Constitution
Article 1
1. NAME
1.1 The organization shall be known as the Golden Horseshoe (Burlington) Touch Football Association (GHTFA).
Article 2
2. AFFILIATIONS
2.1 The GHTFA shall be a member of Touch Football Ontario, which in turn is a member of the National Association governing touch football.
2.2 The GHTFA may be a member of the Federation of International Touch (FIT).
2.3 Due to our affiliation with provincial, national, and international touch football organizations, any team in good standing within a member league of the GHTFA, can be sanctioned to compete at one, or all of these three various organizations.
Article 3
3. OBJECTIVES
3.1 To increase the participation of Touch Football for all players, managers, coaches and volunteers throughout the Golden Horseshoe Region.
3.2 To improve the caliber of play in the game.
3.3 To establish conditions conducive to safety, and enjoyment for all participants.
3.4 To obtain sufficient funds for the successful on going operation of the association. The GHTFA shall be a non-profit organization.
Article 4
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 The GHTFA may have men and women as members.
4.2 Players must be 17 years of age, or older to participate.
4.2.1 All returning teams are subject to review at the association Annual General Meeting. Teams on probation are subject to the following measures;
4.2.2 Double performance bond ($300)
4.2.3 Loss of voting status for one year
4.3 New teams will make presentations and be voted on for acceptance at the association Annual General Meeting.
Article 5
5. VOTING
5.1 General Meetings - All member teams (in good standing) of leagues within the association shall have voting rights (one per team). The association President will only vote to break a tie.
5.2 Executive Meetings - All voting members of the Executive shall have one vote. The association President will only vote to break a tie.
5.3 League Meetings - Each member teams (in good standing) will have a vote at their league meetings. The League President will only vote to break a tie.
5.4 At all levels of meetings, a quorum of 50% of voting delegates must be present to initiate voting, with majority deciding the motion. Votes by written proxy are accepted.
Article 6
6. EXECUTIVE
6.1 The following GHTFA Executive shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting;
6.1.1 Association President
6.1.2 Secretary
6.1.3 League Presidents (i.e. A, B, C and Masters Leagues)
6.1.4 Registrar
6.1.5 Treasurer
6.1.6 Referee-In-Chief
6.1.7 Vice President of Technology
6.1.8 Scheduler
6.2 The following Coordinator positions are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting;
6.2.1 Social Media Coordinator (includes Newspaper coordination, Facebook, Twitter)
6.2.2 Website/Marketing Coordinator
6.2.3 Tournament Coordinator (Early Bird and Bolla ‘Snow’ Bowl™)
6.2.4 Championship Day Coordinator
6.3 The Association Past President will be an ex-officio member of the Executive until the current President is replaced;
6.4 League Presidents may appoint sub committees as required
6.5 The GHTFA Executive and / or an assigned Discipline Committee will determine any and all disciplinary action(s) for any player and/or team in accordance with the GHTFA Constitution. Also refer to Articles 11 and 13.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of all GHTFA members to fully understand the GHTFA Constitution with respect to conduct and disciplinary action(s).
Article 7
7. SIGNING OFFICER
7.1 The association President and/or Treasurer are authorized to sign cheques in the name of GHTFA, and to transfer other financial business necessary for the association
Article 8
8. MEMBERSHIP FEES
8.1 League fees are set by the association annually and apply to all teams based on final schedule (i.e. number of games).
8.2 All teams shall purchase one set of goal post pads and four end zone pylons. These must be used at all games.
8.3 A performance bond of $150.00 (amount subject to review annually) shall be deposited with the association by each existing team. All new teams will deposit a performance bond in the amount of $300. The purpose of this bond is to ensure that the rules and regulations of the association are followed. The bond may be refunded to the team at the end of the season subject to payment of team fines, any rescheduled game charges, and surrendering all league equipment (including annual trophies). New teams will pay double.
8.4 All teams shall volunteer for a minimum of one (1) league position/task, as outlined annually. Failure to fulfill the duties related to the position/task will result in the team forfeiting their performance bond.
Article 9
9. RULES OF PLAY
9.1 The GHTFA will play under the rules published in the most recent version of the "Touch Rules & Case Book", updated by any interim rule changes approved by the National Touch Association, currently the "National Football Federation of Canada"
9.2 Default Game scoring: Games awarded by default will result in a 28 – 0 score and the defaulting team will be assessed a fine in accordance with Article 11.1.1.1
9.3 Tie Breaking Rules:
9.3.1. When two or more team are tied:
9.3.1.1. 1st – Head to Head match up is considered (The Team with the superior head to head record will advance)
9.3.1.2. 2nd - Total Wins amongst the affected teams;
9.3.1.3. 3rd - Points against amongst the affected teams;
9.3.1.4. 4th - Points for and against differential amongst the affected team;
9.3.1.5. 5th - Total wins with all team in the League or Division;
9.3.1.6. 6th – Points against with all team in the League or Division; and
9.3.1.7. 7th – Points for and against with all team in the League or Division.
9.3.2. Once a team is eliminated from the tie they are no longer considered to be included in the tie breaker.
Article 10
10. TEAM GUIDELINES
10.1 In general, games will be played in accordance with the league schedule once it is set prior to the season. Re-scheduling of games is strongly discouraged and may not be possible due to field and/or referee shortages. If necessary, re-scheduling of games requires a minimum of two weeks advance notice and the approval of both teams playing. This must be done through the appropriate League Presidents, Referee-In-Chief and Scheduling Coordinator so necessary field rentals, and referee assignments can be made. The team that requests the rescheduling is responsible for any additional cost.
10.1.1 Once the final schedule is posted, it may not be possible to re-schedule a game. It is each team’s responsibility to ensure that they have enough players at each game. Failure to meet this requirement will result in forfeiture of the game and fine in accordance with Article 11.1.1.1
10.2 Should the association officiate our own games, it is the responsibility of each team to supply referees as required.
10.3 Team rosters shall be submitted to the association prior to the first regular season game. Additions may be made up to the mid-way point of each league schedule. After this point, all rosters are frozen and no additions are permitted. The maximum roster for men's teams is 21 players, and 25 maximum for women's teams. Player movement within the same league will be allowed only if the player has played 3 or less games, and upon the league Presidents approval. No more than two players from the same team may transfer to another team. Any roster changes must be confirmed with the completion of the appropriate provincial player transfer form.
10.4 New player are subject to review at league meetings. Ineligible players from other leagues will not be allowed to play in the GHTFA without approval of the association Executive.
10.5 Game Score/Roster Cards shall be filled out before the second half of each game and shall include only players present including any injured players. Players must physically be present at the game to be recorded on the Game Score/Roster Cards. Game Score/Roster Cards need to be signed by the referee and the opposing team manager/captain to be valid.
10.6 Teams shall provide goal post pads and four (4) pylons to delineate their end zone.
10.7 The winning team shall report the game score within 24 hrs after the game.
10.8 Team fines shall be paid to the GHTFA or League President prior to their next scheduled game. Failure to do so will result in additional fines and/or forfeiture of their next game.
10.9 Any team fined three times during the season is automatically placed on probation, and will be subject to further discipline as determined by the Executive.
10.10 Any fighting on the same property as association games are played, whether before, during or after the game, will result in suspension and fine. Assault charges may follow. Suspension may be up to two years.
10.11 Any harassment or demeaning remarks to the association Executive or Referee by a team member will be subject to fines, probation and/or suspension.
10.12 Baiting with the intent to start a fight, while covered in the rule book, will be subject to additional fines and suspension.
10.13 If a player is disqualified from a game on three occasions during the season, that player will be suspended for the balance of the year, subject to review for the next year.
10.13.1 A player MUST attend the game(s) which they were suspended and their name must be on the game score card for those games, and the official note that the player which was suspended was in attendance;
10.14 Players must be on the team roster in order to play a league game and be on the team game card, a player may not be on two team rosters where the teams compete against each other.
10.15 Playoff Eligibility - A player must attend a minimum of 50% of their league games to be eligible for participation in the playoffs. Injured players must be at their games in order to have their names put on the Game Score/Roster Card. Any other extenuating circumstances must have league approval (by written request) at the time of the circumstance.
10.16 Inclement weather - Any game that is interrupted by storms that create unsafe playing conditions (i.e. lightning) should be delayed 30 minutes until the unsafe condition passes. All pertinent game information should be recorded (time remaining, score, scrimmage location, down, and team with possession) in the event that the game is completed at a later time/date. The game duration may be adjusted if necessary.
10.17 Association Composition
10.17.1 The Association will consist of 4 leagues:
10.17.1.1 A League – competitive league (i.e. most teams and players competing in the TFO (Touch football Ontario) Tier 1 Trillium tour);
10.17.1.2 B League – semi competitive league (i.e. some teams and players competing on the Trillium Tour in Tier 2 – 4);
10.17.1.3 C League – recreational league;
10.17.1.4 Masters League - recreational league where players must be at least 35 years old by opening day each season, this league has a mixture of players from all leagues, however it is strictly recreational and all teams make the playoffs.
10.17.2 Each league will generally consist of 8 teams. The recreational league may have more than 8 teams but no more than 12.
10.17.3 The Association may have one or more women’s leagues.
10.17.4 The Association may have one or more junior league where the players must be under 18.
Note: Teams may move up or down to a higher or lower league based on their final standings and/or ranking based on the previous year. In general, the following criteria will be followed;
10.17.4.1 The top two team in the lower league will move up to the higher league; and
10.17.4.2 The bottom two teams will move down annually.
10.17.4.3 Teams may petition to move up or down based on player moves and changes that may make their team more or less competitive at their current level.
10.17.5 The GHTFA Executive will determine the final rankings at the AGM.
Article 11
11. FINES
11.1 All fines will be reviewed by the association Executive for further disciplinary action such as probation and/ or suspension. More than one fine may apply depending on the nature of the incident.
11.1.1 $150 Fine;
11.1.1.1 Forfeiting a game for any reason (i.e. too few players, no goal post pads, etc.
11.1.2 $100.00 Fine;
11.1.2.1 Punching, deliberate intent to injure:
11.1.2.2 Baiting, goading another player to fight ;
11.1.2.3 Deliberately falsifying a Game Score/Roster Card;
11.1.2.4 Team using an ineligible player (also forfeit any game he/she played);
11.1.2.5 A Player ejected for "Abuse of an Official"
11.1.2.5.1 As well the player will lose eligibility for the game in which they were flagged for "Abuse of Official" as well as suspended for two subsequent games
11.1.3 $ 50.00 Fine;
11.1.3.1 Any player disqualified from a game.
11.1.4 $ 25.00 Fine;
11.1.4.1 Missed meeting.
11.1.4.2 Failure to report game score within 24 hours.
Article 12
12. INJURIES
12.1 The GHTFA and its Executive will not be responsible for any injury, or loss of personal property
Article 13
13. PROTESTS
13.1 General - Protest and Appeal Process - All protests and appeals must be submitted in writing to the League President within forty eight (48) hours of the game or incident (unless otherwise noted in Article 13.2.). A protest/appeal bond of $25 must accompany the written protest/appeal in order for it to be considered by the Association Executive. The protest/appeal will be reviewed by the association Executive who will make the final decision within five (5) calendar days. During the review period, the original disciplinary decision of the Executive will remain in place. The protest/appeal bond of $25.00 will be refunded if the protest/appeal is upheld.
13.2 Player Eligibility Protests - Any protest regarding player eligibility must be made to the referee, and the opposing team captain prior to the start of the game so that all parties are made aware that the game is being played under protest. After the game, it is the responsibility of the team captain to make an official protest, in writing, in accordance with article 13.1.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of all GHTFA members to fully understand the GHTFA Constitution with respect to conduct and disciplinary action(s).
Article 14
14. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
14.1 Amendments to this constitution can only be made at the Annual General Meeting. A 75% majority vote is required to approve a revision. Written submission of items to be revised must be made to the association President two weeks prior to the AGM
End of the GHTFA Constitution
Downloadable copy of the current GHTFA Constitution.
Article 1
1. NAME
1.1 The organization shall be known as the Golden Horseshoe (Burlington) Touch Football Association (GHTFA).
Article 2
2. AFFILIATIONS
2.1 The GHTFA shall be a member of Touch Football Ontario, which in turn is a member of the National Association governing touch football.
2.2 The GHTFA may be a member of the Federation of International Touch (FIT).
2.3 Due to our affiliation with provincial, national, and international touch football organizations, any team in good standing within a member league of the GHTFA, can be sanctioned to compete at one, or all of these three various organizations.
Article 3
3. OBJECTIVES
3.1 To increase the participation of Touch Football for all players, managers, coaches and volunteers throughout the Golden Horseshoe Region.
3.2 To improve the caliber of play in the game.
3.3 To establish conditions conducive to safety, and enjoyment for all participants.
3.4 To obtain sufficient funds for the successful on going operation of the association. The GHTFA shall be a non-profit organization.
Article 4
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 The GHTFA may have men and women as members.
4.2 Players must be 17 years of age, or older to participate.
4.2.1 All returning teams are subject to review at the association Annual General Meeting. Teams on probation are subject to the following measures;
4.2.2 Double performance bond ($300)
4.2.3 Loss of voting status for one year
4.3 New teams will make presentations and be voted on for acceptance at the association Annual General Meeting.
Article 5
5. VOTING
5.1 General Meetings - All member teams (in good standing) of leagues within the association shall have voting rights (one per team). The association President will only vote to break a tie.
5.2 Executive Meetings - All voting members of the Executive shall have one vote. The association President will only vote to break a tie.
5.3 League Meetings - Each member teams (in good standing) will have a vote at their league meetings. The League President will only vote to break a tie.
5.4 At all levels of meetings, a quorum of 50% of voting delegates must be present to initiate voting, with majority deciding the motion. Votes by written proxy are accepted.
Article 6
6. EXECUTIVE
6.1 The following GHTFA Executive shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting;
6.1.1 Association President
6.1.2 Secretary
6.1.3 League Presidents (i.e. A, B, C and Masters Leagues)
6.1.4 Registrar
6.1.5 Treasurer
6.1.6 Referee-In-Chief
6.1.7 Vice President of Technology
6.1.8 Scheduler
6.2 The following Coordinator positions are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting;
6.2.1 Social Media Coordinator (includes Newspaper coordination, Facebook, Twitter)
6.2.2 Website/Marketing Coordinator
6.2.3 Tournament Coordinator (Early Bird and Bolla ‘Snow’ Bowl™)
6.2.4 Championship Day Coordinator
6.3 The Association Past President will be an ex-officio member of the Executive until the current President is replaced;
6.4 League Presidents may appoint sub committees as required
6.5 The GHTFA Executive and / or an assigned Discipline Committee will determine any and all disciplinary action(s) for any player and/or team in accordance with the GHTFA Constitution. Also refer to Articles 11 and 13.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of all GHTFA members to fully understand the GHTFA Constitution with respect to conduct and disciplinary action(s).
Article 7
7. SIGNING OFFICER
7.1 The association President and/or Treasurer are authorized to sign cheques in the name of GHTFA, and to transfer other financial business necessary for the association
Article 8
8. MEMBERSHIP FEES
8.1 League fees are set by the association annually and apply to all teams based on final schedule (i.e. number of games).
8.2 All teams shall purchase one set of goal post pads and four end zone pylons. These must be used at all games.
8.3 A performance bond of $150.00 (amount subject to review annually) shall be deposited with the association by each existing team. All new teams will deposit a performance bond in the amount of $300. The purpose of this bond is to ensure that the rules and regulations of the association are followed. The bond may be refunded to the team at the end of the season subject to payment of team fines, any rescheduled game charges, and surrendering all league equipment (including annual trophies). New teams will pay double.
8.4 All teams shall volunteer for a minimum of one (1) league position/task, as outlined annually. Failure to fulfill the duties related to the position/task will result in the team forfeiting their performance bond.
Article 9
9. RULES OF PLAY
9.1 The GHTFA will play under the rules published in the most recent version of the "Touch Rules & Case Book", updated by any interim rule changes approved by the National Touch Association, currently the "National Football Federation of Canada"
9.2 Default Game scoring: Games awarded by default will result in a 28 – 0 score and the defaulting team will be assessed a fine in accordance with Article 11.1.1.1
9.3 Tie Breaking Rules:
9.3.1. When two or more team are tied:
9.3.1.1. 1st – Head to Head match up is considered (The Team with the superior head to head record will advance)
9.3.1.2. 2nd - Total Wins amongst the affected teams;
9.3.1.3. 3rd - Points against amongst the affected teams;
9.3.1.4. 4th - Points for and against differential amongst the affected team;
9.3.1.5. 5th - Total wins with all team in the League or Division;
9.3.1.6. 6th – Points against with all team in the League or Division; and
9.3.1.7. 7th – Points for and against with all team in the League or Division.
9.3.2. Once a team is eliminated from the tie they are no longer considered to be included in the tie breaker.
Article 10
10. TEAM GUIDELINES
10.1 In general, games will be played in accordance with the league schedule once it is set prior to the season. Re-scheduling of games is strongly discouraged and may not be possible due to field and/or referee shortages. If necessary, re-scheduling of games requires a minimum of two weeks advance notice and the approval of both teams playing. This must be done through the appropriate League Presidents, Referee-In-Chief and Scheduling Coordinator so necessary field rentals, and referee assignments can be made. The team that requests the rescheduling is responsible for any additional cost.
10.1.1 Once the final schedule is posted, it may not be possible to re-schedule a game. It is each team’s responsibility to ensure that they have enough players at each game. Failure to meet this requirement will result in forfeiture of the game and fine in accordance with Article 11.1.1.1
10.2 Should the association officiate our own games, it is the responsibility of each team to supply referees as required.
10.3 Team rosters shall be submitted to the association prior to the first regular season game. Additions may be made up to the mid-way point of each league schedule. After this point, all rosters are frozen and no additions are permitted. The maximum roster for men's teams is 21 players, and 25 maximum for women's teams. Player movement within the same league will be allowed only if the player has played 3 or less games, and upon the league Presidents approval. No more than two players from the same team may transfer to another team. Any roster changes must be confirmed with the completion of the appropriate provincial player transfer form.
10.4 New player are subject to review at league meetings. Ineligible players from other leagues will not be allowed to play in the GHTFA without approval of the association Executive.
10.5 Game Score/Roster Cards shall be filled out before the second half of each game and shall include only players present including any injured players. Players must physically be present at the game to be recorded on the Game Score/Roster Cards. Game Score/Roster Cards need to be signed by the referee and the opposing team manager/captain to be valid.
10.6 Teams shall provide goal post pads and four (4) pylons to delineate their end zone.
10.7 The winning team shall report the game score within 24 hrs after the game.
10.8 Team fines shall be paid to the GHTFA or League President prior to their next scheduled game. Failure to do so will result in additional fines and/or forfeiture of their next game.
10.9 Any team fined three times during the season is automatically placed on probation, and will be subject to further discipline as determined by the Executive.
10.10 Any fighting on the same property as association games are played, whether before, during or after the game, will result in suspension and fine. Assault charges may follow. Suspension may be up to two years.
10.11 Any harassment or demeaning remarks to the association Executive or Referee by a team member will be subject to fines, probation and/or suspension.
10.12 Baiting with the intent to start a fight, while covered in the rule book, will be subject to additional fines and suspension.
10.13 If a player is disqualified from a game on three occasions during the season, that player will be suspended for the balance of the year, subject to review for the next year.
10.13.1 A player MUST attend the game(s) which they were suspended and their name must be on the game score card for those games, and the official note that the player which was suspended was in attendance;
10.14 Players must be on the team roster in order to play a league game and be on the team game card, a player may not be on two team rosters where the teams compete against each other.
10.15 Playoff Eligibility - A player must attend a minimum of 50% of their league games to be eligible for participation in the playoffs. Injured players must be at their games in order to have their names put on the Game Score/Roster Card. Any other extenuating circumstances must have league approval (by written request) at the time of the circumstance.
10.16 Inclement weather - Any game that is interrupted by storms that create unsafe playing conditions (i.e. lightning) should be delayed 30 minutes until the unsafe condition passes. All pertinent game information should be recorded (time remaining, score, scrimmage location, down, and team with possession) in the event that the game is completed at a later time/date. The game duration may be adjusted if necessary.
10.17 Association Composition
10.17.1 The Association will consist of 4 leagues:
10.17.1.1 A League – competitive league (i.e. most teams and players competing in the TFO (Touch football Ontario) Tier 1 Trillium tour);
10.17.1.2 B League – semi competitive league (i.e. some teams and players competing on the Trillium Tour in Tier 2 – 4);
10.17.1.3 C League – recreational league;
10.17.1.4 Masters League - recreational league where players must be at least 35 years old by opening day each season, this league has a mixture of players from all leagues, however it is strictly recreational and all teams make the playoffs.
10.17.2 Each league will generally consist of 8 teams. The recreational league may have more than 8 teams but no more than 12.
10.17.3 The Association may have one or more women’s leagues.
10.17.4 The Association may have one or more junior league where the players must be under 18.
Note: Teams may move up or down to a higher or lower league based on their final standings and/or ranking based on the previous year. In general, the following criteria will be followed;
10.17.4.1 The top two team in the lower league will move up to the higher league; and
10.17.4.2 The bottom two teams will move down annually.
10.17.4.3 Teams may petition to move up or down based on player moves and changes that may make their team more or less competitive at their current level.
10.17.5 The GHTFA Executive will determine the final rankings at the AGM.
Article 11
11. FINES
11.1 All fines will be reviewed by the association Executive for further disciplinary action such as probation and/ or suspension. More than one fine may apply depending on the nature of the incident.
11.1.1 $150 Fine;
11.1.1.1 Forfeiting a game for any reason (i.e. too few players, no goal post pads, etc.
11.1.2 $100.00 Fine;
11.1.2.1 Punching, deliberate intent to injure:
11.1.2.2 Baiting, goading another player to fight ;
11.1.2.3 Deliberately falsifying a Game Score/Roster Card;
11.1.2.4 Team using an ineligible player (also forfeit any game he/she played);
11.1.2.5 A Player ejected for "Abuse of an Official"
11.1.2.5.1 As well the player will lose eligibility for the game in which they were flagged for "Abuse of Official" as well as suspended for two subsequent games
11.1.3 $ 50.00 Fine;
11.1.3.1 Any player disqualified from a game.
11.1.4 $ 25.00 Fine;
11.1.4.1 Missed meeting.
11.1.4.2 Failure to report game score within 24 hours.
Article 12
12. INJURIES
12.1 The GHTFA and its Executive will not be responsible for any injury, or loss of personal property
Article 13
13. PROTESTS
13.1 General - Protest and Appeal Process - All protests and appeals must be submitted in writing to the League President within forty eight (48) hours of the game or incident (unless otherwise noted in Article 13.2.). A protest/appeal bond of $25 must accompany the written protest/appeal in order for it to be considered by the Association Executive. The protest/appeal will be reviewed by the association Executive who will make the final decision within five (5) calendar days. During the review period, the original disciplinary decision of the Executive will remain in place. The protest/appeal bond of $25.00 will be refunded if the protest/appeal is upheld.
13.2 Player Eligibility Protests - Any protest regarding player eligibility must be made to the referee, and the opposing team captain prior to the start of the game so that all parties are made aware that the game is being played under protest. After the game, it is the responsibility of the team captain to make an official protest, in writing, in accordance with article 13.1.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of all GHTFA members to fully understand the GHTFA Constitution with respect to conduct and disciplinary action(s).
Article 14
14. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
14.1 Amendments to this constitution can only be made at the Annual General Meeting. A 75% majority vote is required to approve a revision. Written submission of items to be revised must be made to the association President two weeks prior to the AGM
End of the GHTFA Constitution
Downloadable copy of the current GHTFA Constitution.