NEW ENGLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE
99 NORTH END BLVD.
SALISBURY, MA 01952
Phone & Fax: (978) 465-3046
Email: info@newenglandfootballleague.com
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Amended June 6, 2021N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
INDEX
INDEX
Article I - Introduction............................................................................... Page 1
Article II - Age Requirement....................................................................... Page 1
Article III - Waiver and Release Form Agreements........................................Page 1
Article IV - Games..................................................................................... Page 2
Article V - League Status........................................................................... Page 2 -3
Article VI - Rosters.................................................................................... Page 3 - 5
Article VII - Uniformed Players................................................................... Page 6
Article VIII - Dress Code............................................................................ Page 6
Article IX - Regular Season........................................................................ Page 7
Article X - Playoffs.................................................................................... Page 7 - 9
Article XI - Suspensions Issued by Game Officials...................................... Page 9 - 10
Article XII - League Fees........................................................................... Page 10 - 11
Article XIII - Game Schedules.................................................................... Page 11
Article XIV - League Meetings................................................................... Page 11 - 12
Article XV - Adding Amendments to Rules, Regulations and Bylaws… (see next page for list of amendments)
Page 12 - 24N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
AMENDMENTS INDEX
AMENDMENTS
Amendment Page
1. Tampering Rule 12
2. Non-Contract Players 13
3. Player from other leagues 4. Unsportsmanlike Conduct 14
5. North Atlantic (AA) Conference, 13-14
14
Maritime (A) Conference
6. First Year Teams 14
7. Change of Team Name and/or Location 14
8. Field Policies and Procedures 15
9. Overtime in Regular Season 15
10. Rescheduling or Canceling Games 15
11. Contract Player Compensation 16
12. Taxi Squads 16
12a. Game Footballs 16
13. Rain Dates 16
14. Inclement Weather Games 17
15. Player/Coach Contracts 17-18
16. Ineligible Players 18
17. Placement of Teams 18-19
18. Protested Games 19
20. Incomplete Games 19
21. Certified EMT 20
22. Friday Night Games 20
23. Consent Form 21
24. Cell Phones 21
25. Authorized Field / Sideline Passes 21
26. Team Mergers and Acquisitions 21
27. Neutral Field Policies and Procedures 21-22
28. Goal Posts 22
29. Game Film 22
30. Player/Coach Releases 22-23
31. Team Leave of Absence 23
32. Press Boxes 23
33. Team Practices and Meetings 24
34. Bench Clearing Brawls 24
35. Conflict of Interest 24
36. Propaganda Rule 24
37. Sponsor or Affiliates Paying Players 25N.E.F.L RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 1
N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE I – INTRODUCTION
The New England Football League, hereby known as the N.E.F.L., established 1994, is to be a full contact
amateur football league. All N.E.F.L. games will be played according to N.C.A.A. rules with certain modified
rules to further protect players and enhance play. A complete listing and description of the additional modified
rules will be given to each team before the start of each season.
ARTICLE II – AGE REQUIREMENT
Any person that chooses to participate as a player in the N.E.F.L. must be at least 18 years of age by the first
official league game of that season.
ARTICLE III – WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM AGREEMENTS
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. All players and coaches in the N.E.F.L. will be required to sign a waiver releasing and holding
harmless the N.E.F.L., its officers, coaches and directors, as well as the governing body or bodies
of the playing field or fields that any N.E.F.L. game will be played on.
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must submit a photocopy of each players signed original
waiver and release form to the league office by the first regular season game.
Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. that signs a new player(s) to its teams roster after the first
regular season game must submit a photocopy of the player(s) signed original waiver and release
form to the league office before said player(s) will be allowed to participate in any N.E.F.L.
game.
All players in the N.E.F.L. in their first year with a team will be required to sign a two year
agreement with said team.
All players in the N.E.F.L. in any consecutive year with a team will be required to sign a one
year agreement with said team.
All coaches coaching a team in the N.E.F.L. will be required to sign a one year agreement with
said team.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 2
ARTICLE IV – GAMES
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. Section 7. All N.E.F.L. games will be played in the presence of a certified E.M.T. and athletic trainer.
All N.E.F.L. games will consist of five game officials, one statistician, a chain crew and any
others needed to operate all game equipment. The minimum age of game equipment operators
will be at the discretion of the game officials.
All N.E.F.L. games will consist of four fifteen minute quarters with a ten minute intermission or
halftime between the second and third quarters. Official time will be kept on the field by the
game officials who will start and stop time as necessary. At the conclusion of thirteen minutes of
play in the second and fourth quarters of every N.E.F.L. game, the game officials will stop time
and give each team the official time on the field remaining or a two minute warning.
No team in the N.E.F.L. will be allowed to hold a practice, scrimmage, exhibition, pre-season,
regular season, or post season game with any other team from any other league without the
consent of the officers of the N.E.F.L. No games will be authorized by the N.E.F.L. Board of
Directors to be played on All-Star/Hall of Fame Alumni Weekend, with the exception of a
Harvest Bowl regional or national tournament game.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. being found guilty of holding a practice, scrimmage, exhibition, pre-
season, regular season, or post season game with any other team from any other league without
the consent of the officers of the N.E.F.L. will be fined in an amount to be determined by the
officers of the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the league for that season and the
budget of the league for that season.
The league has the right to film, record, broadcast and exploit all preseason, regular season and
post season games and exhibitions played by N.E.F.L. teams.
All N.E.F.L. games must be played at a location with either a rest room or portable toilet on site.
ARTICLE V – LEAGUE STATUS
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. All players in the N.E.F.L. acknowledge and agree to the fact that it is an amateur football league
and that they may receive no financial compensation for their participation as players.
Any player being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of accepting financial
compensation for his participating as a player will automatically be suspended from the N.E.F.L.
for one full year from the date the officers of the N.E.F.L. issue the suspension to said player.
Any player petitioning to be reinstated in the N.E.F.L. after serving the full term of his
suspension for being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of accepting financial
compensation for his participation as a player must request a meeting with the league officers,
whereas a vote by the league officers will take place as to determine if and on what date said
player will be reinstated into the N.E.F.L.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 3
ARTICLE V – LEAGUE STATUS (continued)
Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. All team sponsors, owners and coaches acknowledge and agree to the fact that the N.E.F.L. is an
amateur football league and that any team that plays in the N.E.F.L. is considered an amateur
football team. It is further acknowledged and agreed to that no financial compensation be paid
by any team to any player for his participation as a player in the N.E.F.L.
Any team, sponsor, owner or coach being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of paying
financial compensation to any player for his participation as a player in the N.E.F.L. will
automatically be suspended from the league. Said sponsor, owner or coach will not be allowed
to act in the capacity for one full year from the date the officers of the N.E.F.L. issue the
suspension, nor will their previous fees be refunded.
Any team, sponsor, owner or coach petitioning to be reinstated in the N.E.F.L. after serving the
full term of the suspension for being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of paying
financial compensation to a player or players must request a meeting with the league officers,
whereas a vote by the league officers will take place as to determine if and on what date said
sponsor, owner or coach will be reinstated into the N.E.F.L.
ARTICLE VI – ROSTERS
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must have no more than sixty-five active players (AAA), fifty-
five active players (AA), thirty-five active players (A), and no fewer than twenty-five active
players at one time on their rosters.
Subsection A. For the 2023 Season, the maximum roster size in each conference will be increased ten, allowing for up to 65 active players in AA, and up to 45 active players in A.
by
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. can add players to their rosters up to the fourth regular season
game but not later than the fifth week of the season (A), the fifth regular season game but not
later than the sixth week of the season (AA and AAA), providing the number of players on the
active roster does not exceed the number stated in Article VI, Section 1, and players added to
said rosters are not taken from other teams playing in the N.E.F.L.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. found guilty by the league officers of taking a player or players from
another team in the N.E.F.L. will not be allowed to use said player or players on its team roster
for that season. If said player or players intend to continue to play in the N.E.F.L., said player or
players must return to original team for the duration of that season.
If a team or teams in the N.E.F.L. wish to acquire or trade for a player or players, they must
receive approval from the officers of the N.E.F.L. and the player or players involved in the
transaction. No trades or acquisitions will be allowed after the fourth regular season game (A),
the fifth regular season game (AA and AAA).
Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. that cannot keep a minimum of twenty-five (A), thirty (AA)
and (AAA) active players on its roster during any part of the regular season will be required to
hold a meeting with the officers of the N.E.F.L. at which time a decision will be made by the
league officers to determine if said team can continue league play or to determine if said teamN.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 4
ARTICLE VI – ROSTERS (continued)
Section 6. Section 7. Section 8. Section 9. Section 10. Section 11. Section 12. will be allowed to add only the number of players needed to achieve the minimum roster total of
twenty-five (A), thirty (AA) and (AAA) and complete the season. Players may only be added in
this manner on one occasion during the regular season for each team. If any team needs to add
players (with League approval) on more than one occasion after rosters are Final, they may be
permitted to do so in order to complete the regular season, but will become ineligible for
playoffs.
Teams may not add players to their roster after the regular season for playoff games, even in
cases as described in Section 5, where a team falls below the roster minimum. In all
circumstances, teams may only use players in the post-season playoffs that are legally on their
Final roster at 5pm on the day prior to the final regular season game.
Any player or players that have been allowed by the officers of the N.E.F.L. to be added to a
team’s roster to achieve the minimum roster requirement for the regular season or the playoffs
must have a photo I.D. the day of the first game that they are being allowed to participate in, or
they will be deemed ineligible and said team will be required to hold a meeting with the officers
of the N.E.F.L. to determine if said team will be issued a forfeit.
Any team participating in the N.E.F.L. playoffs that has been allowed by the officers of the
N.E.F.L. to add a player or players to its roster for the playoffs must obtain the said player or
players exclusively from non playoff teams in the N.E.F.L.
Any team participating in the N.E.F.L. playoffs that has been allowed by the officers of the
N.E.F.L. to add a player or players to its roster for the playoffs and is unable to obtain the said
player or players from non playoff teams in the N.E.F.L. will be required to hold a meeting with
the league officers at which time a decision will be made by the league officers to determine if
said team will be allowed to obtain players from outside the N.E.F.L.
Any team participating in the N.E.F.L. playoffs that has been allowed by the officers of the
N.E.F.L. to obtain a player or players from outside the N.E.F.L. for the playoffs may not obtain
the said player or players currently participating in any other semi-pro or minor league, nor shall
any N.E.F.L. team being allowed by the officers of the N.E.F.L. to add to its roster during the
regular season, obtain such a said player or players from such a said league.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. found guilty by the league officers of obtaining what is known as a
current semi-pro or minor league player or players from another semi-pro or minor league on its
roster will not be allowed to use said player or players on its roster for any part of that season;
further any team being found guilty by league officers of using said player or players in any
N.E.F.L. game or games will be automatically issued a forfeit by the league officers for each
game said player or players participated in after the team was notified of the issue. The player(s)
will be suspended from the NEFL for one calendar year from the date of the latest known
violation.
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must submit a temporary or preliminary roster to the officers of
the N.E.F.L. by the first regular season game.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 5
ARTICLE VI – ROSTERS (continued)
Section 13. Section 14. Section 15. Section 16. Section 17. Section 18. Section 19. Section 20. Section 21. Section 22. Section 23. Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. that is making any change to its preliminary roster after the
first pre-season game must submit an updated roster to the officers of the N.E.F.L. any time a
change in said roster is made. This must be done prior to said teams next league game.
Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. that does not submit an updated preliminary roster to the
officers of the N.E.F.L. prior to said teams next regular season game will not be allowed to use
any new player or players added to said team.
Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of using a
player or players not on its preliminary roster will be required to hold a meeting with league
officers at which time a decision will be made by the officers to determine if said team will be
issued a forfeit for the number of games said player or players participated.
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must submit a final roster with an ID photocopy of each player
to the officers of the N.E.F.L. by the fourth regular season game (A), the fifth regular season
game (AA and AAA).
Any team in the N.E.F.L. found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of using a player or players
not on said teams final roster will be automatically issued a forfeit by the league officers for each
game said player or players participated in.
Any player(s) in the N.E.F.L. that receives a release from one N.E.F.L. team to play for another
N.E.F.L. team before the final roster deadline, in accordance with Article VI, Section 2, cannot
return to the team he was originally released from for the remainder of that season.
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must have a current preliminary roster in accordance Article
VI, Section 11, or final roster in accordance with Article VI, Section 15, readily available at each
regular season or playoff game.
Any official member of a team’s board of directors listed with the league office (head coach,
general manager, or team representative only) may request to view the opposing team’s roster
before the start of each game, at the half of each game, or at the conclusion of each game only.
The opposing team must comply with this request.
Failure by any team in the N.E.F.L. to comply with this request for any reason, as previously
stated in Section 19, will be fined in an amount to be determined by the officers of the N.E.F.L.
based on the number of teams in the league for that season and the budget for the league for that
season.
No team may sign more than 3 players who were under contract at any time of that current year
for the same NEFL team.
A previously competitive team that petitions the league to play at a lower level than planned by
the league due to some number of lost players must submit a list of the players that they claim
are not returning. At any point in time during the season, no more than 25% of the specifiedN.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 6
ARTICLE VII – UNIFORMED PLAYERS
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. players may appear on the team’s active roster. Specified players in excess of the 25% may be
treated as ineligible players.
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must have no fewer than twenty-two active players in uniform
at the start of each league game.
Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. that cannot dress, in uniform, a minimum of twenty-two active
players at the start of each game may be issued a forfeit. This will be at the discretion of the
game officials.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. having been issued a forfeit during the season due to not having the
minimum of twenty-two active players in uniform will be required to hold a meeting with the
officers of the N.E.F.L. at which time a decision will be made by the league officers to determine
if said team can continue league play and complete the season.
Any player in full uniform on sideline will be considered an active participate even if he did not
play in the game.
If a player(s) game jersey number changes after final rosters are submitted to the league office,
the league office must be notified whenever possible and/or practical before said player(s)
participate in game. If said player(s) game jersey number is changing the day of a game, the
opposing team must be notified whenever possible and/or practical by a game official.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that does not notify the league office and/or the opposing team,
whenever possible and/or practical, when a player(s) game jersey number changes after final
rosters are submitted to the league office may be fined in an amount to be determined by the
officers of the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the league for that season and the
budget of the league for that season.
ARTICLE VIII – DRESS CODE
Section 1. Section 2. Any team playing in the N.E.F.L. must have all players on said team in a uniform consisting of
matching helmets and facemasks, jerseys, pants and socks, with the numbers on the jerseys being
visible on the front, back and either the shoulders or sleeves of the jersey. All team names or
logos must go on the player’s helmets.
Any player participating in a N.E.F.L. game not wearing a matching uniform to that of the team
he is representing will be given a warning by a game official and said player will have until said
teams next scheduled league game to obtain correct uniform. If said player does not have
corrected uniform by his teams next scheduled league game, he will not be allowed to participate
until the proper uniform is obtained and a decision is made by a game official.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 7
ARTICLE IX – REGULAR SEASON
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. The N.E.F.L. regular season will be at least eight but no more than ten weeks long with each
team playing one game a week, unless there is an odd number of teams in the league that season,
then each team will receive one bye week.
Any N.E.F.L. regular season game that is unable to be played due to inclement weather, field
conditions or any other unforeseen circumstance, will be made up immediately following the end
of the N.E.F.L. regular season or at a date and time set by the officers of the N.E.F.L. and the
game officials.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that is issued a forfeit for any scheduled regular season, make-up or
playoff game by the officers of the N.E.F.L. or the game officials will be fined in an amount to
be determined by the officers of the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the league for that
season and the budget of the league for that season. Said team will no longer be eligible to
compete in the N.E.F.L. playoff tournament and will be required to hold a meeting with the
officers of the N.E.F.L., at which time a decision will be made by the league officers to
determine if said team will be allowed to continue to participate in the N.E.F.L. and/or any other
disciplinary action will be taken against said team and/or its head coach, general manager and
team representative by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors.
ARTICLE X – PLAYOFFS
Section 1. The N.E.F.L. playoffs will be a single elimination tournament for each of the league’s
conferences. Conference games only are used to determine playoff seedings. The number of
teams eligible for the playoff tournaments, and the format of each tournament, will be
determined by the league’s Board of Directors prior to the start of the season. Teams will be
seeded in the playoff tournament based on their regular season record within their conference.
The higher seeded team in each playoff game will be awarded home field. For the conference
championship games, if both finalists have the same seed number, the team with the better
regular season record will be awarded home field. Should finalists have both the same seed
number and regular season record, the wild-card tie breaker will be used to determine home field
priority.
If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with identical
won-lost-tied percentages, the following steps will be used to determine seeding for said teams.
Two Clubs
1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division if there is divisional
play for that season.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Strength of victory.
5. Average points per game allowed versus playoff teams in the conference.
6. Coin toss.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 8
ARTICLE X – PLAYOFFS (continued)
Three or More Clubs
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated during any step, tie
breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format).
1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division if there is divisional
play for that season.
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4. Strength of victory.
5. Average points per game allowed versus playoff teams in the conference.
6. Coin toss.
TO BREAK A TIE FOR A WILD-CARD TEAM
If it is necessary to break ties to determine the Wild-Card clubs from the same division, apply the
divisional tie breaker. If the tied clubs are from different divisions apply the following steps:
Two Clubs
1. Head-to-head, if applicable.
2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
3. Strength of victory.
4. Average points per game allowed versus playoff teams in the conference.
5. Coin toss.
Three or More Clubs
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated, tie breaker reverts to
step 1 of applicable two-club format.)
1. Apply division tie breaker to eliminate all but the highest ranked club in each division
prior to proceeding to step 2 if there is divisional play for that season. The original
seeding within a division upon application of the division tie breaker remains the same
for all subsequent applications of the procedure that are necessary to identify the
Wild-Card participants.
2. Head-to-head sweep. (Applicable only if one club has defeated each of the others or if
one club has lost to each of the others.)
3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
4. Strength of victory.
5. Average points per game allowed versus playoff teams in the conference.
6. Coin Toss.
OTHER TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES
1. Only one club advances to the playoffs in any tie-breaking step. Remaining tied clubs revert to
the first step of the applicable division or Wild-Card tie breakers. As an example, if two clubs
remain tied in any tie-breaker step after all other clubs have been eliminated, the procedure
reverts to step one of the two-club format to determine the winner. When one club wins the tie
breaker, all other clubs revert to step 1 of the applicable two club or three-club format.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 9
ARTICLE X – PLAYOFFS (continued)
Section 2. Section 3. 2. In comparing division and conference record or records against common opponents among
tied teams, the best won-lost-tied percentage is the deciding factor since teams may have played
an unequal number of games.
3. When applying the “average points per game allowed versus playoff teams in the conference”
tie-breaker to determine a final playoff spot, the two or more teams tied for said spot will have
their points allowed included in the average point allowed calculations. In the event of the need
to use this tie-breaker two or more times for ties within the same conference, any tie for a final
playoff spot will be conducted first, and only the team advancing to the playoffs will have their
points allowed included in any calculations for the remaining ties.
Any game that ends in a tie score after the completion of four quarters, or regulation time, in the
N.E.F.L. playoff tournament, play will continue after a five minute intermission. Another fifteen
minutes of official time will be added by the game officials on the field; this will be considered
an overtime period or sudden-death. The first team to score in this period will win the game. At
the end of fifteen minutes, if the score is still tied, after a five minute intermission, play will
resume using the N.C.A.A. tie-breaking system (see N.C.A.A. rules).
The team finishing the N.E.F.L. playoff tournament undefeated will be considered the winner of
the tournament and the champion of the N.E.F.L. Said team will be awarded the Leo Lombardi
Championship Trophy and will be responsible for the trophy for a period of time to be
determined by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors, but not longer than the conclusion of the
following N.E.F.L. regular season. Said team will also be responsible for any and all damages
incurred to the championship trophy while in said team’s possession. If the championship trophy
is not returned at the time set by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors and not in the condition that it
was issued, said team will be held liable and will not be allowed to participate in the N.E.F.L.
until the championship trophy is returned and/or any and all damages have been repaired and
paid in full. Legal action will also be taken by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors for any unpaid
damages.
ARTICLE XI – SUSPENSIONS ISSUED BY GAME OR LEAGUE OFFICIALS
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Any player or coach in the N.E.F.L. involved in a fight will be suspended for the remainder of
that game and may be suspended for an additional game or games at the discretion of the game
officials and N.E.F.L. Board of Directors.
Any player, coach or authorized team personnel leaving the bench area and/or joining the fight
during a fight on the field or in any designated seating area will be suspended for three games.
Any player in the N.E.F.L. receiving three personal fouls in one game will be suspended for the
remainder of that game.
Any player or coach ejected from three games in one season will be automatically suspended for
the remainder of that season.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 10
ARTICLE XI – SUSPENSIONS ISSUED BY GAME OR LEAGUE OFFICIALS (continued)
Section 5. Section 6. Section 7. Section 8. Section 9. Any player or coach in the N.E.F.L. verbally abusive to any game official will be automatically
suspended from that game.
Any player in the N.E.F.L. being penalized by game officials for intentionally trying to injure
another player will be automatically suspended from the N.E.F.L. for one full year from the date
the suspension was issued.
Any player or coach in the N.E.F.L. physically abusive to any game official will be
automatically suspended from the N.E.F.L. for life.
Any player or coach in the N.E.F.L. being issued a one year suspension by game officials of the
N.E.F.L. may request a meeting with the officers of the N.E.F.L. to appeal the suspension.
Any player petitioning to be reinstated in the N.E.F.L. after serving the full term of his
suspension for being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. of intentionally trying to injure
another player must request a meeting with the league officers and the game officials who
originally issued the said suspension, whereas a vote by the league officers and the game
officials will take place to determine if and on what date said player will be reinstated into the
N.E.F.L.
ARTICLE XII – LEAGUE FEES
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. will be charged a participation fee, hereinafter called dues, of
an amount determined by the officers of the N.E.F.L. before the start of the season based on the
number of teams in the league that season and the budget of the league for that season.
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must have their dues paid in full on the date set by the officers
of the N.E.F.L. for that season.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that does not have its dues paid in full to the N.E.F.L. on the date set
by the league officers will not be put on the league schedule.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that will not be able to have its dues paid in full on the date set by the
officers of the N.E.F.L. and knows at least one full week prior to the set date may request a
meeting with the league officers, at which time a decision will be made by the league officers to
determine if said team will be given an extension to the original date.
Any player(s) or person(s) in the N.E.F.L. that owes his current or former team any dues,
uniform and/or equipment will not be allowed by the league officers to be carried on any
N.E.F.L. team roster, or be allowed to participate with any N.E.F.L. team until said dues are paid
in full and/or said uniform or equipment is returned and/or reimbursed to said team. Said team
must submit the official “N.E.F.L. Player Dues/Team Equipment Procurement Form” to the
league office. Uniform and/or equipment owed to said team by any player(s) or person(s) will be
valued at the discretion of the Officers of the N.E.F.L. The Officers of the N.E.F.L. will enforceN.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 11
ARTICLE XII – LEAGUE FEES (continued)
player(s) or person(s) outstanding team dues for the previous year only, unless player(s) or
person(s) voluntarily does not participate in the N.E.F.L, then any and all outstanding dues
and/or equipment from the last year that player(s) or person(s) participated with said team, must
be paid or returned to said team in full before player(s) or person(s) are allowed to participate in
the N.E.F.L.
ARTICLE XIII – GAME SCHEDULES
Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. will receive their game schedules at least one full week before
the first league game.
All scheduling of N.E.F.L. games will be done by the officers of the N.E.F.L. and the game
officials.
All teams must submit their home game dates, times and locations to the league at the annual
Spring/Dues/Schedule meeting.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that does not have a date or venue two weeks prior to their scheduled
home game will automatically lose the right to host that game and the visiting team will then
have the option to host said game. If the visiting team is unable to host said game then the
Officers of the N.E.F.L. will act in accordance with page 18, Amendment 27.
The home team reserves the right to choose the day and time of their game, either Saturday
between the times of 12:00 p.m. and 7:35 p.m. or Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The
officers of the N.E.F.L. reserve the right, in certain rare instances, to mandate date and time of
any and all games, if necessary.
Conference Championship games shall be scheduled as follows unless prevented by an act of
God or per local municipality:
Colonial (AAA) - Saturday evening with kickoff between 7:00pm–8:00pm.
North Atlantic (AA) - Saturday with kickoff between 1:00pm –8:00pm.
Maritime (A) - In accordance with regular season scheduling requirements.
ARTICLE XIV – LEAGUE MEETINGS
Section 1. The N.E.F.L. will hold league meetings throughout the course of each season. The dates and
times of the N.E.F.L. meetings will be set by the officers of the N.E.F.L. and the game officials
before the start of each season. All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. will be required to have a three
person Board of Directors consisting of a General Manager/Owner, who will be responsible for
all team financial business, a Player Representative, who will be responsible for informing his
fellow players of all business discussed at the league meetings, and a Head Coach. Each team is
required to have at least one representative from their Board attend each meeting. These
meetings will be open to all players, coaches and sponsors participating in the N.E.F.L.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 12
ARTICLE XIV – LEAGUE MEETINGS (continued)
Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. The general purpose of the league meetings will be to discuss ways and get input from the team
representatives, players, coaches and sponsors on the betterment of the N.E.F.L. through
implementation of, but not limited to, new rules or bylaws, as well as address any other items on
an agenda that will be written for each meeting by the officers of the N.E.F.L.
Any team representative in the N.E.F.L. presenting the idea for implementation of, but not
limited to, a new rule or bylaw, must first have it voted on by the other member teams of the
N.E.F.L., as well as the officers of the N.E.F.L. and the game officials before being adopted.
The vote need not be unanimous, only majority.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. not having at least one member from its Board of Directors present at a
league meeting will lose its right to vote for that meeting and will be fined in an amount to be
determined by the officers of the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the league for that
season and the budget of the league for that season.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. being absent from three league meetings in one year will be
automatically suspended by the officers of the N.E.F.L. for the remainder of that season.
ARTICLE XV – ADDING AMENDMENTS TO RULES, REGULATIONS AND BYLAWS
The rules and regulations of the N.E.F.L., as well as the bylaws, adopted 1994, may be amended as necessary.
AMENDMENTS
1. Tampering Rule
No member(s) of any N.E.F.L. team’s Board of Director or operational personnel; including but not limited to,
the coaching staff, team management and digital and social media managers may solicit the services of any
player(s) or coach(s) that is under contract with any other team in the N.E.F.L. If a said team is interested in
acquiring a player(s) or coach(s) from another team, for any reason, including non-league, post-season
tournament play, a member of said teams Board of Directors must first contact one of the other teams Board
members via phone or email.
Any member(s) of any N.E.F.L. team’s Board of Directors operational personnel being found guilty by the
Officers of the N.E.F.L. for soliciting the services of any player(s) or coach(s) that is under contract with any
other team in the N.E.F.L. automatically forfeits the right to sign to a contract said player(s) or coach(s) for a
period of one year, and will be required to hold a meeting with the officers of the N.E.F.L., at which time a
decision will be made to determine if said member(s) will be allowed to continue to act in their current capacity
and if any further disciplinary action will be taken against said team.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 13
AMENDMENTS (continued)
2. Non-Contract Players
Any general manager, head coach or team representative interested in obtaining a non-contract player from
another team must first contact via phone or email a member of said teams Board of Directors before contacting
said player.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that is approached by a non-contract player from another team must contact via phone
or email a member of said players previous teams Board of Directors before soliciting services from said player.
Said player then must receive a written release form accompanied with his original signed contract from his
previous teams Board of Directors before signing with another team.
Any member(s) of any N.E.F.L. teams Board of Directors being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. for
soliciting the services of any non-contract player(s) before notifying said players former team and receiving a
written release form accompanied with the original signed contract for said player from said team will be
required to hold a meeting with the officers of the N.E.F.L., at which time, a decision will be made to determine
if said member(s) will be allowed to continue to act in their current capacity and if any further action will be
taken against said team.
Any non-contract player(s) in the N.E.F.L. changing teams must notify their previous teams Board of Directors
no later than May 1 of that year and said player(s) must also receive a written release form accompanied with
their signed original contract from said teams Board of Directors. In addition, said player(s) must meet with
their former teams Board of Directors, if requested, before signing with a new team.
Any non-contract player(s) that does not notify their previous teams Board of Directors by May 1 of that year
that they are changing teams, can be refused being granted a written release form and the return of their original
signed contract by said teams Board of Directors, thus not allowing said player(s) to change teams.
Any non-contract player(s) that does not notify their previous teams Board of Directors by May 1 of that year
and is refused being granted a written release form and the return of their original signed contract by said teams
Board of Directors allowing him to change teams will be allowed to hold a appeal meeting with the officers of
the N.E.F.L.
3. Players from other leagues.
Players can play for another semi-pro team in another semi-pro league, providing they are off said teams roster
by the fourth regular season game (A), the fifth regular season game (AA and AAA), and do not continue to
participate for said team in said league.
Any player that leaves a semi-pro team from another semi-pro league cannot return to said team in said league
once he has been added to an N.E.F.L. roster.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. found guilty of using a player or players that played for another semi-pro team in
another semi-pro league after the fourth regular season game (A), the fifth regular season game (AA and AAA),
OR after being added to an N.E.F.L. roster, will forfeit any and all games said players participated in, unless the
players were added with the permission of the N.E.F.L. BOD to reach the roster minimum in accordance withN.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 14
AMENDMENTS (continued)
Article VI Section 5. Players from another league may be used to reach the roster minimum at any time after
they have concluded participating in that league with the permission of the N.E.F.L. BOD.
4. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
Any player or coach in the N.E.F.L. that uses any racial, ethnic or discriminatory slurs towards another player,
coach or game official will automatically be suspended for one game. If said player or coach is suspended for
the aforementioned infraction three times during the course of a season, said player or coach will be suspended
for the remainder of the season, at which time, a meeting will be required with the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors
to determine if said player or coach will be allowed to continue to participate in the N.E.F.L.
5. North Atlantic (AA) Conference. Maritime (A) Conference.
Any team in its first year of existence being accepted into the New England Football League will be required to
play a minimum of one season in either the (AA) North Atlantic Conference or (A) Maritime Conference.
These conferences adhere to the same rules, regulations and bylaws that govern the N.E.F.L. as described herein
with the following exceptions:
• Each team will carry a maximum of fifty-five active players (North Atlantic-AA),
forty-five active players (Maritime-A), with a minimum of twenty-five active players.
• Each team will play at least eight (Maritime-A), but no more than ten (North Atlantic-AA), regular
season games.
• All (North Atlantic – AA) and (Maritime–A) games will be worked by five game officials.
6. First Year Teams.
Any team being accepted into the New England Football League will be on probation for a period of one year.
At the end of one year, providing said team has met in full all obligations to the league, they will then be
accepted as a full member.
Any team being accepted into the New England Football League that does not fulfill all of their obligations to
the league during this probationary period will be required to hold a meeting with the Board of Directors of the
N.E.F.L., at which time a decision will be made by the officers to determine if said team will be invited back for
a second season.
7. Change of Team Name and/or Location.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that request to change their team’s name, location, and/or logo/color scheme will be
required to hold a meeting with the Board of Directors of the N.E.F.L., at which time a decision will be made by
the officers to determine if said team will be allowed to do so.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 15
AMENDMENTS (continued)
8. Field Policies and Procedures.
Any person(s) or team(s) found violating field policies and procedures (i.e, alcohol, tobacco, restricted areas,
etc.) will be automatically suspended and/or fined by the N.E.F.L.
9. Overtime in Regular Season.
At the end of four quarters, if a game is tied after a five minute intermission, another fifteen minutes of official
time will be added by the game officials on the field. The first team to score in this “sudden-death” period will
win the game. Regular season will consist of one overtime period only. If the game is still tied at the end of
that period it is considered a tie game.
10. Rescheduling or Canceling Games.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that needs to reschedule a home game to another date or to a field more than 15
driving miles further from the scheduled location, or cancel a home game for any reason other than an act of
God (i.e. weather), after the schedule for the season has been finalized, must submit a written explanation from
the governing body or bodies of their team’s home field as to why the game needs to be canceled, relocated or
rescheduled for another date. This written explanation, along with the rescheduled home date and/or location,
must be received at the league office no later than 12:00 Noon on the Monday two weeks prior to the original
scheduled date, otherwise the visiting team can elect to host said game at their field on the original scheduled
date.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that needs to reschedule a home game start time or change to a field location within
15 miles of the scheduled location or closer to the visiting team for any reason other than an act of God (i.e.
weather), after the schedule for the season has been finalized, must submit a written explanation from the
governing body or bodies of their team’s home field as to why the start time of the game needs to be
rescheduled. This written explanation, along with the rescheduled home game start time or location must be
received at the league office no later than 12:00 Noon on the Monday prior to their scheduled home game,
otherwise the visiting team can elect to host said game at their field at the original scheduled date and time. If
any additional expense is incurred by the visiting team as a result of the location change, the home team must
reimburse the visitors for the difference.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that reschedules, cancels or postpones an exhibition, pre-season, regular season or
playoff game scheduled by the league, for any reason other than an act of God, less than twenty-four hours
before the originally scheduled date and time of said game, will be fined in an amount to be determined by the
officers of the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the league for that season and the budget of the league
for that season with a portion of said fine being appropriated by the league to the opposing team.
The N.E.F.L. Board of Directors can reschedule any pre-season, regular season, post-season or exhibition
games at their discretion.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 16
AMENDMENTS (continued)
11. Contract Player Compensation.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that have a player(s) under contract that wish to be released to join another N.E.F.L.
team and a trade for another player(s) in accordance with Article VI, Section 4 as stated herein, cannot be
negotiated, said team will be allowed to negotiate for compensation (i.e., referee fees, E.M.T. fees, gameballs,
etc.) with the team the player(s) wish to be released to. If compensation cannot be negotiated, then said
player(s) will be allowed to hold a meeting with the Board of Directors of the N.E.F.L. at which time a decision
will be made by the officers to determine if said player(s) will be released and the terms of the compensation.
12. Taxi Squads
All teams in the N.E.F.L. will be allowed to carry a taxi squad of five players. Players can be added to the taxi
squad up to the fourth regular season game (A), the fifth regular season game (AA and AAA), in accordance
with Article VI, Section 16 as stated herein. Said teams will be allowed to move players from the taxi squad to
their active game roster, as needed, throughout the course of the season providing the total number of dressed
players for any game does not exceed the allocated limit for each conference in accordance with Article VI,
Section 1 and Amendment 5.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. found in violation of amendment 12 will be subject to Article VI, Section 16 as stated
herein.
12a. Game Footballs
All teams playing in the N.E.F.L. must supply one new game ball each game. This ball must be a leather ball
of official size and weight in accordance with either N.F.L. or N.C.A.A. rules and regulations.
13. Rain Dates
Every team in the N.E.F.L. must submit a rain date (usually the next day at the same time). If a team does not
have a rain date, the game must be made up during the first available make-up weekend. Labor Day weekend is
the make-up weekend for the first half of the season and the weekend immediately following the end of the
regular season is the make-up weekend for the second half of the season. If for some reason a team does not
have a rain date and is using the make-up weeks as stated herein as rain dates and another game must be made
up, the option of hosting the game goes to the visiting team. If a team does not have rain dates and is using the
last weekend of the season as stated herein as its rain date but their postponed opponent already has a make-up
game scheduled for the last weekend of the season, the option of hosting the game goes to the visiting team.
‘N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 17
AMENDMENTS (continued)
14. Inclement Weather Games
Section 1. If a game has been stopped at any time before the end of the second quarter, then said game will
be considered never played and shall be played in its entirety on the next available make-up date
or at the discretion of the Board of Directors without regards to the score at the time of stoppage.
Section 2. If a game has been played beyond the first half and is stopped at any time within the third
quarter, then the entire second half of said game shall be played in its entirety on the next
available make-up date or at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The score will revert back
to the score of the game at the time of stoppage regardless of the official clock time that the
game was stopped. It will not revert back to the half time score.
Section 3. Any game that has completed three full quarters of football and is stopped for reasons of
inclement weather will be considered final. The score at the time the game is stopped will be the
official final score of said game. If the game is in a tie, then said game will be officially
recorded as such unless it is a playoff game. If a playoff game is stopped for reasons of
inclement weather and the game is a tie beyond the third quarter, then said teams shall replay the
entire fourth quarter to determine the winner of said playoff game or any consecutive overtimes
if needed.
Section 4. Game officials will make every attempt to restart any postponed game due to inclement weather
and play it in its entirety if the weather permits. There should be at least two (2) attempts to
restart the game from the point of stoppage on the scheduled date. If after two attempts the game
has to be stopped, then the game officials and one representative from each team shall meet at
that time and contact the league office with notification of the game stoppage, and to coordinate
any make-up instructions as stated herein.
Section 5. If both teams agree that there would be no benefit to either team to complete the game on a
make-up date, and said game has reached the third quarter, then said game can be considered
final. The game officials will make note of the mutual agreement between both teams and
convey that to the league office when making contact to notify of the stoppage or postponement
of said game.
15. Player/Coach Contracts
All teams in the N.E.F.L. must have the original official N.E.F.L. player contract and/or name and indemnity
agreement, signed by each player on the official team roster that was submitted to the league office, at every
regular season and playoff game. On the back of each player contract and/or name and indemnity agreement,
there must be a clear photocopy I.D. of each player, along with his corresponding game jersey number.
The official N.E.F.L. player contract and name and indemnity agreement for each player listed on the team’s
roster must be kept in a three ring binder which will be provided to each team by the N.E.F.L. office.
Any official member of a team’s board of directors listed with the league office (head coach, general manager
or team representative only) may request to view the opposing team’s player contracts and/or name andN.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 18
AMENDMENTS (continued)
indemnity agreements before the start of each game, at the half of each game, or at the conclusion of each game
only. The opposing team must comply with this request.
Failure by any team in the N.E.F.L. to comply with this request as previously stated herein, for any reason, will
be fined in an amount to be determined by the officers of the N.E.F.L., based on the number of teams in the
league for that season and the budget of the league for that season. Said team will then have twenty-four hours
to produce the requested aforementioned information to the league office.
Failure by any team to produce the aforementioned information as previously stated herein, to the league office,
will be automatically issued a forfeit by the league officers for said game.
Any player(s) signing the official N.E.F.L. player contract and name and indemnity agreement with any team in
the N.E.F.L., and has NOT participated in any football related activity (i.e. practice, conditioning, try-out) prior
to April 1, may be let out of said contract without compensation to said team at the discretion of the N.E.F.L.
Board of Directors.
Any player(s) signing the official N.E.F.L. player contract and name and indemnity agreement with any team in
the N.E.F.L., and HAS participated in any football related activity (i.e. practice, conditioning, try-out) at any
time, may be required to pay compensation to said team by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors in order to be
released from said contract.
All teams in the N.E.F.L. must have all player(s) that they have under contract be listed on their team’s final
roster in order for the player contract to be valid.
All player/coach one and two year contracts will end on January 1 at 12:00 a.m for that one or two year contract
period.
16. Ineligible Players
Any player(s) found to be ineligible by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors during any part of the season, for any of
the aforementioned reasons as previously stated herein the N.E.F.L. Rules and Regulations, will automatically
be suspended for the remainder of that season and the following season.
17. Placement of Teams
All teams in the N.E.F.L. will be placed in the appropriate division, conference and geographical location at the
discretion of the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors.
Once teams are placed in their allocated geographical area by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors, said teams must
conduct all team business (i.e. games, practices, advertising and solicitation of sponsorship) within said area.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. wishing to use an indoor/outdoor practice facility outside of their team’s allocated
geographical area will be at the discretion of the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors and Competition Committee.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 19
AMENDMENTS (continued)
Any team in the N.E.F.L. given approval by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors and Competition Committee to use
an indoor/outdoor practice facility outside of their team’s allocated geographical area must cease usage of said
facility by May 1, unless otherwise approved by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors and Competition Committee.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. being found guilty by the Officers of the N.E.F.L. of conducting team business (i.e.
games, practices, advertising and solicitation of sponsorship) outside of their allocated geographical area as
designated by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors, will be fined in an amount to be determined by the Officers of
the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the league for that season and the budget of the league for that
season.
Any “A” or “AA” team(s) finishing in either first or second place at the conclusion of the N.E.F.L. playoffs in
consecutive years will automatically be reviewed by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors and the Competition
Committee to determine if said team(s) will be placed in a higher conference the following season.
Any “AA” or “AAA” team(s) finishing in either last or second to last place at the conclusion of the N.E.F.L.
regular season in consecutive years will automatically be reviewed by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors and the
Competition Committee to determine if said team(s) will be placed in a lower conference the following season.
18. Protested Games.
Only the head coach of a team is allowed to file an official protest of an N.E.F.L. regular season or post-season
game. If a head coach is going to file an official protest, he must notify the head game official working said
game. The head coach must then notify the N.E.F.L. office and the Director of Officials office immediately
following said game.
Any team protesting a game based on the challenge of the opposing teams roster regarding an ineligible
player(s) must be made to both the head game official working said game immediately following the game, and
to the league office no later than one hour of the conclusion of said game. Any team that does not notify the
league office of an official protest of a game based on the challenge of an opposing teams roster in the
aforementioned allocated hour immediately following said game, automatically will lose their right to challenge
the opposing teams roster.
The N.E.F.L. Board of Directors will then review the officially protested game to determine the appropriate
course of action.
20. Incomplete Games.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. leaving the field of play before the completion of any pre-season, regular season, or
post-season game for reasons other than inclement weather or field conditions, will automatically be issued a
loss for said game. Said team will then be required to hold a meeting with the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors to
determine if a forfeit will be issued to said team.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 20
AMENDMENTS (continued)
21. Certified E.M.T.
In accordance with Article IV, Section 1 of the N.E.F.L. Rules and Regulations, there must be a certified
E.M.T. present at all N.E.F.L. games. It is the responsibility of the home team to provide a certified E.M.T. If
there is no certified E.M.T. present at the start of a game, the home team has 30 minutes from the official start
time of the game to locate a certified E.M.T. replacement. If no certified E.M.T. is available, the game is
rescheduled and the visiting team can elect to host said game on a date and time as determined by the N.E.F.L.
Board of Directors.
If a game begins, and at any time during the course of said game a certified E.M.T. becomes unavailable or not
present, the game status falls into Amendment 15 – Inclement Weather Games of the N.E.F.L. Rules and
Regulations. If the game is before the half, the home team has 30 minutes to locate a certified E.M.T.
replacement. If none is available, the visiting team can elect to host the game in its entirety on a date and time
as determined by the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors. If the game is in the third quarter, the home team has 30
minutes to locate a certified E.M.T. replacement. If none is available, the game reverts to the half time score
and the visiting team can elect to host the second half of the game on a date and time as determined by the
N.E.F.L. Board of Directors. If the game is in the fourth quarter, the home team has 30 minutes to locate a
certified E.M.T. replacement. If none is available, the score becomes final.
The home team will be responsible for paying both their portion of the game officials fee and their opponents
portion of the game officials fee if said game or any portion of said game needs to be rescheduled because of
the lack of a certified E.M.T. Any game in the N.E.F.L. that lacks a certified E.M.T., the home team will also
be fined in an amount to be determined by the Officers of the N.E.F.L. based on the number of teams in the
league for that season and the budget of the league for that season.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. needing to have their home game or a portion of their home game rescheduled for
lack of a certified E.M.T. being present, more than once in any one season, will be required to hold a meeting
with the officers of the N.E.F.L. to determine if said team will be issued a forfeit and/or be allowed to continue
league play and complete the season.
The certified E.M.T. cannot leave the premises until they are dismissed by a member of the home team’s Board
of Directors.
22. Friday Night Games
There will be no N.E.F.L. regular season games or playoff games allowed to be scheduled on Friday nights,
unless it is requested in accordance with Article XIII, Section 3, and both teams, along with the officers of the
N.E.F.L. agree to do so.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 21
AMENDMENTS (continued)
23. Consent Form
Any team in the N.E.F.L. wishing to acquire a player for non-league tournament play from another team within
the N.E.F.L. must obtain an official “Team Non-League Tournament Consent Form for Player” from the team
that the player is under contract with before being eligible to play.
Any team that does not receive said form from said team for said player will not be allowed to use said player
for any non-league tournament game and said player will be deemed ineligible by the N.E.F.L. Board of
Directors. Further, any team being found guilty by the officers of the N.E.F.L. for using an ineligible player for
any non-league tournament game will be found in violation of Amendment I – Tampering Rule of the N.E.F.L.
Rules and Regulations.
24. Cell Phones
No cell phones will be used by anyone except the certified E.M.T. and game officials on or around the field of
play during an N.E.F.L. game. This includes, but is not limited to players, coaches, trainers or any other team
personnel, as well as chain crews or any other authorized field personnel. If the game officials see a cell phone
in use by any unauthorized personnel on a team’s sideline, one warning to discontinue use will be given to said
team. If said team is found in violation a second time, the game will be stopped and a delay of game penalty
will be issued to said team, and said person(s) may be removed from the sideline at the game officials
discretion.
25. Authorized Field/Sideline Passes
The N.E.F.L. will issue twelve authorized field/sideline passes to each team. These passes will be used for
coaches, trainers, sponsors, or any other person(s) at said team’s discretion. Any individual not possessing an
authorized field/sideline pass will not be allowed on said team’s sideline. If the game officials see an
unauthorized person(s) on a team’s sideline, one warning will be given to remove said person(s) from the
sideline. If said team is found in violation a second time, the game will be stopped and a delay of game penalty
will be issued to said team, and the game will not continue until said person(s) are removed from the sideline.
26. Team Mergers and Acquisitions
Any team in the N.E.F.L. wishing to merge (combine) or acquire (purchase) another team from within the
N.E.F.L. must first hold a meeting with the officers of the N.E.F.L. to determine if said merger or acquisition
will be allowed to take place, and the terms and conditions of said merger or acquisition.
27. Neutral Field Policies and Procedures
Any N.E.F.L. team that needs to schedule or reschedule any regular season or post-season game, after make-up
dates and field options have been exhausted in accordance with page 13, Amendment 10, and page 14,
Amendment 14 of the N.E.F.L. Rules and Regulations, must contact the N.E.F.L. office via phone and email to
determine a set date, time and alternate neutral field location.
If the league needs to obtain a field in a team’s area or use a member team’s field to play any pre-season,
regular season or post-season games to complete the schedule, the league has the unilateral right to do so.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 22
AMENDMENTS (continued)
The league office will contact the N.E.F.L. team whose field it has determined will be used for said game. The
scheduling of said game will be done in conjunction with the league office, the N.E.F.L. team whose field has
been chosen to host said game, and the governing body(s) of said field only.
Expenses for the neutral field will be paid by the team that was scheduled to have the home date. Said team is
responsible for any and all costs associated with said field and both teams will be subject to page 13,
Amendment 8 of the N.E.F.L. Rules and Regulations.
28. Goal Posts
Goalposts can be high school or college width.
29. Game Film
All teams in the N.E.F.L. will be required to film each of their regular season and
playoff home games. Any team not filming their regular season or playoff home games will lose the right to
have said game(s) reviewed by the league office and/or the Director of Officials office.
30. Player/Coach Releases
No player releases will be granted by any team in the N.E.F.L. to any player(s) under contract with said team
from the Friday that preliminary rosters are due at the league office, unless at the discretion of said team (i.e.
head coach and/or general manager), and no appeal on behalf of the player(s) will be granted by the N.E.F.L.
Board of Directors until the end of that season.
Any player(s) in the N.E.F.L. may be allowed to buy out of their current contract with any N.E.F.L. team prior
to the Friday that preliminary rosters are due at the league office, by paying no more than $100.00 to their
current team. If said player(s) is unable to obtain his release from said team prior to the Friday that preliminary
rosters are due at the league office, said player(s) may request an appeal with the N.E.F.L. Board of Directors.
Any Head Coach or General Manager in the N.E.F.L. granting a release to any player(s) under contract with
their team prior to the Friday that final rosters are due at the league office, may collect no more than $200.00
from each said player(s), and no appeal on behalf of said player(s) will be granted by the N.E.F.L Board of
Directors until the end of that season.
There shall be no terms and/or conditions added to any releases being granted to any player(s) by any N.E.F.L.
team.
Any player(s) in the N.E.F.L. being granted a release from any N.E.F.L. preliminary roster on the Friday that
final rosters are due at the league office, would have until the following Friday to sign with another team in the
N.E.F.L., providing that the new team said player(s) signs with has an opening on their final roster, and said
team does not release or remove any player(s) from its final roster that has been submitted to the league office.
This would also include players released by the league from a team that can no longer continue playing its
schedule.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
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AMENDMENTS (continued)
Any Coach that is relieved of his duties by the Club before preliminary rosters are due at the league office, then
said Coach is automatically eligible to obtain a release from said Club and pursue any other coaching
opportunities within the league.
Any Coach that is relieved of his duties by the Club after preliminary rosters are due at the league office, and
either before or after final rosters are due at the league office, then it is at the discretion of said Club whether or
not to grant said Coach his release.
31. Team Leave of Absence
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that decides not to return to the league for an upcoming season, but wishes to return
the following season, will be required to hold a meeting with the Officers of the N.E.F.L. to determine if said
team will be granted a one year leave of absence from the league.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that is granted a one year leave of absence from the league prior to the annual Spring
meeting must pay a $600.00 bond to the league at the annual Spring meeting. Bond will be put towards the
team’s league dues for the following season.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that is granted a one year leave of absence from the league after the annual Spring
meeting, but prior to the annual Summer meeting, must pay a $1000.00 bond to the league at the annual
Summer meeting. Bond will be put towards the team’s league dues for the following season.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that is granted a one year leave of absence from the league after the annual Summer
meeting must pay a $1200 (A) or $1600 (AA & AAA) bond to the league paid by the start of the N.E.F.L.
regular season. Bond will be put towards the team’s league dues for the following season.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that has been granted a one year leave of absence by the Officers of the N.E.F.L. that
has paid the required bond amount, but decides not to return to the league the following season, will not be
refunded any portion of the bond posted.
Any team in the N.E.F.L. that has been granted a one year leave of absence by the Officers of the N.E.F.L. that
does not pay the required bond amount, or leaves the league without being granted a one year leave of absence
by the Officers of the N.E.F.L, must reapply to the league as a new team and pay any and all fees, deposits and
dues applicable to a new team, if said team wishes to return to the league.
32. Press Boxes
If stadium or field has a press box that the home team has access to for its coaches, the home team must also
make it accessible to coaches from the visiting team as well, or disciplinary action will be taken by the Officers
of the N.E.F.L. including fine, probation and/or forfeit if access is denied to the visiting team and game officials
will not allow coaches of home team access to the press box.N.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
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AMENDMENTS (continued)
33. Team Practices and Meetings
All N.E.F.L. team’s practices and meetings will be considered closed. Any players, coaches or management
from another N.E.F.L. team attending or witnessing another team’s practice or meeting without consent from
said team, will face disciplinary action by the Officers of the N.E.F.L. including fine, probation and/or forfeit.
34. Bench Clearing Brawls
If two teams end up in a bench clearing brawl, then when said teams play each otheragain, there must be a
police detail paid half each by both teams and both teams must film the game. A call to the league office, by
the home team, must be made immediately prior to the game confirming the presence of a police detail.
Immediately following the conclusion of the game, an additional call must be made to the league office by an
authorized team representative of both the home and visiting team with a game summary. Game officials will
not work the game without a police detail. Rescheduling of said game will be at the discretion of the N.E.F.L.
Board of Directors, as well as any team/coach/player disciplinary action that needs to be taken.
35. Conflict of Interest
If an individual is known to be a principal of another league (or team within another league) which competes
with the NEFL, the Board may determine at any time whether sufficient conflict of interest exists to disqualify
the individual from participating in the NEFL or with NEFL teams in any capacity.
36. Propaganda Rule
No member(s) of any N.E.F.L. team’s Board of Directors or operational personnel; including but not limited to,
the coaching staff, team management and digital and social media managers may make potentially harmful
public statements or speculation regarding the management, coaching staff or stability of any other N.E.F.L.
team. N.E.F.L. teams and their operational personnel are also prohibited from attempting to undermine another
N.E.F.L. team's games or other events by using public information or misinformation, or alternative means of
access.
In the event of a violation, the following disciplinary action shall apply:
Team:
1st offense - $100 Fine and 1 year Probation
2nd offense - $250 Fine and loss of right to host one upcoming home game at the discretion of the Board of
Directors
3rd offense - $500 Fine, loss of right to host one home game at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and a
mandatory hearing for possible expulsion
Individual:
1st offense - 1 year Probation
2nd offense - 2 Game suspension from all league activities
3rd offense – Indefinite suspension from all league activitiesN.E.F.L. RULES AND REGULATIONS
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AMENDMENTS (continued)
37. Sponsor or Affiliates Paying Players
Any NEFL Team that is affiliated in name, through management, sponsorship or otherwise with an entity that
pays NEFL players is considered to have otherwise prohibited access and monetary recruiting advantage over
other teams, and therefore may not sign any player(s) who were under contract at any time to play that year with
another NEFL team. This applies whether or not the player(s) are eventually released players who are out of
contract may be signed.
