RULE CHANGES FOR 2009

2009 MMRFL Rules Changes The MMRFL Board of Commissioners met early in January to review the rules and policies for the 2009 season.  Over 20 proposed changes were submitted by area staff, participants, and volunteers.  Below is a summary of the proposals that were passed  (NOT the exact wording).  Other administrative rules chnages were made to clarify wording or modify administrative policies that are not listed here.  Feel free to go to President's Corner for futher remarks.

Rule II-D-2-d  -- When punting if kicked balls hits player on line of scrimmage or fails to cross line of scrimmage in the air then ball is ruled dead and receiving team gets ball at line of scrimmage.

Rule I-B-13    -- Area’s required to notify League executive board at least 2 days prior to doing drafts when dividing teams to allow executive board to monitor draft.

Rule V-A-7    -- Approved size of ball clarified for current common labeling nomenclature.  Teams must use a size #3  ball, which may also be referred to as a “Junior” size ball.

Rule  VII-6    -- MMRFL uses a standard roll ing two-year progressive disciplinary procedure.  2nd disciplinary action in a two-year period results in progressive discipline while those from 2-3 years result in no progression from last discipline. Beyond 3 years is removed

Rule  I-E-1      -- Minimum number of plays per game changed to 10 plays per game.  Added requirements to rule that:  (1) Each team must have team coach or attendant that is responsible for maintaining a record of number of plays by each player to insure compliance, (2) assigned coach must be appointed /approved by Head Field Commissioner, (3) Play record will be recorded on approved form from MMRFL and retained by Area Staff during the season, and (4) there remains exception to play rule for extraordinary reasons (at discretion of FC) or for disciplinary reasons but parent must be notified in advance  (Requirement to notify Home Area Field Commissioner and opposing coach at weigh-in remains).  Dead ball plays that do not involve blocking do not count in play count (Extra Point kicks or Field-goal attempts).

Rule I-B-6      --  Maximum number of payers per team reduced to 31 players.  (At 32 team must split).

Rule  I-A-6    --  Scouting Ban rule revised to provider clearer definition.  Coach or staff member from an area present at a game in which neither team playing is from their area are currently required to check in with Home Area Field Commissioner and get approval to remain.  To better define this and insure compliance the following was added as flagrant violation:  Failure to check in is considered a violation of scouting rule  (Exception: Arrival about 1 hour before their team is scheduled to play and up to 15 minutes after conclusion of their game).    If it is going to take longer to clear your stuff you need to talk to Area FC.

Rule  I-A-7    --  (MMRFL to adhere to all MHSAA guidelines)  Has been removed from rule set and moved into BY-LAWS.    Associated change was made in BY-LAWS by unanimous vote at meeting.   

It should be noted that although there were several proposals made to revise Eligibility requirements NO motions were approved.  Eligibility requirements remain unchanged from 2008.