Warren Ave Pee Wee Association

RULE #1 - SPORTS YEAR:

The sport year shall be from August 1 through July 31 of the following   year.

RULE #2 - SPORTS COMMISSION:

(A)       All sports programs supported by the KPAPWA shall be governed by a sports commission.

(B)       Membership:  Each Member association shall be entitled to place one member on each of the sports commissions, in addition, the 1^st and 2^nd Vice-Presidents may serve on the commission.

(C)       Chairman:  Each sports commission shall elect its own chairman.  The chairman of the commission shall maintain a list of names, phone numbers and addresses of commission members and make reports to regular meeting of the Central Council.

(D)       The Sports Commission shall make recommendations on any changes to the sports playing rules.  Any recommended changes must be reported at the next regular meeting of the Central Council.  Changes to the playing rules must not deviate or conflict with the General Rules and/or Bylaws.

(E)       The Sports Commission may also study other matters relating to their sports and make recommendation to the council.

(F)       The Sports Commission shall have no authority to utilize the Central Council's money, issue fines, or make recommendation on forfeits, suspensions or probations.

(G)       The Sports Commission shall report all recommended changes to the 2^nd Vice-President prior to the preseason coaches meeting.  The rules shall be approved by a majority of the coaches and shall not be changed during the season. 

RULE #3 - SPORTS SEASON:

A.        The football season shall start the 2^nd Monday in August and end no later than the second Sunday in November.

1.         The first scheduled game or jamboree shall be on either the second or third Saturday in September, as determined by the Football Sports Commission.

2.         There shall be no body-against-body contact during the first week of practice.

Note: This means the first week of regular practice and does not include conditioning camp.

3.         Football shall not be limited to just boys participation. 

4.         Conditioning Camp:  The 1^st Monday in August.  Football helmets and footballs may be used during this time.  There is to be no separation into teams.

No plays are to be run.  This camp is not to be used to replace Rule 3.A.2.

B.        The basketball season shall consist of two (2) seasons divided as follows:

1.         Girls:  Starting on the third Monday in November and finishing by the end of the first week in April.

a.         All teams shall play a regular season schedule consisting of no more than fourteen (14) games.

b.         All other rules governing play shall be determined by the coaches at their preseason meeting.

c.         Games will not start before the 2^nd week in January.

d.         Playoffs will be limited to the top four teams in each Division.

2.         Boys:  Starting on the third Monday in November and finishing by the end of the first week in April.

a.         All teams shall play a regular season schedule consisting of no more than fourteen (14) games.

b.         All other rules governing play shall be determined by the coaches at their preseason meeting.

c.         Games will not start before the 2^nd week in January.                           

d.         Playoffs will be limited to the top four teams in each Division.

A.           The baseball season shall start practice on or after the third Monday in March, with the first scheduled game on or after the third Saturday in April.  All games that are scheduled in April would be day games scheduled on Saturdays only.  Evening games would not begin until May.  Baseball season shall end on or before the last day of June.  Any All Star tournaments supported by the Pee Wees would follow regular championship play for that level.

D.  Practice may not be started prior to the starting date of each sports season except as indicated.

RULE #4 - SQUADS & ASSESSMENTS:

The Central Council shall govern participation and gather assessments necessary to run the day to day operation of the Pee Wee Sports.

A.  Participation.

1.   Districts must make a reasonable effort to field at least one team in all sports and participate in regular league and tournament play.

2.   Districts are required to declare all teams entering competition at the preseason coaches meeting for each sport season.

B.  Assessments -- GO FUND:

1.   The General Operations and Emergency Fund, hereafter referred to as the GO FUND, is established for the purpose of providing a reserve to pay all standard operation expenses of the Central Council such as officiating cost, postage, stationary, printing, trophies and awards as authorized the Central Council and to pay established compensation to eligibility persons.

2.   Member districts which fail to pay their  yearly assessment to the GO Fund by the September Central Council meeting shall not be permitted to participate in any sport season until the assessment has been paid in full.

3.   Assessments shall be assessed at the beginning of each sport season to pay for the expected expenses of the sport season.  These assessments shall be levied on a per team basis and shall be derived according to the following formula:

a.   On all levels each team shall be assessed by multiplying one-half the cost of a game by the number of games scheduled during the sport season.

b.   The cost of a game shall be calculated by estimating officials cost (game fees, travel, L&I, setup, etc.), Playoff costs (officials and fields), cost of trophies and miscellaneous other costs for the sports season.

4.   A single team assessment may not be required by all districts which make all attempts to have registration and participation in the sport; this exception may be approved by the Executive Board upon appeal.

5.   The KPAPWA Treasurer shall present each district with its assessment to the GO FUND at the first regular meeting after the schedule is completed.

6.   Each district shall pay its Sport Season assessment no later than the next Central Council meeting after the assessments are made.

7.   Districts will be entitled to a refund of a proportion of their assessment if for any reason a certified official fails to appear at a game which is eligible.

8.   Should a team forfeit a game at which paid officials are in attendance, neither district shall receive any refund on their assessment.

9.   In cases where teams are canceled after assessments have been levies; districts with teams affected may be entitled to a refund of that portion of their assessment which would gave covered the cost of officiating games involving the canceled team.  The district which canceled the team shall not be entitled to any refund for the canceled teams.

10. Districts failing to pay their assessment to the GO FUND by the prescribed deadline shall not be allowed to continue to participate until the assessment has been paid in full.  Participation is defined as such: Teams from the district in question will have all games cancelled and all games cancelled due to non-payment shall be forfeited and no make ups will be scheduled and no refunds will be in order. This will also mean that said districts will forfeit any and all voting rights pertaining to General Rules, By-Laws and Day-to-Day operation. A ten percent (10%) penalty per month may also be added to the assessment at the judgment of the Executive Board.

11. In the case an official is present at a game which must be postponed or otherwise rescheduled, the fees will be paid out of the GO FUND.  Central Council will pay for any makeup games required out of the GO FUND.

12. Central Council shall pay all officiating costs for tiebreaker and play-off games from the GO FUND.

13. At the end of a Sport Season after all expenses have been paid, the treasurer shall evaluate the GO FUND and either make a special assessment to bring the fund back up to the operating level of $4,000 or in the event of a surplus allow a credit against the next Sport Season Assessments.

RULE #5 - DISTRICT COLORS AND NAMES:

A.  Team names and colors are listed on attached supplemental sheets.

B.  Changes of district colors and team names must be approved the KPAPWA prior to the start of the sport season.

B.           Every effort shall be made to avoid two teams having identical colors.  This shall be home team responsibility.

C.           Every club shall provide the Central Council with a copy of their club's rules and bylaws, and be responsible to insure the Board gets an update yearly of any changes.

RULE #6 - GAME PARTICIPATION:

A.  All players  T7 through AA levels who are in attendance, in uniform and physically fit, are required to play in the game, or the game will be declared a forfeit.  To insure this is complied with, coaches of each team shall meet before the game with the opposing coaches.  Rosters shall be exchanged at this time and all absences noted.  The coaches of each team meet after the game to finalize rosters.  Exceptions to the rule would be a failure of youths to attend regularly scheduled practices or for disciplinary reasons.  Coaches electing not to play a youth due to this reason must inform the opposing coach prior to beginning play.

B.  Tournament play of any sport, in or outside of Kitsap County, will be the financial responsibility of those districts wishing to participate.  Districts wishing not to participate shall not be fined or made to pay in any form for said tournaments.  Nor shall the Association use monies from regular account such as Special Athletic Fund, GO FUND, or any other account where all districts have paid into during the regular year play.  All tournament monies shall be put into an account under the name of said tournament and handled separately form regular accounts.

RULE #7 - EQUALITY OF COMPETITION:

A.  Multiple teams will be allowed for each club per level and each team will have equal rights and privileges.

B.  All teams on the same level are included in one league, divisions to be evened up by the 2^nd Vice-President.

C.  Every club is required to inform the Central Council in writing of how many teams will be fielded for each level at the preseason coaches meeting for each sport season.  Clubs not submitting paperwork defining number and types of teams will not be scheduled.  Each team must have its own facility (gym, field, and time of game.)  No club shall add or remove teams from their original schedule turned in to the 2^nd Vice-President more than seven (7) days after the preseason coaches meeting.  A fine of $50.00 shall be assessed to the club or clubs for teams dropped or added.  Upon request this shall be reviewed by the Executive Board.

D.  Central Council strongly encourages all clubs to divide the teams equally by age.  The method of dividing the teams should be left up to the individual club.  At no time before or during any regular sport season will there be allowed tryouts or judging of any kind to establish team selection at any level.

RULE #8 - OUTSIDE SPORTS PARTICIPATION:

A player playing with any other team in an organized league will be permitted to sign up for a Pee Wee team but will not be permitted to play in games with both at the same time (except for school teams).  A player will be allowed to participate in games for the Pee Wee team when the other season is complete.  During the football season, NO child playing with a High School VARSITY team can play Pee Wee football.

RULE #9 - TEAM RESIGNATION:

When a player's name has appeared on two (2) game rosters of any team of any sports season in progress, he/she shall then be a member of that particular team and shall be restricted from either advancing or descending from that team. Except for D-string through B-string football: 

football season with the approval of the parents or guardians.  Any exception to this rule must be approved by the Executive Board.

RULE #10 - COACHES PLEDGE:

All coaches, including their assistant, of member districts must read, sign and have on file with the 2^nd Vice-President, a pledge which binds him/her to the purposes and policies of the KPAPWA.  The pledge must be on file two days prior to the first scheduled contest of the respective sport season.  Forms are available from the Chairman of the Sports Commission.  Further, all coaches are urged to obtain and maintain youth coaching certification through an accredited organization.  A space to record this will be provided on the pledge form.  The 2^nd Vice-President shall initial the card to verify up-to-date certification.

The coaches pledge forms, filled out by the coaches and their assistants shall include full name, date of birth, and  whether or not the coach or assistant has any felony convictions within the last 10 years and his or her signature approving of a background check by the board through the courts of the State of Washington.  Refusal to comply with the above will result in the ineligibility from coaching.

The penalty for a team participating in a game without a Pledged Coach on the bench or field is $5 per game.

RULE #11  - COACH, PLAYER and SPECTATOR CONDUCT:

A.  It is mandatory that no adult connected with any team smoke or use profane language while on the playing field, including coaches box, or while sitting or standing near the player benches during a game. Coaches, players and spectators will conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner before, during and after Pee Wee contests.

B.  Any intentional, malicious or flagrant act of unsportsmanlike conduct by coaches and/or players which result in disqualification from the contest, will draw an automatic one (1) game suspension which may be rescinded after review by the 2^nd Vice-President.  Appeal of ruling may be made to the Executive Board of the Central Council.  The game to be missed will be the next game played by the offender's team.  Any further complaints brought forth against the penalized coaches and/or players will be handled by the Central Council as it deems necessary following the hearing procedure.

D.           The coaches from each team will note on the back of the opposing team roster the name or names of the ejected players or coaches.  This will be initialed by the referee or umpire.  The opposing coach must notify the 2^nd Vice-President or Eligibility by phone within 48 hours of the name or names of ejected players or coaches for further consideration.

E.           All volunteer game officials shall have the same authority as paid officials.  This includes the ability to eject players, coaches and/or spectators from a KPAPWA sanctioned event.

F.            Any physical confrontation by spectators and/or coaches at a KPAPWA sanctioned event shall result in a one (1) year suspension from participation in any Pee Wee games.  This penalty is subject to review by the

 KPAPWA Board upon request from any district involved in said confrontation.

G.           It is recommended that all Coaches be Coaching Certified.

H.           It is recommended that the Head Coach be CPR and First Aid Certified.

I.              All teams in all sports are required to have game day field managers present for crowd control for the entire length of the game.

RULE #12 - PENALTIES:

A.  Violation of the General Rules or failure of a coach to submit the opponent's game roster (delivered or postmarked) within 72 hours of the game to the eligibility chairperson shall result in:

1.   Each of the first three (3) violations by a team (T7 through AA) in a sport season shall result in the parent club being fined $5 for each violation payable to the KPAPWA.

2.   Each violation after the first three (3), the parent club shall be fined $10 per violation.  Fines must be paid prior to the first game of the following sport season.

B.  If a player's name appears on a team roster and/or plays in a game, the player must be cleared by the county eligibility person to play on that team in all respects (birth certificate, waiver if required, etc.).  Violation of this rule (intentional or unintentional) would result in automatic forfeiture of the game in question.

C.  If a player's name appears on a roster and/or plays in a game, the player must have met the weight requirements (football only) as prescribed by the General Rules.  Failure to abide by this rule (intentional or unintentional) will result in automatic forfeiture as in Rule 12.B and possible additional penalty as defined in Rule 12.D.

D.  To ensure no intentional violation of the General Rules, including eligibility, any suspected violation can be brought to the attention of any County Executive Board Officers including Eligibility Chairperson.  The Executive Board shall review the alleged violation and take statements from all parties concerned.  These statements may be requested to be given to a board member over the phone, in writing to the board, verbally before the board, or a combination of the above depending on the complexity of the situation and time constraints.

The Executive Board will review the alleged violation (either over the phone or in an actual meeting, depending on the complexity and time constraints).  If the Executive Board decides that in intentional or flagrant violation has occurred additional penalties may be imposed.  These penalties may be probation, suspension  or monetary ($25 for the first violation and not to exceed $50 for each succeeding violation).

Any monetary penalties previously imposed in the same matter shall be considered in the amount of fines.

The offending club may appeal the ruling to the KPAPWA President at which time the Executive Board will schedule an Appeals Hearing on the matter within 48 hours.  The original penalty(ies) will stand until the Appeals Hearing is concluded.  The hearing shall be attended by a quorum of the Executive Board and by a least one representative of the offending club.  In addition, the Hearing may be attended by all affected parties who may elect one spokesperson to speak on their behalf in addition to the club representative(s)

E.         For violations involving board members: the 1^st offense will result in a minimum of no coaching for one year. The second offense will result in suspension indefinitely from coaching.  The member in question can remain on the board at the discretion of the affected association.  The suspension will begin at the time of the ruling.

F.   The offended clubs President and Registrar will be notified of all penalties imposed for violations of 12.A through 12.D whenever possible.

RULE #13 - ELIGIBILITY:

A.  District:

1.   A player must reside within the prescribed boundary lines of the district for which he plays on the first day of the sports season in progress.  The only acceptable deviation of this rule will be in the following alternatives.

a.   If a player moves his/her residence, or is transferred to another district as a result of a boundary change during his/her sports career, he/she may elect to finish his/her sports career with the district from which he/she moved or transferred providing he/she has been a registered squad member of that district for at least one year.  If the player chooses to remain with the old district, the player is to remain with that district for the duration of his/her sports career.  To be eligible to remain with the old district the player and parent/guardian must sign a statement acknowledging that they are aware that it is for the duration of his/her sports career.  This signed statement must be on file with the County Eligibility Chairperson before the player will be cleared to play.  A one (1) year probationary period applies to all players who have signed a move release form to stay with their previous association and moves more than ten (10) mile from his previous residence.  After the probationary period the resides.  If a player has an approved move release form on file his/her younger siblings, upon reaching playing age, will have the option to play with player may switch to the association where the player now the same district as the older sibling  or with the district in which they now reside.

b.   Players who belong to any of the organizations who choose to not field sports for a particular sport season through the Pee Wees (ie baseball) and that organization directly fields teams for another organization (ie Pony, Little League) shall be given an option to play Pee Wees for another KPAPWA team and also will have an option to stay in that KPAPWA organization for all other sports.  (Not required—only at his/her option)

B.  Physical Limitations:

1.   Age:  Any player whose fourteenth birthday occurs on or before the thirty-first day of July, shall not be eligible to participate in Pee Wee sports or activities after the thirtieth day of November in the same year.  Any player whose fourteenth birthday occurs on or after the first day of August shall be eligible to participate in all Pee Wee sports or activities until the thirtieth day of November of the following year.

Exception #1:  Fourteen year old players who participate in football must play A level .

Exception #2:  Boys who are thirteen  and fourteen at the beginning of the sports year must play basketball at the AA level.

Exception #3:  Girls who are fifteen during the football season must play A level.  Boys who are fifteen during football must play at the A level.

Exception #4:  Allowing girl players who are fourteen before August 1^st of the current Football season (but turn 15 between August 1^st and November 30^th of the current Football season) to play as Pee Wee fourteen year olds.

Exception #5: Baseball ages will be April 30 to may 1st.

Intent of Rule #13.B.1:  To establish the Pee Wee date in line with the school entrance deadline of August 1, which will consolidate all eligibility under one date, simplify the job of eligibility, eliminate difficulties concerning the determination of the sports year and permit a player to complete a sport year with his/her respective class in school.

2.   Height:  All players, all squads, all sports; no limitation.

3.   Weight:  All players, all squads, all sports; no limitation.

                   a,  All football teams are established according to player’s age (changed 6/07)

    5 & 6 yr old players will play Flag (instructional)

    7 & 8 yr old players will play D team

    9 & 10 yr old players will play C team

    11 & 12 yr old players will play B team

    13 & 14 yr old players will play A team

    Playing down will NOT be allowed, playing up will be allowed.

    b,     Maximum age limits for Baseball and Basketball are established according to player's ages: (changed 1/98)

13 & 14 year olds must play AA level  (basketball only) SEE RULE 13.B.2

12 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN A level

11 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN B level

10 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN C level

9 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN D level

8 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN Coach Pitch

7 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN Tee Ball  (T-7)

5/6 year olds must play NO LOWER THAN Instructional Ball  (T-6)

See rule 13.B.1 for AA Basketball

Any player can play above his group, but cannot play below it.  (As an example, an 11 year old may play A team ball, but could not play C.)

C.        Certification of Birth:

Record of birth must be a photocopy of a certified copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Department of Health, hospital birth records, Passport, Military Dependent ID card or Baptismal certificate.  One of the above birth certificates must be presented to the eligibility chairperson for the certification of a player's date of birth into the Adult Association record if the player's date of birth has not been previously certified and recorded.

D.  Master Rosters: (Changed 1/98)

1.   To be eligible for participation (this includes practice) in any sport, each players name shall be included, last name first, in alphabetical order, on a master roster sheet for that particular sport.  Master rosters must first be submitted to the Eligibility Chairperson two (2) weeks prior to the first practice of the season.  All additional players names may be submitted on a weekly basis until the halfway point of the season is reached and no players may be added to the roster after this time.  Detailed instructions for preparation and handling will be distributed by the Eligibility Chairperson. 

Intent of Rule 13.E: (changed 1/98)  To certify that all players participating in that particular sport season are eligible in all respects, including that they have signed up with the proper club.

Penalty: (Added 1/98)  There will be a ten dollar ($10.00) fine each time rosters are not submitted per 13.E.1

2.   Team (game) rosters must be presented to the Eligibility Chairperson for game roster certification two (2) weeks PRIOR to the first game.  Once team rosters are certified (i.e., presented to the Eligibility Chairperson and verified as no problems) no penalty will be imposed that sports season if an accidental violation is later found.  (Added 1/98)  Penalties may, however, be imposed because of any violations involving players whose names were not on a roster at the time of certification.

1.            Game Roster:

The coach of each team shall exchange rosters with the opposing coach prior to any contest including jamboree, tournament, and scheduled non-league contests.  This roster will list in alphabetic order the full names as they were approved by the Eligibility Chairperson or the Eligibility Committee, and number if available, of all the players who will be participating in that contest.  In baseball, this roster also will list, behind the pitcher's name, the number of innings pitched.  After each game, opposing baseball coaches shall sign the roster with their players listed on it.  Detailed instructions for preparation by the Association for use as game rosters are provided.

Intent of Rule 13.F:  To provide an adequate method for the Eligibility Chairperson to determine that each player participating in the particular game has:

1.            Been certified, registered, and listed on the squad roster.

2.                            Not violated any portion of the football official weight rule.  In addition, the rule will aid in eliminating verbal and written protest relative to player eligibility.

3.                            It is mandatory to check the block indicating whether paid referees are present or not.

               4.      Any league games played with an ineligible player (intentional or unintentional) unless exempted by Rule 13.E.2 will be an automatic forfeit.

G.  Tie In Standings:

In all cases where a tie in the standings exist on any team, the following procedure shall be followed.  A tie

in the standings shall be defined by identical regular season records regardless of head to head outcome, point spread or any other tie-breaker.

1.   If a two-way tie for a trophy is involved, it shall be played off.

2.   If a multiple tie for a trophy is involved, a single elimination tournament by halves will be played.  Half--Football=2 quarters, Baseball=A  level 4 innings, B, C, or D  level 3 innings.

3.   All ties that do not involve a trophy position shall be decided by a flip of a coin to determine playoff positions.  Procedure to be conducted by the 2^nd Vice-President of the KPAPWA.  A tie breaker for a half in Basketball shall be in accordance with high school rules.  There shall be winner declared at the end of each half.  Team one (1) and two (2) will play the first half with the winner advancing and the loser being eliminated.  Teams three (3) and four (4) will play the second half with the winner advancing and the loser being eliminated.  The two (2) winners shall play each other with the winner being declared the first place team.

H.  Playoff Schedule:  (Changed 1/98)

A playoff schedule shall be established for all AA, A, B, C, and D levels.  Central Council will have final approval for all playoff formats, EXCEPT AS NOTED IN 15.1 AND 15.2.  Higher seeded teams will be the home team for all sports through out the entire playoffs.  Home team will be determined by a coin toss in the event of equal seeding.

I.    Trophies:

Trophies shall be provided by the Association for first and Second places (Association wide, not Division wide) for all county championship play.

J.   Athletic Participation Forms:

To be eligible to participate in any sport, each player shall have on file with their local eligibility chairperson, a parent permission Athletic Participation Form which has been read and signed by that player's parent or guardian.  These forms are subject to random audit by the KPAPWA Central Council.

RULE #14 - BASEBALL FORMAT:

In baseball, multiple teams at the B and C level may be organized as the parent club deems appropriate, however, there shall be no try-outs or judging.

The league champion shall be determined by a single elimination tournament at the end of the regular season with the top four teams in each division participating in the tournament.  It will be the 2^nd Vice-

President's responsibility to organize the tournament.

RULE #15 - FOOTBALL FORMAT:

All football teams for levels A through D  shall play eleven (11) man tackle football and E level shall play eight (8) man flag football.  The E level shall be an instructional league and as such no score shall be kept.  The field for A through D shall be as close to regulation field as possible.

In order to encourage the growth of member association's football programs and hence the sign-ups of additional players, there shall be no county imposed limit to the number of players allowed to participate at the D level.  Team sizes at the D level will only be at the discretion of the member association to determine player limits and whether to form additional D level teams.

A, B and C level football teams shall be limited to 25 players.  A team may request a waiver from the Executive Board for two (2) additional players.

When there are 10 or more teams at a level, there shall be two (2) divisions.  All cross-divisional games will not affect division standings.

1.   If there is only one division at a level with 7 teams or less a playoff shall be established to have the top four (4) teams playoff as per the following:

1^st place  vs  4^th place

2^nd place  vs  3^rd place

The County Championship shall be played with the winners of the two games.

                          If there are 8 or 9 teams the top 6 go to the playoff. Top two teams have byes in the first round . If                             tie for 2^nd or 3^rd 1^st tie breaker would be head to head. 2^nd would be a coin flip

                                                             Game 1      3^rd place vs 6^th place

                                                              Game 2      4^th place vs 5^th place.

                                                              Winner of game 1 plays 1^st place.

                                                              Winner of game 2 plays 2^nd place

2.   If there are two divisions, a playoff shall be established to have the top four teams in each division play as per the following:

Game 1          1^st place Div A vs 4^th place Div B

Game 2          3^rd place Div A vs 2^nd place Div B

Game 3          2^nd place Div A vs 3^rd place Div B

Game 4          4^th place Div A vs 1^st place Div B

The semifinal games will be as follows:  Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2

Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 4

RULE #16 - PROTESTS: