-5314 973-882-2745 W

Cedar Grove Gene Basile 618-9527

216 Mountain Ave. Apt. 3 201-247-9386 cell
N. Caldwell, NJ 07006 genebasile@optonline.net

East Hanover John Beck 973-386-1434 973-216-0406 C

31 Beechwood Lane jbeck@abf.com
East Hanover, NJ 07936 thebeckfamily@optonline.net

W. E. Cowboys Mike Ruane 973-364-8422 973-390-8546 C

8 Maple Lane.
Essex Fells, NJ 07021 mdruane@aol.com

Livingston Mike Duffy 716-9304 800-257-4772 OFF.

204 Walnut St.. 201-404-8294 C 877-261-2691 Fax.
Livingston, NJ 07039 mduffy@hpsc.com

Caldwell Frank Rodgers fnmtd@comcast.net

20 Erwin Place 973-228-6346
Caldwell NJ 07006

Verona Michael Passero 857-1390 fax: 857-2135

9 Woodland Ave. cell: 809-5430
Verona, NJ 07044 mcpas3@yahoo.com

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Garfield Scott Dunning 973-458-9743H 973-332-3353C
27 Hobart Place
Garfield, NJ 07026 sdunn39@optonline.net

Florham Park Robert Ardolino 973-593-0160

49 Townsend Drive
Florham Park,NJ 07932 ardofive@aol.com

Nutley Lou Fusaro 973-661-3288

9 Colonial Terrace cell 973-985-8553
Nutley, NJ 07110 lsfappraisals@verizon. com

Commissioner Frank LaVarco 973-439-1747 973-979-2359C

324 Horseneck Road
Fairfield, NJ 07004 frank.lavarco@roche.com

President Jeff Lawshe 403-9673 808-0009 x 2120 W

40 Crane St. fax: 808-9740
Caldwell, NJ 07006 jlawshe@corpcomm.com

Referees Mike Whritenour cell 973-945-6100

Steve Peloso 973-541-8990

Cell 908-642-7377
Steve.Peloso@degussa.com

Charlie Zolauf 973-628-0071

Cell 973-632-0844
czolauf@verizon.net

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 WEST ESSEX

JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

OFFICIAL RULES

(Revised 9/06)

Rule 1. Player Eligibility

(No one above the eighth grade is eligible, regardless of other factors)
A. July 31st will be the cut-off date for determining the level of participation
only.(Rev.2/05)
B. Ineligible Player Rule.
Any team playing an ineligible player in any game of the league will:
1. Forfeit game and any other games player participated.
2. Organization faces fine on 1st offense & removal from league on 2nd offense.
C. Any 5th or 7th grade player whose birthday falls between August 1st and December
1st of that year has the choice of level he participates at. Once the player opts for
the upper level he must remain with his grade throughout his tenure in the league.
This allows a 5th or 7th grader to move to the next level with his peer
group.(Rev.2/05)
D. All players who participate in the league must present a copy of birth certificate
to the league.(Rev.2/05)
Rule 1.1
At the official weigh-in, league rosters for all levels (A, B,C) must include the
game jersey number in the picture. Orange sticker and re-weigh sticker should
appear on page in weigh book. The jersey number will remain with the player as
a league identifier for the season. In the event a player changes his number,
notification to the league must be in writing and the player must appear at a
weekly weigh-in prior to his next scheduled game. Failure to do so makes the
participant an ineligible player and Rule 1B will apply.(Rev.2/05)

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Rule 1.2
Under no circumstances can an individual be 15 years old prior to July
31.(Rev.2/05)

The revisions to {Rule 1.2} will be: (Rev 3/16)

In order to be eligible to play the player must first meet the required weight at each
level:
Example: A Level 155lbs. {EVEN}
B Level 130lbs. {EVEN}
C Level 105lbs. {EVEN}

In order to be eligible to play any position the player must first meet the required
weight at each level:
Example: A Level 135lbs. {EVEN}
B Level 118lbs. {EVEN}
C Level 95lbs. {EVEN}
Once a player has met the required weights there will be a
{1 lb. allowance for every three games}

Example: A Level Week 1 135lbs. {EVEN}

Week 4 136lbs. {EVEN}
Week 7 137lbs. {EVEN}
Playoffs 138lbs. {EVEN}

“A” Team
A. Age: 12, 13, and 14 year olds.
Weight: 155-lb. limit for players. (J.V. also)
All players 135 lbs. and under can play any position.
Offense – Players over 135 lbs. (136 lbs. – 155 lbs.) must play tackle to tackle
only, and cannot advance the ball with exception of bad snap in punt
formation.
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 Defense – Players over 135 lbs. must play tackle to tackle only, and can only
advance the ball on fumble, interception and onside kick.
The defensive tackle can line up no further than the outside shoulder of the
offensive tackle (Rule 9E).
B. All players must be weighed in each week if weighed over 128 lbs. on initial
weigh in. Mid-season weigh-in if 120lbs. or more on initial weigh-
in.(Rev.2/05)
Note: Players whose initial weigh-in weight is under 120 lbs., do not need to
weigh-in for rest of regular season.Everyone weighs-in for the
playoffs.(Rev.2/05)
C. List of Marked players must be submitted to opposing team director prior
to first game that day. Orange decals must be visible & worn by any player
over 135 lbs. Decals supplied by league.(Rev.2/05)
“B” Team
A. Age: 10 and 11 year olds as of July 31st (Rev.2/05)
Weight: 130-lb. limit for players. (J.V. also)
B. All players must be weighed in each week, if weighed over 111 lbs. on initial
weight in.
Note:Players whose initial weigh-in weight is under 105 lbs., do not need to
weigh-in each week during the season. Mid-season weigh-in if 105 lbs. or
more on initial weigh-in. Everyone must weigh-in for playoffs.(Rev.2/05)
C. List of marked players must be submitted to opposing team director prior to
start of 1st game that day. Orange decals must be visible and worn by all players
over 118 lbs. Decals will be supplied by the league.(Rev.2/05)
Offense – Players over 118 lbs. (119 lbs. – 130 lbs.) must play tackle to tackle
only, and cannot advance the ball with exception of bad snap in punt formation.
Defense – Players over 118 lbs. must play tackle to tackle only, and can only
advance the ball on fumble interception and onside kick.
The defensive tackle can line up no further than the outside shoulder of the
offensive tackle (Rule 9E).
“C” Team
A. Age: 7, 8 and 9 year olds as of July 31st.(Rev.2/05)
Weight: 105-lb. limit for players. (J.V. also)
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 B. Players must be weighed in each week, if weighed over 88 lbs. on initial
weigh in.(Rev.2/05)
C. List of marked players must be submitted to opposing team director prior to
start of 1st game that day. Orange decals must be visible and worn by all
players over 95 lbs. Decals supplied by the league.(rev.2/05)
Note: Players whose initial weigh-in weight is under 80 lbs., do not need to
weigh-in each week during the season. Mid-season weigh-in if more than 80
lbs. on initial weigh-in. Everyone must weigh-in for playoffs.(Rev.2/05)

Offense – Players over 95 lbs. (96 lbs. – 105 lbs.) must play tackle to tackle
only, and cannot advance the ball with exception of bad snap in punt
formation.
Defense – Players over 95 lbs. must play tackle to tackle only, and can
advance the ball on fumble interception and onside kick.
The defensive tackle can line up no further than the outside shoulder of the
offensive tackle (Rule 9E).
NOTE: If a player is weighed on Saturday/ Sunday and game is cancelled and
rescheduled for during that week, the players weight on Saturday/ Sunday will
be that players official weight for that week.
Rule 2. Residency Rule
The participant must reside in the recruiting area of the team. The boundaries
of an association’s recruiting area shall be considered that locale in which it is
established serving the youth in its jurisdiction.(Rev.2/05)
Rule 2.1 Registration
Each organization will conduct a player registration through their own
organization or Recreation Department prior to the league registration and
official weigh in date as set up by the league.
A. Required registration/roster information for each player will be: Name,
Address, Telephone Number, date of Birth, Weight, School, Grade &
positions.
B. All players on A, B, and C Teams must be present at the official weigh in at
the time and place designated by the league in order to be eligible for the first
game.
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 C. Any player who cannot attend the official weigh in must have that
organization contact the league officials for approval. However, under no
circumstances will such a player be eligible to play, unless the league officials
weigh him in.
Note: Any player to be added, not in accordance with the above rules,
must be approved by the league commissioner, who must give notice to all
other team official representatives prior to the next game.
Rule 3. Coaches
A. Each team will be required to have at least two (2) coaches who will devote
full time to the particular division (A, B, or C Team) they coach.
B. All team Coaches will be permitted to walk the full side line during their
game.
C. One (1) A, B, or C Team coach will be permitted on the playing field during
official time outs. More than 1 coach equals unsportsman like conduct
penalty.
D. On all levels, quarterbacks will be allowed to come to the sideline at any time.
E. C Team Only: One (1) coach is allowed in the offensive huddle to call a play
and then must move 10 years towards his sideline once the team breaks the
huddle.

Rule 4. Practice
A. Practice will commence thirty (30) days prior to the first game.
B. No more than five (5) practices (which include team meetings) may be
conducted per week prior to the first game.
C. No more than four (4) practices (which include team meetings) may be
conducted after the first game for all levels per week. This also includes
teams that have a bye week. Penalty for violation of this rule is a forfeit of the
team’s next scheduled game and suspension of their coach.
Rule 5. Equipment
A. Each player will be required to wear a complete set of approved Youth
League Equipment, i.e., Football Helmet (NOCSAE APPROVED) with face
guard, Shoulder Pads (NOCSAE APPROVED), Football Pants with Thigh
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 Guards, and Mouth Guards.
B. Shoes: No shoes with detachable cleats are permitted. Sneakers and / or
shoes with rubber cleats (soccer type) are satisfactory.
C. Only Wilson Footballs listed: Absolutely no substitutions (Rev.2/05)
“A” Level – TDY or GST youth.(leather/composite)
“B” Level-TDJ or GST Junior. (leather/composite)
“C” Level-K2 or GST Peewee. (leather/composite)
Rule 6. Field Requirements
A. The field measurement shall be 53 x 100 plus 10 yard end zones.
B. The field should be marked in 10 yard increments.
C. First Downs: “A & B” Level will be 10 yards
“C” Level will be 8 yards
** D. Penalties: “A & B” Level—Minor (5 yards)
Major (10 yards)
“C” Level-- Minor (4 yards)
Major (8 yards)
Major Personal foul: A & B Level 15 yards
Rule 9E/9J C Level 12 yards
E. Chains and yard markers on home side of field.(Rev.2/05)
Rule 7. Clock
A. Time of Game:
“C” Level- 10 minute quarters with time outs and Stop & Go clock.
“B” Level- 10 minute quarters with time outs and Stop & Go clock.
“A” Level- 10 minute quarters with time outs and Stop & Go clock
B. Three (3) time outs per half of 90 seconds each.
C.
Rule 8. Scoring
A. Touchdown 6 Points
Safety 2 Points
P.A.T. 1 Point (run or pass) From 2 ½ yd. Line
P.A.T. 2 Points (run or pass) From 5 yd. Line (B&C level only)
P.A.T 2 Points for a kick (A/B Levels only)
Field Goal 3 Points
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Rule 9. Defense
A. “C” and “B” Level Defensive Teams will use five or six men on the Line of
Scrimmage only, except within ten (10) yards of the goal line.
B. “C” and “B” Teams outside of the ten (10) yard lines the other five or six men
must be at least one yard behind the men on the line of scrimmage at the snap
of the ball.
C. “C” and “B” Teams cannot have linebackers jump in and out of the line during
the count and start of play.
D. At all levels, there will be no talking or other noise to try to draw opponents
offside during the count. Penalty is illegal procedure 5 yards.
E. “A” Team defense will be governed by current high school rules, except all
players designated not eligible to advance the ball (marked helmets) must play
as down linemen tackle to tackle.
F. Any team in the judgment of the officials, try to defeat the spirit of Rule 9E
will be given a 15 yard penalty on first infraction an automatic expulsion of
player on next infraction.
G. “B” and “C” level defensive teams may only have five or six men on the
line of scrimmage, all of who must be in a 3 or 4 point stance except the
defensive ends when the snap of the ball is imminent.
H. Linebackers or other men not in a set position in the defensive line zone
may not intrude into the defensive line zone at any time from ready to play
at snap of the ball.
I. Penalty for infraction of any of the above is a major personal foul and will
be assessed a 15 yard penalty.
J. The exception to this rule is the ten (10) yard line when any defensive
alignment is allowed.
K. In the event violations are considered flagrant and continual. The game
may be forfeited at the discretion of the officials.
L. Any players other than the five or six men at the line of scrimmage can not
intrude any part of their body into the zone occupied by the defensive
linemen.

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Rule 10. Officials
a. Three paid, accredited officials will be assigned to “A & B” Level
games. ($50.00 per varsity game) ($45.00 per J.V. or $45.00
single)
b. Abuse of officials by coaches, players and spectators will not be
tolerated, and each team is responsible for actions of its members.
Teams will be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct or suspended
from league play for failure to adhere to this principle.
Rule 11.Exceptions to New Jersey Interscholastic Rules of Play shall be as follows:
A. Our Rule 9. (“B & C” Levels only)
B. Punting at the “C” Level
a. The line of scrimmage (LOS) will be frozen for all players when “A”
(Offensive Team) lines up for a punt. “A” must declare its intention to
punt and cannot fake the kick. Should either team “A” or “B”
(Defensive Team) players cross the LOS, play will immediately be
stopped for a re-kick. If “A” attempts a fake, possession will turn over
to”B” at the original LOS. Once the ball has been kicked, live play
begins.

Rule 12 .Insurance
A. All participant organizations must have group insurance and submit a copy of
certificate to the league with your league fees every January. (REV.3/6/05)
Rule 13. League Standings to be determined as follows:
A. Two (2) points for a win
B. One (1) point for a tie.
C. No points for a loss.
Rule 14. League Conduct (Rev.3/6/05)
1. Any team in the opinion of a league representative accused of attempting to
or purposely running up a score will be brought up to league commissioner for
disciplinary action in writing within 24 hours. Action could be determined by
official league vote and may be as follows:
a. Fine of $300.00 and suspension of head coach for ONE game.

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 1.2nd offense-Fine of $300.00 and suspension of head coach for
THREE games.
2.3rd offense-Fine of $300.00 and removal of coach.
b. Forfeit of game.
c. Forfeit of all rights to championship game.
2. In an attempt to maintain competitiveness and fair play based on Rule 14, any
team that obtains a twenty-one (21) lead must adhere to the following: A. A.
A .Team up by 21 pts. must use 2nd team offense against opponents 2nd team
defense. (when team numbers warrant)
B. Team up by 21 pts. can use 1st team defense against opponents 1st team
offense. (when team numbers warrant)
However, in the event that the team that is losing purposely changes tactics to
cause disruption and an unsafe playing situation, the team leading would
make every attempt to identify the problem and act accordingly to protect all
participants.

Rule 15 Starting times for all league games.

A. Sunday games (order doesn’t have to be C,B,A)
“C” Level—12:30 PM
“B” Level—5 minutes following completion of the “C” game.
“A” Level—5 minutes following completion of the “B” game.
B. Saturday Games (order doesn’t have to be C,B,A)
“C” Level –5:00PM
“B” Level—5 minutes following completion of the “C” game.
“A” Level—5 minutes following completion of the “B” game.
C. Any team not able to start game at designated time will be allowed 15 minutes
only to put full team on field. Failure to adhere to this rule is an automatic forfeit.

Rule 16. Game Postponements Due to Weather (Rev.3/6/05)

A. All games postponed due to inclement weather must be played (on all levels
A, B or C ) by Weds. prior to the next official league game, whether or not
teams involved have a bye or not: weather permitting.

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 B. Final discretion as to whether game is postponed or not will be left to the
home team representatives. This decision must be made by 11:00 AM for
Sunday games and 3:30 PM for Saturday night games.
C. If game or games are postponed by home team representatives, it will be the
responsibility of the home team representative to notify the head official by
11:00AM for Sunday games and 3:30 PM for Saturday night games.
D. Any game postponed and being played during the following week (by Weds.)
must have at least one card carrying official at the game.
E. In the event of the entire league schedule being canceled for any reason, the
league officials will adjust schedule accordingly.
F. If a game is cancelled in 1st quarter – Game restarted from beginning.
“ “ in 2nd or 3rd qtr. – resume play at point of stoppage.
“ “ in 4th quarter – If score margin is 21pts or more game over.

Rule 17. Coaches Responsibility and Conduct

A. Adult team personnel will:
1. Refrain from using profanity and riding officials.
2. Together with team officials and team representatives, be
jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team
players, fans and spectators. Any fan or spectator who
becomes a nuisance and out of control must be asked to
leave.
3. Accept decisions of officials on the field as being fair and
called to the best ability of the official. The coach must stay
off the field and remain under control to set a good example
for players and fans. A decision based on judgment shall
never be questioned. All coaches must remain off the field
during the game unless calling a play or instructing a player.
If arguing with an official and/or on the field coach to receive
a warning. If occurs again a penalty can & will be imposed.
4. The coach is responsible for the conduct and control of the
team and the players.

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 5. Not to criticize the opposing team, its players, coaches, fans
or game officials by word of mouth or gestures.
6. Refrain from smoking on the field.
7. Refrain from “running-up” a score against a weak
opponent.(see rule 14).
8. Not use sidelines walkie talkies, telephones or other
electronic equipment or spotters. No filming other teams
games.
9. Not attend any practice sessions of any league opponent.
10. Not permit “sweating down” tactics so that a player will
make a team weight. “Sweating down” shall include, but not
limit to the following
a. Use of steam rooms or cabinets
b. Use of weight reducing drugs
c. Use of diuretics (water pills)

B. League and game officials will enforce the following:

1. Profanity on the field
Players and/or team personnel using profanity on the field
will be subject to a major misconduct penalty and/or removal
from the game. (Activity may be subject to league
disciplinary action)
2. Demonstrations/Celebrations.
Players and/or team personnel displaying activity such as:
intimidation tactics or celebrations not in accordance with good
sportsmanship will be subject to a major penalty and/or dismissal
from the game. (Activity may be subject to league disciplinary
action)
3. Fighting
Players and/or team personnel involved in fighting are subject to
immediate dismissal from the game and should be requested to
leave the facility to avoid any further problems. (Activity may be
subject to league disciplinary action
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PLAYOFF GUIDELINES {Subject to Change for the 2006 Season}
I. Playoff Tiebreaker at end of regular season.(Based on 9 team
league)Rev.3/6/05
A. Tie 4&5 spot-mid-week game (Tues.or Wed.) Doesn’t matter split or not.
B. Head to Head for spots 1,2 and 3
C. Ties with 1&2 and split - coin flip
3&4 and split - coin flip
Tiebreaker for playoffs (Based on 8 Team league) Rev.3/6/0
A. Head to Head
B. Coin flip
II. Overtime—A & B level—25 yard line C level—20 yard line
III. Chain gangs — Mandatory on home side (Rev.3/6/05)
IV. Playoff starting times:
No lights Field with lights
11:00 am 12:00pm
12:30pm 1:30pm
2:30pm 3:30pm
V. Playoff Sites
A. Regular Season Team Points—overall winner has option to take Super Bowl.
B. As long as one of the other teams, seed 2&3, is available with lights.
C. Other sites determined by league vote.

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