ECFA Bylaws 2026

The East Coast Football Association Bylaws are in place as a guide. This

guide is governed by the ECFA Staff and adhered to by ECFA Team

Ownership. This guide will not be used to benefit any one team more

than another and the Lead Commissioner and Staff has the authority to

make common sense judgments to maintain good order and discipline.

 

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1. - The name of the organization shall be the East Coast Football Association (ECFA)

Section 2. - The ECFA shall consist of three levels: 3A, 2A, and 1A

 

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The East Coast Football Association is formed for the following purposes:

 (a) To provide a football league that fosters and facilitates amateur tackle training and competitions regionally, nationally, and internationally 

(b) To support the growth of amateur football regionally, nationally, and internationally 

(c) To organize, coordinate, and support football games with other regional, national, and international football teams and leagues 

(d) To train, educate, and promote football players who desire to play on regional, national, and international football teams 

(e) To publish information which discusses subjects described in (a) through (d) above (f) To solicit, receive, maintain, invest, and reinvest funds of real and personal property and to contribute its income and principal as deemed advisable for the purposes provided in (a)

through (e) above.

 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. - The East Coast Football Association shall consist of all current ECFA teams that meet admission requirements, teams that are in good standing and teams that have paid the league fees due at the scheduled times given, unless otherwise approved by the League’s Staff. Membership is recognized as being year-by-year.

Section 2. - Each ECFA team in good standing shall be entitled to one (1) vote, when a voting situation is presented.

Section 3. - A team shall be considered not in good standing if it has forfeited a game or if, in the judgment of the ECFA Staff, it has acted in willful violation of the East Coast Football Association Bylaws or Standing Rules. 

A forfeited game is defined as a game played, not played or not completed because:

One of the teams failed to show up to the designated competition site

The home team changed the game time, day or location without proper notification as outlined in the ECFA Bylaws per Conduct and Regulation of Team Unit, Section 9

The game was called by the ECFA Head of Officials for failure to follow ECFA regulations

One of the teams used an ineligible player. An ineligible player is defined as a player who is paid to play, a player without a release from his former team and who has left an ECFA team, joined and played in a game in another league in the same season. (A player’s ineligibility must be documented prior to game day kickoff)

Section 4. - All new teams are on a one-year probationary period with voting rights, with exception of Bylaws issues.

Probationary status will be reviewed by the ECFA Staff. A team needs a vote by the Commissioners to pass from probationary status to good standing. If there is a negative vote, in which majority of the teams within good standing vote for a team to be removed, the Lead Commissioner and/or Commissioners will strongly consider the vote into the final decision.

Section 5. - All league debts are to be paid in full one (1) month prior to opening date of the current season unless arrangements have been made with the Commissioner.

If payment is not made, the team has decided to forfeit the current season. Regardless of which team violates this, it shall be handled on a zero-tolerance basis.

Section 6. – ECFA Players that choose to play in other semi-pro/minor professional leagues during the same calendar year are subject to the following restrictions.

1. These players cannot miss an ECFA to participate in any other league.

2. These players MUST sign a medical waiver absolving the ECFA and organizations under the ECFA of responsibility for any injury that may occur.

3. These players are not eligible for selection to or participation in any ECFA All-Star events

 

ARTICLE IV – LEADERSHIP & OFFICERS

Section 1. - The East Coast Football Association leadership shall consist of league Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners as assigned by the Lead Commissioner.

Section 2. - The  Commissioner CANNOT be voted out for any reason besides criminal actions detrimental to the league.

Section 3. – ECFA Deputy Commissioners can be removed by the Lead Commissioner.

 

ARTICLE V – DUTIES OF ECFA PERSONNEL

Commissioner Duties:

Preside over all ECFA meetings

Preside over leadership and admissions

Oversee ECFA scheduling

Have general supervision over the affairs of the ECFA

Have final authority over ECFA decisions

Maintain complete and accurate records of the ECFA's income and expenditures 

 

Deputy Commissioners’ duties:

Assume the duties of the Lead Commissioner in his/her absence, incapacity or resignation

Assist the Commissioner in whatever capacity the Lead Commissioner deems necessary

Have direct purview over potential Staff positions

Report all league matters to the Commissioner, before public release

 

Commissioner(s) Duties:

Oversee game-day execution

Cannot be a member of an active ECFA Team

Responsible for league and player discipline in their conference/division

Handle all necessary ECFA correspondence

Handle disciplinary issues that occur on game day

 

Deputy Commissioner(s) duties:

Assume the duties of the Commissioner in his absence, incapacity or resignation

Assist the Commissioner in whatever capacity the Commissioner deems necessary

 

Head of Officials Duties:

Responsible for ensuring all ECFA games have assigned referees weekly

Responsible for ensuring the quality of officiating is consistent with ECFA standards

Understand current NFL rules and make modifications to ECFA rules to ensure safety and great entertainment

Obtaining and distributing weekly reports on game day happenings

Ensure accurate weekly score reporting

Report to the Lead Commissioner to field locations by Thursday at 9:00 pm

 

ARTICLE VI - League Media

Section 1– Negotiation Authority

Each Team acknowledges and agrees that the ECFA shall have the exclusive right and authority to negotiate, enter into, and administer agreements with third parties for the recording, promotion, distribution, and other exploitation of content relating to the ECFA, its Teams, and all related personnel (e.g., players, coaches, staff, etc.). 

Section 2]– Binding Effect

Any such agreements entered into by the ECFA pursuant to Section [X.1] shall be binding upon each Team and its players, and each Team shall comply, and shall cause its players to comply, with all reasonable requirements of such agreements.

Section 3– Scope of Content

The rights granted to the ECFA under this Article shall include both on-field (e.g., games, events, etc.) and off-field content (e.g., documentaries, behind-the-scenes, etc.), ensuring that the League, its Teams, and all related personnel (e.g., players, coaches, staff, etc.) may be presented in a comprehensive and compelling manner.

 

ARTICLE VII - JUDICIARY ACTIONS

Section 1. - The Judiciary Committee shall consist of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners.

 Section 2. - It shall be the duty of the Judiciary Committee to settle grievances between teams and to rule on any

disciplinary action to be administered as per the current Bylaws. Grieving teams may present such facts or arguments that they deem proper, subject to the control of the Judiciary Committee who will conduct the hearing. They will answer all questions put to them by the other members of the Judiciary Committee, after which they will retire to another room to allow discussion and judgment by the Judiciary Committee. The majority vote will dictate the judgment.

All judgments shall go before the ECFA Commissioner and to be made official prior to team notifications.

The ECFA Commissioner will cast a vote in the event of a tie.

The Commissioner has the power to veto a judgment based on best interest of the league. 

Section 3. - In the event of an emergency situation, the Judiciary Committee may act upon the grievance prior to the

receipt of written copy of said grievance.

Section 4. - The Judiciary Committee may elect to conduct hearings in person, electronic correspondence or by conference call. All notes will be available upon request.

Section 5. - Any Judiciary Committee decision will be immediately released to the ECFA membership by the Commissioner

Section 6. - Any grievance decision by the Judiciary Committee may be appealed to the Assistant Commissioner. 

Section 7. – The Judiciary Committee has the authority to recommend the removal of teams who are in violation of ECFA Bylaws or if they are operating in a manner that may be determined to be detrimental to league business.

Section 8. – A recommendation of removal will go to the Assistant Commissioner for action, implementation and/or approval

 

ARTICLE VIII - ADMISSION OF NEW TEAMS: ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

The Admission Committee shall consist of the Commissioner, Deputy  Commissioner, and a minimum of three (3) senior members as appointed by the Commissioner.

It shall be the duty of the Admissions Committee to:

Receive applications from new teams via email.

Review and recommend applications for meeting minimal requirements.

Investigate new team applications and present at the next Staff Meeting.

All teams meeting minimal requirements shall be invited to the next League Meeting for presentation to the entire ECFA.

In order for a new team to be admitted into the ECFA, majority vote is required. Unless the Commissioner exercise his/her right for direct entry of teams. The focal point for this measurement shall be the established playing field that meets ECFA standards, for that franchise. (Commissioner’s Office Reserve the right to allow or decline admission despite vote)

 ****A team returning to the ECFA in good standing is eligible for automatic re-entry. ****

Upon admission to the ECFA, the team will pay to the ECFA a league fee of two hundred and fifty ($250) dollars for the normal ECFA fees due prior to the first Meeting of the current season.

Total ECFA dues are 3A-650, 2A-650, 1A-400

There will be a one-time two hundred ($200) dollar forfeit fee for ALL NEW ECFA teams. Non-refundable. The fee will be applied to next season’s league fees. (Waive-able by  Commissioner) 

A team not in good standing will be required to reapply for admission to the ECFA as a new applicant not currently in operation. Forfeits shall result in reapplication for admission unless forfeit is declared No Fault by

the Judiciary Committee.

 

ARTICLE IX - SCHEDULE:

The preparation of the schedule shall be the responsibility of the Lead Commissioner.

All special requests for home game dates must be submitted to the Commissioner prior to the date given by the Commissioner.  Once the regular season schedule is released to the league members there can be no further changes of opponents and/or game dates. If a team drops after the schedules are released then it will be the League’s Commissioner duty to fill in any open dates if possible.

All games will be played as scheduled; Games with prior approval from the Commissioner for relocation due to fire, flood, other acts of God, or the stadium facility access denial will be acted upon by the Commissioner. Once all information related to the relocation request has been submitted, the Commissioner will hand down a final determination with approval from the League’s Lead Commissioner.

Requests to relocate a game must be submitted as soon as possible. The ECFA understands that certain events may take place that are out of the control of the home team but in order for the league to assist the home team, the league must be notified as soon as possible. If a delay in notification to the Commissioner has been found, then the game may be awarded to the visiting team. Other disciplinary actions can be administered against the home team by the Judiciary Committee.

ARTICLE X – SCHEDULING

Preseason - Each team may schedule their own preseason games. Their opponents can be interleague, utilizing teams from other leagues. Both teams will need to govern a set of rules either NFL or NCAA collegian rules to play by. The teams win/loss record will be not utilized nor acknowledged for ECFA regular season records; however, the games with officials will count towards your overall record. 

 

Regular Season:

 

All Sunday games MUST be scheduled two (2) weeks in advance and approved by the Lead Commissioner.

All Sunday games MUST be with local teams: A local team is a team within 60 minutes of the game site.

All Sunday games not scheduled with at least two (2) weeks’ notice and are beyond 60 minutes’ travel time.  MUST get approval by the  Commissioner, the Head of Officials and the opposing team ownership

Playoff Games are on a case-by-case basis and will be governed with common sense by the Commissioner.

 

SPRING SEASON: 

All ECFA games shall be scheduled for Saturday (no kickoff after 8:00pm unless approved by the League’s Lead Commissioner and Head of Officials) or Sunday (no kickoff after 5:00pm)

Teams traveling less than 1 hour : games can be scheduled as early as 2:00pm

Teams traveling 1.5 hours to 2 hours: games can be scheduled no earlier than 3:00 pm

Teams traveling 2.5 to 3 hours: games can be scheduled no earlier than 4:00 pm

Teams traveling greater than 3.5 hours: games can be scheduled no earlier than 5:00 

 

*Owners can agree to schedule games outside of these guidelines however BOTH Home and Away Teams MUST agree to the terms and report them to the League.

 **(Kickoff Classic is the exception.) **

 

ARTICLE XI – ACTIVE ROSTERS

Each ECFA owner is responsible for ensuring all players register via the ECFA website with a full and complete roster listing with player’s information. 

Amendments to the team roster must be submitted by Monday Night at 11:59 pm updated via ECFA Website. A roster may have up to sixty-five (65) players for 3A, sixty (60) players -2A, and thirty five (35) players for 1A.

In order for new players to be added to a team's roster, the team must submit the new player’s information via  prior to the Friday at 10:00am roster cut-off time. The Personnel Officer will research the candidate and determine if the player is eligible to be added to the team’s roster. 

Once a player has been on the Roster for two games in the Regular Season they are not eligible to transfer to another ECFA Team

Rosters lock after Game 6 for all teams

No transfers after Week 6

Players are not allowed to transfer down more than one level of competition. (Cant go from 3A to 1A)

The ECFA  will provide a weekly update to all teams of team roster changes. 

 

Final Roster:

Must be submitted via ECFA Website no later than Monday of Game Week at 11:59pm of the given cut-off date. The Personnel Officer will notify the Commissioner with this information. 

Players contracted with an ECFA organization are on a per season basis and can change teams in between seasons unless released properly.

If the release is not provided, the player can send a request to the Personnel Officer. The Judiciary Committee will review all information and the make a determination. If the ruling is for the team, then the player may be released only at the team's discretion. If the ruling is in favor of the player then they are determined to be a free agent and may then sign with any other team. The player has the right to sit out the season if their request for release is not agreed upon.

After the ECFA has officially completed its season, all players are declared free agents and are permitted to change from one team to another without consent. 

Roster checks are optional each game. Roster checks must be done prior to the game’s kickoff, during warmups or gate entry. All Commissioners, Referees, and Owners can call for a random roster check. All players must have photo ID to compare with the name on the roster. It is advised that roster checks be done at the entry point of the stadium to avoid stadium delays.

 

ARTICLE XII- CONDUCT AND REGULATION OF TEAM UNIT

Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any team, team official or any individual player, whether it be on the field or off, shall be dealt with by the Judiciary Committee. The offending person or persons may be subjected to disciplinary measures up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from the league. Each Team’s Owners shall be held responsible for the conduct of its players and its staff, whether individually or collectively. The Judiciary Committee may, if they deem it beneficial to the ECFA, suspend any team personnel. A second violation in the same season results in an automatic suspension for the remainder of the year.

ASSAULT ON AN OFFICIAL WILL RESULT IN A LIFETIME BAN.

Any team not on the field, ready to play within fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled time for the game, may be subject to such fine as the Judiciary Committee shall impose. If said team has not appeared, ready to play within one hour (60 minutes) after the scheduled time for the beginning of the game, the game may be played with the consent of both teams. If this game is not played, it will be forwarded to the Judiciary Committee for a decision.

The ECFA Administration has the authority to remove any organization that is not abiding to the by-laws or any acts deemed as detrimental to the league.

ARTICLE XIII – UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

The ECFA will follow the NFL dress code with matching pants, jersey, and helmets. Each team shall be equipped with two (2) sets of jerseys, one dark and one light of the team colors, to allow for the use of contrasting uniforms in each scheduled game. All players must wear the same number at home and away games. If a change absolutely has to be made, the opposing team, PA announcer and members of the press must be informed and it must be reflected on the roster for that game. The roster will be sent to the other team on the Friday prior to the game. 

****Double numbers will be allowed for five (3) jersey numbers only and are not allowed on the field at the same time****

Each visiting team shall contact that week’s opposing home team on or before Wednesday prior to the playing date, and confirm playing field location and locker room availability. If the home team cannot provide field location prior to Wednesday by 12:00 noon, the away team can then choose to host the game. If the away team chooses not to host, the scheduled home team has until Thursday at 8pm to provide details or a forfeit will be issued. The home team has the right to choose whether to wear dark or light jerseys each week. If the visiting team does not have a contrasting jersey color: The visiting team will pay the home team a $75 convenience and the home team will wear their alternate set. 

 

The ECFA  has the right to change the Home or Away Teams opponent to prevent and/or in the event of a forfeit. These matters will be handled by the League’s Commissioner on a case by base basis.

Each team is to provide the opposing team with any roster uniform changes at least 60 minutes prior to game time and/or post it on the Facebook Owner’s Forum. Failure to adhere to any of the above will result in an automatic fifty ($50) dollar fine payable to the league within five (5) days and/or forfeit of game.

 

ARTICLE XIV – GAME DAY FACILITIES

Each team must submit for league approval, the name, address of the facilities and a facility contact that the team proposes to utilize for home games. This information must be submitted for verification, prior to the

release of regular season schedules at the given date.

Required Game day facilities:

1. Must play its home games at a field surrounded by secured fencing

2. The field must have proper yard marking and proper lighting for night games.

3. Facilities for adequate crowd control.

4. IT IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO HAVE SECURITY PRESENT AND PROMINENT AT ALL TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF THE EVENT. 

6. Proper rest room facilities must be provided for the fans.

Each home team will be responsible for providing authorized medical personnel at ECFA games which include medical doctors, physician’s assistants, EMTs, Registered Nurse and/or certified trainers. 

Ambulances will be called if necessary by the authorized medical personnel via direct communication. The authorized medical personnel's identification will be shown, upon request, to the visiting team. An effort will be made by the home team, as often as possible, to provide an

ambulance at the game. If no medical personnel are present, the game will be delayed for ½ hour for medical care to arrive.

 

ARTICLE XV – GAME PROCEDURES

1. The ECFA rules shall be the NFL rules except as MODIFIED by the ECFA.

2. Each game shall be worked by a crew of officials, qualified and certified by a recognized association of Certified Football Officials. The crew of officials shall be paid in accordance with the determination by the ECFA Head of Officials or Commissioner.

3. The home team shall furnish chain crews, chains and sideline markers. The visiting team has the right to place one (1)

member of its organization on the chain crew if they desire. The visiting team however, must notify the home team of such decision at least fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled game time.

4. Visible security of some kind is highly encouraged  be present for each event. If present the security must be identifiable.

5. Each team will furnish three (2) NFL or College (GT 1003) regulation footballs. The game officials must approve the 2 footballs prior to game time.

6. The presence of an ECFA Official is preferred at all ECFA post season games. ECFA officials should be present at all games (if possible) to ensure that the facilities and game conditions meet ECFA standards. If no ECFA official is available for a game, the visiting coach will prepare a game report (verbal or written). The ECFA officials will rotate each week. 

7. For every ECFA sanctioned game, the visiting team is responsible for their transportation expenses.

9. All teams must accept playoff ranking and participation. Any team that qualifies for the playoffs should meet that obligation. Failure to participate will be forwarded to the Judiciary Committee for review.

10. For all playoff games, the Head of Officials will assign all game day officials. There will be a total of 5 to 6 officials for all Playoff games. The home team is responsible for acquiring a clock operator.

11. The team with the better record has the first option of hosting play-off games. Upon mutual consent of both teams, the team with the lower record could host the game. Any additional financial agreements between the two teams must be submitted to the Lead Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner and will be enforced by the ECFA Commissioners. 

12. ECFA Tiebreakers: 

1. Head to Head games (If split games, the better of the scores)

2. Best team with least points scored against them

3. Best team with most points scored 

4. Best win/loss record against common opponents

5. Best win/loss record against common opponents, outside the division

6. Best win/loss record outside the division

7. Best win/loss record among tied teams

8. Coin toss 

 

Appendix I

Conduct Rules

1. All persons participating in ECFA events (games, fundraisers, etc.) will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

2. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. Consequences that may be assessed include but are not limited to suspensions and/or fines. These consequences are at the discretion of the Lead Commissioner and League Commissioner.

3. Absolutely “NO FIGHTING” will be tolerated. Players and Coaches will be ejected from the game if any fighting occurs:

(Players and Coaches Ejected by the Refs.)

NO appeal process for ejected players or coaches by the Referees.

Progressive Disciplinary Suspensions:

A. 1st Offense – suspended for 1 game. $50 fine to the team

B. 2nd Offense - suspended for 3 games- $100 fine game to the team

C. 3rd Offense - suspended for the remainder of the ECFA Season -$250 fine game to the team

D. The ECFA Commissioners reserve the right to review the game film to assess the severity of the player’s actions.

E. The ECFA Commissioners reserve the right to hand out suspensions for actions not caught by the Referees but were visible on film.

F. The ECFA Commissioners also reserve the right to bypass the Progressive Disciplinary Action guidelines dependent on the severity of the player’s actions and the results.

G. In order for player(s) to be reinstated they must go in front of the disciplinary board. This is done AFTER fine has been paid, and suspension has expired. Note: This is to be reinstated, this is not an appeal.

I. If anyone caught spitting on another person they will be removed from the game and suspended for the remainder of the season.

J. NO SMOKING or USE OF ANY TOBACCO PRODUCTS (including MARIJUANA) as well as alcohol at any ECFA function including games. 

***ESPECIALLY ON SCHOOL GROUNDS***

This includes pre-game, during the game and post-game. Teams will be fined one hundred ($100) dollars for violating this Policy.

4. Fines – Any fines assessed must be paid in full before player/teams can resume play. No refunds will be given.

5. Suspensions made by the ECFA Commissioners aside from Referee Ejections can be appealed to the ECFA Staff.

6. All Appeals MUST be initiated by a Team Owner, not a player, in writing within 12 hours of the notice of suspension.

7. Any violations of ECFA facility requirements will result in $50.00 fine per violation.

8. Any violations of ECFA uniform policy will result in $50.00 fine per violation.