Online BY-LAWS

Online HANDBOOK

The name of this Association shall be the Playstation Football League. (The PFL/THE LEAGUE)

To establish a forum by which its members may gather and enjoy friendly, but competitive, competition of online electronic video football. The Constitution and By-Laws of the PFL exist for the purpose of codifying and facilitating the stated purpose, and to provide the means for change and amendments as needed.

Membership in THE LEAGUE shall beto individuals who meet the qualifications of membership as specified in the By-Laws.

Section 1 - Conferences

The Association shall be organized into two Conferences. The Conferences shall be named the AFC and the NFC. When possible, each conference shall have an equal number of teams. The conferences shall be divided equaling into divisions.

Section 2 - Constitutional Authority

The PFL and all of it's franchises shall be governed by the Constitution, By-Laws and PFL Handbook of THE LEAGUE.

Section 1 - OFFICERS

The Officers of this organization shall be:

A. Commissioner

B. Deputy Commissioner

C. Executive Director

D. Secretary

E. Member At Large

Section 2 - EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A. The officers of this organization shall constitute the Executive Council of The PFL.

B. The Executive Council as representatives of the membership, shall be responsible for the conduct of the business and finances of THE LEAGUE, except where such authority is specifically assigned by the Constitution, By-Laws, or PFL Handbook.

Section 3 TERM OF OFFICE

The term office for all elected officials shall be two years. Terms shall commence on September 1.

SECTION 1 All Officers

A. The PFL Online League shall be governed by the officers of the PSX League.

B. Those officer qualifications and duties are specified in the By-Laws

C. There shall be no election of "Online Officers"

 

SECTION 1 BUSINESS OF THE LEAGUE

Business of The League shall be conducted at general business meetings, Executive Council meetings, and other sanctioned PFL events. Online business meetings shall occur for the purpose of general business concerns. Such meetings shall take place in The PFL chat room under the direction of the Commissioner of The PFL.

SECTION 2 GENERAL BUSINESS MEETINGS

The membership of The PFL Online shall have two (3) business meetings each year, one at preseason, one at midseason, and one during the off season.

SECTION 3 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS

Executive Council Meetings shall be held when deemed necessary by members of the Council. Minutes shall be taken and freely distributed to the membership.

SECTION 4 Quorum

A. Quorum for the conduct of business at the General meetings shall consist of the voting members assembled. This shall be no less than 3/4 of the total membership of THE LEAGUE and the Commissioner. The Commissioner reserves the right to appoint a designee of the Executive Council to preside in his absence.

B. At least 3 of the 5 Executive Council members must be present at any council meeting in order for that meeting to deemed official with either the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner present and presiding. The Commissioner reserves the right to appoint a designee of the Executive Council to preside in his absence.

SECTION 5 VOTING MEMBERS

Voting members of THE LEAGUE are defined in the By-Laws. Each voting member shall have only one vote and may participate and vote via email or online.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Constitutional amendments shall require readings and approval by majority vote in one Executive Council meeting, followed by a majority vote at one General meetings.

SECTION 2 AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS AND HANDBOOK

Provisions for the amendments to the By-Laws and for the changes in the PFL Handbook are found in the By-Laws.

SECTION 3 COMMENCEMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS

All amendments to and changes to the Constitution, By-Laws and PFL Handbook shall take effect immediately following approval.

SECTION I. Membership in the PFL shall be under two category:

A. Active

B. Honorary

SECTION II. ACTIVE

A. To be eligible for League play each member shall :

1. Be actively engaged in Madden competition.

2. Complete the application for ownership, and be approved by 2/3 of the online League membership

3. Own the latest update of John Madden Football by EA Sports for Macintosh

4. Play on Power Mac system or higher

5. Have a 56K connection to the internet or higher

6. Own the latest update of Game Ranger

Rights & Privileges

1. May vote and hold office.

2. May participate in all PFL sponsored activities.

3. Receives all PFL communications and other pertinent information.

SECTION III. Honorary

A. To be considered an Honorary PFL Member one shall:

1. Have been an active member of the PFL for at least one full season

2. Be temporarily inactive due to just cause.

3. Declared Honorary by the Executive Council

a. submit letter to Executive Council stating nature of request for Honorary Status

b. status must be voted on and approved by two-thirds League majority.

c. state date to return to Active status.

B. RIGHTS

1. May not vote or hold office.

2. May visit PFL sanctioned events.

3. Is still considered a LEAGUE member.

4. Shall receive all League communications if so desired.

SECTION V. GENERAL STATEMENTS

Each member shall be morally responsible for adherence to THE LEAGUE CODE OF ETHICS/DECORUM which follows.

Members of THE LEAGUE are expected to:

1. Conduct their business and personal affairs on the highest ethical and professional level.

2. Treat all League members impartially.

3. Refrain from destructive criticism of other franchises.

4. Strive to maintain the highest possible competitive standards and practices.

5. Uphold the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of the PFL.

 

ARTICLE II - ORGANIZATION

SECTION I. The PFL shall be apportioned in order to facilitate balance and parity within the organization.

A. The PFL is divided into two (2) conferences.

The make up of the conferences shall reflect that of the NFL

B. In the event that the number of players in THE LEAGUE falls below 31, the Executive Council reserves the right to place teams in the divisions/conferences that they may see as most beneficial to the success of THE LEAGUE.

C. In order for a division to be formed, it must contain at least four teams.

D. In the event of a resignation by an owner, that owner relinquishes all rights and powers of the said team to the Executive Council. All games prior to the resignation shall be valid as recorded. For future games the Executive Council shall award each opponent a 2-0 forfeit. For statistical purposes, an average of the season to date stats shall be implemented for the said forfeited game. However it may be determined upon vote of the current owners to allow a new player to assume the responsibilities of a team in which an owner resigns.

E. Honorary members relinquish all rights and privileges to their franchise.

F. A PFL member in good standing may select any franchise that has not currently awarded by THE LEAGUE. Owners may opt to change franchises at the end of a season with the owners of the worst regular season/playoff records given first priority when selecting UNCLAIMED franchises.

1. Owners will be given a selection period based on the number of days from the release date of the most recent edition of Madden Football to the October 31 deadline. This day shall be divided appropriately between the number of owners (i.e 60 days/20 owners, 3 day review period for each owner). The owner with the lowest ranked PFL franchise shall have the first right to to select a new franchise from those unclaimed, or remain with his current franchise. Once the selection period is up for that owner, it goes to the next lowest rank team until the process is completed. If that process is completed and an owner decides that he would still like to select another team, left unprotected before the October 31 deadline, he may do so. The franchise ranking shall be determined by the franchises playoff/regular season finish.

2. Franchises cannot be changed once the schedule has been compiled.

G. All Time, All Decade, All Madden, Classic Teams or any other teams not included in the NFL during the year of the games issue are not available for selection by any member.

SECTION II. EXPANSION

THE LEAGUE shall expand and incorporate new franchises into it's structure when approved by current franchise owners.

A. Perspective applicants to THE LEAGUE shall meet all requirements as specified in the By-Laws, Constitution and Handbook.

B. Franchise approval requires a two-thirds majority vote at General Business meeting plus a majority passage of the Executive Council.

C. Applicants may only select unclaimed franchises.

D. Current League members shall have priority when selecting unclaimed franchises.

E. All Time, All Decade, All Madden, Classic Teams or any other teams not included in the NFL during the year of the games issue are not available for selection by any member.

 

SECTION I. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Commissioner:

1. Chief executive officer of the PFL.

2. Member of the Executive Council

3. Ex-officio member of all committees.

4. Empowered to:

a. conduct business meetings of THE LEAGUE.

b. establish agendas and conduct meetings of the Executive Council.

c. Call special meetings of the PFL and/or the Executive Council

d. create and appoint special committees or task forces.

e. appoint committee chairpersons.

f. levy fines where empowered in the By-Laws and Handbook.

B. Deputy Commissioner

1. Serves in the absence of the Commissioner

2. Member of the Executive Council

3. Sergeant-At-Arms for all general Business Meetings

C. Executive Director

1. Performs duties as established by the Executive Council as agreed.

2. Such duties may include but are not limited to:

a. maintains membership records

b. schedules all PFL events

c. handles all PFL correspondence

d. records and distributes minutes of the Executive Council and General Business Meetings.

e. prepares league news.

f. serves as a member of Executive Council

g. collects dues/franchise fees for THE LEAGUE.

i. presents THE LEAGUE with all financial statements and documents.

j. serves as chief fiscal officer.

D. Secretary

1. Assist the Executive Director in his duties.

2. Such duties may include but are not limited to:

a. handling PFL correspondence

b. administration of PFL web site

c. maintenance of PFL statistical records

d. serves as member of Executive Council

E. Member At Large

1. Member of Executive Council.

2. In charge of maintenance of PFL Statistical records.

SECTION II. UNCOMPLETED TERMS

If any officer is unable to complete the term of office, an election will be held by league members to select a replacement to fill the uncompleted term. An individual who is elected to complete a term of office may be elected to a subsequent term.

SECTION I. FUNCTION

A. All committees serve in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner and the Executive Council. Committees shall implement policies as directed by the Council.

B. The Commissioner is empowered to appoint special committees and task forces to deal with specific areas of interest not covered by standing committees.

SECTION II. MEMBERSHIP

Where criteria are specified in the By-Laws, committee chairpersons select the membership of committees from members of THE LEAGUE based on a conference representation.

SECTION III. TERM OF SERVICE

A. Membership on all standing committees shall be for a term of one year. The chairperson shall appoint members to fill unexpired terms.

SECTION IV. CHAIRPERSONS

Chairpersons of standing committees shall be appointed by the Commissioner for a one year term commensurate with his term of office. The Commissioner shall appoint chairpersons to fill unexpired terms.

SECTION V. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Reports of committee proceedings shall be sent to the Executive Director for dissemination to the Executive Council no fewer that seven (7) days prior to the General Business meetings.

SECTION VI. ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. COMPETITION COMMITTEE

Organization:

The committee shall be chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and be composed of a representative from each conference. When the PFL is divided by divisions, one representative from each division shall be included.

Duties:

1. review and make recommendations concerning all league rules and procedures.

2. review competitive nature of PFL games.

3. act as agent of the Executive Council in reviewing all concerns brought to the Council concerning PFL events and to make recommendations to the appropriate agency.

B. ETHICS/DECORUM COMMITTEE

Organization:

Chairperson (Commissioner) and two (4) members, each equally representing the AFC and the NFC.

Duties:

1. to receive and investigate concerns of unethical actions, using adopted procedures.

2. to report concerns of conduct unbecoming a member of THE LEAGUE

3. to report to the Executive Council the findings of the Committee and to recommend appropriate disposition.

SECTION I. Notification of business meetings shall be made at least seven (7) days prior to convening of that meeting via written communication stating the date, time and place of the meeting.

SECTION II. All Executive Council and General Business Meetings shall observe the following agenda:

A. Call To Order

B. Reading of the Minutes

C. Report of the Treasurer

D. Reading of Communications

E. Reports of Standing Committees

F. Reports of Special Committees

G. Unfinished Business

H. New Business

I. Election of Officers

J. Good And Welfare of the Association

K. Adjournment

SECTION III. The meetings of THE LEAGUE shall be governed by Roberts "Rules of Order" in all cases where said rules do not conflict with the Constitution, By-Laws and Handbook of the PFL.

SECTION I. THE LEAGUE sponsors the following activities and events:

PFL Football Games
PFL Meeting
PFL Socials National John Madden Tournaments

 

ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS

SECTION I. AMENDMENTS to the By-Laws of THE LEAGUE shall require readings and approval by majority vote in one (1) Executive Council meeting, followed by a reading and approval by majority vote at a General Business Meeting.

SECTION II. - CHANGES IN THE HANDBOOK

A. Changes in the Handbook shall require approval by a majority vote of the Executive Council , followed by a reading and a majority vote at a General Business meeting.

B. Changes in the Handbook that are introduced by a motion from the floor at a General Business meeting shall require a two-thirds vote of the assembly for passage.

SECTION I.

APPLICATION

Each member shall complete and submit the required application to the PFL Offices by the December 31.

 

II. - A. GENERAL RULES:

General rules for conduct of meetings are found in ARTICLE VII of the Constitution and ARTICLE V of the By-Laws.

II. - B. PROCESS OF MOTIONS

Procedures for the conduct of Business Meetings are:

1. Motions from the floor shall be submitted online to the chair for presentation to the assembly.

2. Voting members may do so by voting online during meetings.

3. Proxy voting is not allowed.

4. Criteria for passage of motions dealing with Constitution changes are found in ARTICLE VIII of the Constitution.

6. Criteria for passage of motions dealing with By-Laws and Handbook changes are found in ARTICLE VIII of the By-Laws.

II. C. GENERAL CONDUCT OF A LEAGUE MEMBER

Each League member is expected to display conduct that of an exemplary standard. Good sportsmanship, League honor, respect and pride is to demanded from all members. The Commissioner reserves the right to ban any member from online League play based on the recommendations of the Ethics/Decorum committee for conduct deemed unbecoming a League member.

ARTICLE III - COMPETITION

I. A. ORGANIZATION

1. ALIGNMENT

Participation in PFL games is set by alignment of two conferences, AFC and NFC, which based on number, may be divided into divisions. Those divisions will be aligned according to the standards set forth by The NFL

2. PARITY

In an effort to keep competition balanced, THE LEAGUE may vote on realignment on a yearly basis. Such realignment must follow the rules thus set in the By-Laws ARTICLE II.

I. B. SCHEDULING

1. Scheduling for THE LEAGUE will be done by the Executive Director. Each team shall be scheduled at least two division games.

2. All Games shall be played according to the PFL scheduled dates and times and established by the Executive Director and the scheduling committee. However, Games not played according to the official PFL schedule must be rescheduled and played before kick-off of the next scheduled league day. If the opponent does not play the said game before the stated deadline, the game shall be forfeited with the player responsible for rescheduling receiving a 2-0 loss. The player that is late or absent is responsible for making the necessary arrangements to reschedule the game. If both coaches cannot mutually establish a time for the game to be rescheduled, it shall result in a computer simulation of the game, with the results being deemed final. In addition THE LEAGUE recommends that all games be played according to the schedule, HOWEVER, if two teams mutually agree to play ahead of schedule or make up missed games, THE LEAGUE shall not be held liable for any misunderstandings or mis-communications that result. Any games not played at the scheduled time may only be considered official with the consent of either the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or the Executive Director. Therefore any disputes made to the Executive Council concerning this scenario shall be heard and ruled upon by the Council with that decision being final. Games may not be played no more than one scheduled event ahead of time. (i.e. if THE LEAGUE is in weeks 3 & 4, games scheduled for week 7 or 8 may not be played until weeks 6 & 7 games have been played the following week.)

3. Each team is responsible for submitting it's statistics to the Chief Statistician no later than exactly seven days after conclusion of competition. Failure to comply with the fore stated policy, for any reason rather intentionally or inadvertently shall result in a recommendation of punitive actions to the Ethics/Decorum Committee.

 

II. - A. LEAGUE PLAY

1. HARDWARE

Competition shall occur using at least a Power Mac System or higher running system 8 software.

2. SOFTWARE

Official League Sanctioned Seasons can only be played on the most recent version and latest updates of John Madden Football by EA Sports. A Season must be started and completed under the same version. If a new version of Madden Football becomes available to consumers during a season in which the current version becomes the older, the said season shall be completed under the version in which it was initiated. However, a season may be played with several updates to the most current version.

3. GAME LENGTH

PFL regular season and exhibition games shall be scheduled at six minute quarters. Playoff and Championship games shall be scheduled at ten (8) eight quarters. The Super Bowl shall be scheduled at ten (10) minute quarters. Included in each game shall be a five minute halftime. Only if BOTH teams agree to forego the use of a halftime period, shall the game continue without interruption.

4. GAME SETTINGS

Game Settings shall be defined as - any feature that may be adjusted to manipulate the overall performance of the game itself. These settings may be identified as, but are not limited to: Skill Level, Camera Angles, Player Sizes, Game Speed, Weather Conditions, Momentum, Injuries, Fatigue, Penalties, Artificial Intelligence, and any other features not listed herein that may be manipulated as deemed so by the Executive Council. Games not played according to the prescribed settings shall be considered null and void if revealed during a PFL game at any point before the start of the third quarter regardless of the score. After the kick-off of the second half, all games must be played in its entirety and those results shall be made final, regardless of the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any game setting. This includes but it not limited to weather conditions, camera angles, skill levels or any other setting as properly defined.

Skill Level -- All PFL games shall be set to and played on the ALL PRO.

Camera Angles - The official view for all PFL games shall be the Madden Classic Cam

Other Game Settings -- All PFL games shall be played with the following game settings: Game Speed - Normal, Player Sizes - Normal, Instant Replay - Off. All other game settings remain at the default levels. Games will NOT be restarted due to the instant replay being left on.

Weather Conditions -- Home teams can select the weather conditions of their choice prior to kickoff. The weather conditions must be within League guidelines as established the Competition Committee. Games not played according to the prescribed weather conditions shall be considered null and void if revealed before the start of the third quarter. After the kick-off of the second half all games played in its entirety and those results will be made final, regardless of the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any game setting.

• Week 1-16 ------ Day & Nights options are available
• Week 1-6 ------- Fair/Wind options are available
• Week 7-16 ----- Fair/Wind/Snow or Fair/Wind/Rain options would be available
• Playoffs --------Fair & Day Conditions only

Dome Teams - Minnesota, Seattle, Atlanta, Indianapolis

Fair/Wind/Snow Teams: Green Bay, Denver, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Dallas, New England, New York Giants/Jets, Washington, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland

Fair/Wind/Rain Teams: San Francisco, Miami, Oakland, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona.

5. TEAM ROSTERS

Teams shall play with rosters included on the system when the game was shipped. Manipulated or enhanced or modified rosters are prohibited for use in the PFL. Approved Updated Rosters will be accepted.

6. USER PROFILES/MEMORY CARDS

Teams may use user profiles in order to expedite the setting of audibles and substitutions.

7. GENERAL DECORUM

a. Audibles and game substitutions are permissible at the start of the game, and at halftime without penalty. Audibles and Substitutions set at any other time will require the said team using a timeout. A coach has a maximum time of 60 seconds to set audibles/substitutions once the time out has been called. This not include the time allotted on the play clock.

b. As a courtesy coaches should log on to Game Ranger at least 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

c. Players may file a grievance with the Commissioners Office at any time should concerns of decorum or of an ethical nature arise.

8. GAME STOPPAGE

Any player stopping the game at any point during the game whether advert or inadvertent must call a time out. Once a timeout has been called, a player has a maximum of sixty (60) seconds to spend that timeout in whatever manner so desired. In the event that the player committing the infraction does not have any time outs remaining, the following must occur:

1. If the player committing the infraction is on defense he must take a mandatory encroachment penalty until the offense receives an automatic first down.

2. If the player committing the infraction is on offense he must take two mandatory delay of games. (a 10 yard loss) If the stoppage causes the offense to relinquish the ball to the opponent (i.e. fourth down situation or turnover), and the offending player is now on offense, that player must take four stop clock plays to relinquish the ball back to the opponent.

3. If this infraction is at the end of a game whereby the consequences cannot be enforced, the game shall be referred to the Executive Council. The Council shall issue a resolution as to how the game shall end, or if it is to be replayed and that decision shall be FINAL.

4. Two Minute Warnings -- The two minute warning may be used as an additional timeout to be used as the player wishes. Thus, the two minute warning may be used as any other timeout (i.e., to substitute, change audibles, or as a period to rethink strategies, revue play books...etc.)

NOTE -- Game stoppage is permissible without the use of a time out in the event of a system/network error that requires communicating with the opponent via chat. Restroom breaks will require the use of a timeout. If no timeouts remain and you must attend to personal needs, or matters in your home, you are expected to allow the game to continue without interruption, even if that means the cpu assumes defensive coaching responsibilities.

9. GAME MALFUNCTIONS

In the event of a game system/network malfunction (disconnect) that is determined to be unavoidable, a winner shall be declared by the following guidelines:

a. there is a 28 point or more lead at any point in the game beyond the start of the fourth quarter.

b. If there is at least a 21 point lead at in point inside the two minute warning.

c. There is a 35 point lead before halftime.

d. If neither of the above scenarios apply, the game must be reset, the players must return to game ranger and resume the game from its interrupted point. (i.e., the malfunction occurs with 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter , the game is reset with four minutes and whomever has the ball at the disconnect receives it in once the game has been restarted.

e. If there is a discrepancy in a game report, the Executive Council will step in and settle the issue with the decision rendered being final.

Players with multiple disconnects during a season shall be referred to the Ethics and Decorum committee for suspicions of tampering and a full investigation shall occur. Players found guilty of tampering with the network connection will be banned from The PFL for life.

10. PLAYOFFS

a. Each team shall complete the 16 regular season schedule as prescribed by the PFL. At the completion of the regular season, the top six teams in each conference will be eligible for playoff play (Two division winners and the four remaining best records. The first round shall be designated as the Wild Card Playoff Round. The Division champions shall have a bye in this round. The second round shall be the Division round whereby the highest seed must play the lowest seed, regardless of division or ranking.

b. In the event that less than 16 franchises are available for play, the playoff system shall be redesigned by the Executive Council and brought to the membership for approval.

11. Playing and Reporting Your Game

a. Each League game must be played online and against your scheduled opponent. The game connection is up to the individuals who are scheduled to play. The game can be played modem to modem, or through an Internet connection via an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It can even be played through Game Ranger (recommended).

b. Each player is responsible for contacting his or her opponent after the scheduled has been posted. Your opponent's email address will be provided through an email once the schedule has been posted. Your email address will only be given to your opponent for any given round. Your email address will not be used in any other form or fashion.

c. The winning player is responsible for reporting the outcome of the scheduled game to the chief statistician after it has been played. If players from a scheduled game fail to post their game outcome, a computer simulation of the game shall occur with the results of that game being recorded as final. If there is a discrepancy in a game report, the Executive Council will step in and settle the issue.