THE RULES ARE BEING WRITTEN TO GOVERN AND RULE THE VACAVILLE FANTASY FOOTBALL’S OWNERS AND COMMISSIONER FOR THE LIFE AND DURATION OF THE VACAVILLE FANTASY FOOTBALL. THE VACAVILLE FANTASY FOOTBALL IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES ENTERTAINMENT TO ALL ITS MEMBERS. THESE RULES ARE BASED ON THE BOOK “THE OFFICIAL MANUAL OF FANTASY FOOTBALL”.
SECTIONS
PREAMBLE
I. LEAGUE RULES
A. SCORING
B. ROSTERS
C. FINANCES
D. DRAFT
E. COMPETITION
II. LEAGUE OPERATIONS
A. LEAGUE SET-UP
1. OWNERS
2. PLAYERS
3. OFFICERS
B. SEASON ACTIVITIES
1. ROSTERS
2. TRANSACTIONS
3. DRAFT
4. COMPETITION
5. FINANCES
6. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE/APPEAL (PROCEDURES)
C. OFF SEASON ACTIVITIES
1. SUMMER MEETING
2. RECRUITING
3. OWNERS MOVING
4. POST-SEASON POOL
5. Team Names
6. EXPANSION
CONCLUSION
PREAMBLE
The Rules is a guide written to give the league structure, provide its owners assurance that they will receive an equal opportunity to compete, and avoid arguments during the season. The Commissioner and Division Presidents as league officers interpret the Rules to allow flexibility when new issues come up during the season. The Rules are broken down into two parts, League Rules and League Operations. The league rules are approved by a majority vote of the owners during the Summer Meetings. In order to solve problems, league officers can administer temporary rules during the year. The league operations section is written to inform the owners on how the Commissioner and league officers will run the league. The Commissioner and officers can change these rules during the year when it becomes necessary. Owners can bring to a vote those league operation rules that they want to change at the Summer Meetings.
I. LEAGUE RULES
The Commissioner can not make arbitrary changes to the league rules section of the Rules. This must be approved by a majority of the league owners. This can be done at the Summer Meetings or by a temporary rule during the season.
A. SCORING
Scoring is based on the NFL. The official source of information for scoring is the NFL at NFL.COM. What NFL player’s score is what VFF player’s score. Scoring is as follows:
- EXTRA POINT: 1 PT. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
- SAFETY: 2 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: 4 PTS.)
- FIELD GOAL: 3 PTS {0-35 yds}, 4 PTS {35-40 yds}, 5 PTS {41-45 yds}, 6 PTS {46 – 105 yds}.
- TOUCHDOWN: 6 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: 12 PTS.)
- FIRST DOWNS: 1 PT FOR EVERY 2 FIRST DOWNS (This does not include QB’s and Kickers)
- HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: 2 PTS
- 2 POINT CONVERSION: 2 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
- NFL HEAD COACH WIN: 3 PTS (Bye Weeks get 3 pts)
- FUMBLES: 1 PT FOR DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
- INTERCEPTIONS: 2 PTS PER OCCURRENCE
- INTERCEPTIONS RETURNED FOR A TD: 2 PTS
- SACKS: 2 PTS PER OCCURRENCE.
- QB HITS: 1 PT FOR EVERY 2 QB HITS
- Blocked Kick, Punt, or Extra point: 1 PT FOR DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
- INTERCEPTION THROWN BY OFFENSIVE PLAYER: – 1 PTS.
- DEFENSE POINTS (LIMITS OFFENSE SCORE TO): 0 = 5 PTS, 1 – 5 = 4 PTS, 6 – 10 = 3 pts, 11 – 14 = 2 pts, 15 – 17 = 1 PT.
- OFFENSE POINTS (SCORES GREATER THAN): 44-38 = 6 pts, 37-31 = 5 PTS, 30 – 25 = 4 PTS, 24 – 19 = 3 PTS, 18 – 13 = 2 PTS, 12 – 6 = 1 PT
- OFFENSE: Team Win = 3 pts.
- YARDAGE POINTS: 1 pt for every 25 yards. 300 YDS PASSING, 6 PTS, 100 YDS RUSHING 4 PTS, 100 YDS RECEIVING, 4 PTS. (DOUBLE POINTS: N/A)
- QB WINS = 3 pts per win
Double points can be accumulated by any scoring play more than 50 yards. When a QB throws a TD both the QB and receiver are awarded points. The same applies for all pass plays. When head coaches are off during an off week, the franchise receives 3 points. When defenses are off, the franchise receives no points.
Defense / Special Teams Scoring
If a player scores on a special teams play (to be defined as a punt return or a kick return), the owner of that player AND the owner of the special teams unit receive those points. (e.g. — Tamarick Vanover returns a punt for a TD. Owner of Vanover (if he was started) gets 6 points, plus the owner of the K.C. special teams. If Vanover plays WR and scores, only the owner of Vanover gets points.)
If an owner has a player that scores a special teams score AND also has the NFL defense/special team for which that player plays on, then the owner will only receive points for the player whom scored. The owner will not receive duplicate or double points for having both the player and the defense/special teams.
Defensive points are points scored by the Defense when in a Defensive Formation. A punt formation is defined as a offensive formation and any points from that formation is defined as a offensive TD. For example, defensive points are awarded for an interception for a TD, A fumble recovery for A TD, Sacks, fumbles and Interceptions. A punt return or a kickoff return are defined as special teams plays since the ball was turned over and will be scored as a special teams score.
B. ROSTERS
For procedures on how to conduct Roster operations go to the Roster section of League Operations. The official source of information for roster management is the NFL at NFL.COM.
A VFF roster will consist of the following for a total of 11 NFL Players, one head coach and one defense/special team.
For a total of 15 roster positions.
- 2 – Quarterbacks
- 2- Kicker
- 3 – Running Backs
- 3 – Wide Receivers
- 1 – Tight End
- 1 – Head Coach
- 1 – Offensive Coordinator
- 2 – Defense / Special Team Coordinator
All players will be offensive players, unless an NFL team fields a defensive player in an offensive slot. Each team will be allowed to have only 11 NFL Players, one head coach and two defense/special team for a total of 15 roster positions. The only exception is for injured reserve. Any team carrying more than this amount will be required to release a player. If the team does not notify the league, the Commissioner will make the determination. All other player positions have no restrictions.
Taxi Squad / Practice Squad
Rosters are expanded by four (4) players to create a practice squad. Practice Squad players can be added to the roster after Week one via free agent transactions based on the standings. Practice squad players can move back and forth from the active roster to the regular roster and vice versa during the week. In order to be in the starting lineup a player must be on the active Roster. There are no position limits for the practice squad except for the QB position in which you can only keep (1) one player at that position on the practice squad. Once promoted, a player can not be demoted back to the Taxi Squad for 7 days. Practice squads get locked at the transaction deadline and a player can only go to the active roster if a player from the active roster goes to IR.
Bye Weeks
During bye weeks a team is allowed to pick-up one additional QB for a total of three QB’s. After the bye week the team must drop the QB. If the team does not notify the league the Commissioner will drop the last QB picked up.
Head Coaches will not get any points during bye weeks. Teams will be allowed to pick up another defense for the bye week only.
Injured Reserve
Teams are allowed to carry three (3) “clearly injured” players on “IR” as a roster exemption. “Clearly Injured” is defined as a player who is on the NFL’s “Injured, Out, or Doubtful”.
If a team has more than three (3) “clearly injured” players, they will have to make a tough choice: cut an injured player or carry them. The determination of whether a player fits the definition of a “clearly injured” player is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner. He ultimately decides which players are injured, out, or are totally unable to play in a given weekend. Each Wednesday, the Commissioner will review the status of each of the exempted players. All transactions that involve Injured Reserve will not count in the number of transactions per week.
Injured Reserve Franchise Players
Players that get put on I/R before the end of the season will be eligible to be selected as an I/R Franchise Player the following year. This creates a player that can become a I/R franchise player for next years draft. Franchises are allowed to declare one (1) player as a I/R Franchise Player and must be declared before the Annual League Draft. I/R Franchise Players are inserted into the last available draft slot in the Annual League Draft.
Rookie Player
Each owner is allowed to draft one Rookie player of any position and put that player on their Roster. A Rookie is classified as a player that was not on an NFL and VFF Roster the following year. Most likely from College who has never been signed by an NFL team. A list is published on the NAFL Website www.nafl-usa.com. If an owner draft’s a Rookie in the VFF Draft the franchise must keep him through the year (on your VFF Roster) and at the end of the season if he is still on your Final Roster (Not via a Trade or transaction), the franchise will be allowed to keep him for the following year with no effects on next years draft. He will be entered as the last pick of the draft for your team. Owners can draft more then one rookie player in a draft, however they will only be allowed to keep one rookie for the following year.
Rookies that are to be kept must be informed to the league office before the draft. Also, owners who draft a Rookie must inform the Commissioner upon draft selection that there player is an VFF Rookie and get a ruling before the season commences. The Commissioner has the final say whether the player is a rookie or not. This will allow VFF owners to draft a rookie who might not reach his full potential this year but will make more of an impact the following year.
Head Coaches and Offense Coordinators
Head coaches and Offense Coordinators will be selected before the annual player draft. Head coaches and Offense Coordinators will be selected during the draft in rounds 12 and 13 after the normal player draft. The Snake draft will not be used for both these rounds. Head coaches and Offensive Coordinators can be kept from the previous season.
Starting Lineups
Each week a starting lineup will be submitted that will consist of Twelve players from your VFF roster.
- 2 – Quarterbacks
- 1 – Kicker
- 2 – Running Backs
- 2 – Wide Receivers
- 1 – Head Coach
- 1 – Offense
- 1 – Defense / Special Team
- 1 – Flex Position (RB, WR or TE)
After a starting lineup is submitted the remaining three players are considered to be on the bench. If a game is tied the total points for both players will determine the tie breaker for the game. If an owner does not submit a roster, then their last week’s roster will be used.
C. FINANCES
This is based on a 10 team league, 14 week regular season. Amount will be adjusted based on the number of teams within the league. Weekly prize money will be given out on Monday Night at the weekly meeting during Monday Night Football from the previous weeks results. At the end of the year all post-season prizes will be awarded. Any extra money will go into the league Franchise fee fund and will be divided out in accordance to the Commissioner. If an owner drops out of the league, all their winnings will be forfeited and will be put into the Franchise fee fund.
Each franchise will pay an annual league fee. There are two types of franchise fees adult teams and youth teams. Adult teams cost $85.00 for his or her franchise while youth teams cost $15.00 for the franchise. Adult teams get full rights and privileges while youth teams get full privileges except they do not get to receive any prize money. The entry fee covers all operating expenses only. The number of adult teams will determine the prize fund for any given year.
- The league fee includes $14 for operating expenses.
- Another $71.00 of the fee is applied to the prize fund.
OPERATING EXPENSES
VFF Owners will supply a league fund to enable the Commissioner to operate the league.
Total amount collected is $14 per team = $140.00 expense fund.
- Draft Board Expense = $33.00
- VFF Website = $92.00
- Trophy = $15.00
PRIZE FUND
Total amount of prize fund collected for ten teams is $71 per team = $710.00 prize fund.
Total amount of prize fund collected for eight teams is $71 per team = $568.00 prize fund.
Any other number of teams will be allocated due to the number of youth teams.
Note: For every additional week increase league fees by $15 or $1.50 per team. Thereby not touching the Post-Season Pool.
If more then 10 Teams the extra $64 per team will be put into the weekly pool divided by the number of weeks. A 2nd place weekly winner can also be added. This will be determined by the Commissioner.
WEEKLY
This is based on Ten Teams
$195 FUND DIVIDED WEEKLY FOR $10 PER WEEK FOR 13 WKS.
- High Score for the Week -$10
- Second highest score for the Week – $5
- Award $1 per win to each team during the regular season – $5 per week or $65 in total.
This is based on Eight Teams
$196 FUND DIVIDED WEEKLY FOR $10 PER WEEK FOR 14 WKS.
- High Score for the Week -$10
- Second highest score for the Week – $5
- Award $1 per win to each team during the regular season – $4 per week or $56 in total.
This is based on Eleven Teams
$273 FUND DIVIDED WEEKLY FOR $15 PER WEEK FOR 13 WKS.
- High Score for the Week -$10
- 2nd Highest Score for the Week – $5
- Award $1 per win to each team during the regular season – $6 per week or $78 in total.
POST-SEASON
This is based on Ten Teams
$510 POST-SEASON PRIZE FUND
- VFF CHAMPION-$100
- RUNNER-UP-$70
- DIVISION CHAMPS (REG. SEASON)-$25 (2)
- 3RD PLACE – $65
- 4TH PLACE – $55
- 5TH PLACE – $50
- 6TH PLACE – $40
- 7TH PLACE – $30
- 8TH PLACE – $20
- 9TH PLACE – $10
- 10TH PLACE – $5 & NEXT YEARS FIRST ROUND DRAFT SELECTION
- Winner of Pick-em Contest = $15
This is based on Eight Teams
$372 POST-SEASON PRIZE FUND
- VFF CHAMPION-$100
- RUNNER-UP-$70
- DIVISION CHAMPS (REG. SEASON)-$25 (2)
- 3RD PLACE – $50
- 4TH PLACE – $37
- 5TH PLACE – $20
- 6TH PLACE – $15
- 7TH PLACE – $10
- 8th PLACE – $5 & NEXT YEARS FIRST ROUND DRAFT SELECTION
- Winner of Pick-em Contest = $15
FRANCHISE FEE / TROPHY FUND (TBD) Total amount collected is $39.00 per team = $390.00 Franchise Fund (Initial entry into the league).
This fund is an investment into the success of the league and funds are added to or subtracted from every year depending on how the league’s operating budget is run. The league Commissioner has control of this fund and will provide the results of this fund at the leagues annual meeting. A portion of the franchise fund will pay for a league trophy. The Franchise fee is put into a savings account on behalf of the league owners. It is kept there until disbursement is approved by a majority vote of the current owners. The franchise fund could be used for various reasons determined by the league members. The fund can earn interest off the fund. Funds can be added to the Franchise Fund by various methods of fundraising, etc. When a franchise leaves the league, the previous owner loses his or her rights to their original franchise fee unless they can get a new owner to reimburse their share of the fund.
NOTE: A majority of the owners in the league must approve disbursement / replenishment of this fund.
D. THE DRAFT
The draft will be held before the first NFL regular season game. The draft will consist of 13 rounds. Players, a defense / special team and head coach will be selected to meet roster specifications.
The order of the draft is determined by a draw from a hat. The number of chances or pieces of paper in the hat are based on the prior year’s finish. For example, the last place team from the previous year will receive 10 chances, plus one for winning the Toilet Bowl Game. The 9th place team gets 9 chances, etc. Last year’s VFF champion will get one chance.
Selections are rotated every round (A Serpentine or S_Draft). For example, the first selection will pick first in round one but in round two will select last. The first and last selections will have back-to-back selections between rounds.
If there are any expansion teams added to the league, they will pick before the existing teams from the previous year. These teams will pick from a hat to determine which order they will pick.
Draft Order selection or the hat draw for draft order will occur in advance of draft day. The date of the selection would take place at least the night before but no more than one week prior to the draft.
In the event that existing teams decide to keep a I/R franchise players and Rookie Players from their prior teams, they will be placed in those teams, last available slot in the draft.
All selections will be limited to Three Minutes for all rounds per pick. The time limit for the Commissioner/Secretary begins after he finishes updating draft information. Another league owner will monitor this. If an owner fails to make a selection in the allotted time, his turn will be forfeited to the next owner. After that owner picks, the owner who forfeited his pick has One Minute to make his pick. If he still does not pick we go to the next owner. The Commissioner will be the official timekeeper.
Allow three (3) Taxi players be selected during the annual league draft. The draft will be expanded by 3
rounds. The last three rounds after the Offense and Head Coaches get picked will be dedicated to taxi squad
players. Position limits will be enforced as follows.
- 1 additional QB
- 1 additional RB
- 1 additional WR
After the draft position limits for Taxi squad players would be lifted. Teams would still be allowed to keep
four (4) taxi squad players and can keep TE, K’s, and Def/Spt players. Taxi squad players can be added and
changed after the draft during transactions.
Auto Draft
If an owner wants to do the auto draft if they are unable to make the draft, the owner needs to submit a list of players they want to draft by round and teams that they want players drafted from. This list needs to be submitted Friday evening before the draft. In addition, the owner needs to buy the Commissioner a beer costing $10 coming out of the owner’s winnings. Failure to do so means no players will be picked for the owner and the owner will have to fill their roster via free agent pickups after the draft.
E. COMPETITION
This is based on a Ten-Team League with Two Divisions (Nut Tree and Vaca Valley).
1. REGULAR SEASON
- The VFF schedule will consist of a 14 week (15 weeks for eight teams) regular season. Eight Division Games and Six Non-Division Games.
- The season will start on week 1 on the NFL regular season and end on Week 17.
- Teams will play 7 home games and 7 away games. However, due to the format of the last game one conference will only play 6 home games. This will rotate each year.
- All teams will play all teams within the division twice and play outside the division one time during the year playing a total of 13 games. Home and away will rotate every other year with outside division games.
- If the NFL regular season is extended, the VFF regular season is extended.
- Teams will play in two Divisions – Nut Tree and Vaca Valley
2. PLAYOFFS
The playoffs will be held on weeks 14-17 (15-17 for eight teams) and will be divided into two tournaments, the Championship Playoffs and the Toilet Bowl.
Championship Playoffs
- The ten teams with the most wins go to the VFF playoffs.
- All eligible teams will be in an ten team tournament.
- The teams with the best records getting home field advantage.
- The pairings will be determined by the league officers, the week before the playoffs begin based on regular season records.
- The Division Champions will automatically get ranked 1-2, get a bye in week 14 (Wildcard Playoffs), play the wildcard winners based on seeding and get home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
- Week 14 will consist of a Wildcard Playoffs. Seeds 7-10 will play each other to determine if they can get into the playoffs.
- Week 15 will consist of the Round One of the Playoffs. Six Teams that are seeded 3rd – 6th will get a bye in week 14 (Wildcard Playoffs) and play each other during week 15. The Division Champions will play the winner’s of the Wildcard Round.
- Week 16 will be the Division Championship, where the winners of the Round One games will play each other for the the Division Championship.
Toilet Bowl
Week 17 the two teams that lost in the play-in game in week 14 will play for the first pick of the draft or the Toilet Bowl.
Week 16 will consist of the week 15 losers to determine the prize money. Winners will face off against the losers of week 16 in week 17 to determine the prize money rankings.
Tournament (Only will be if four or more teams do not make the playoffs)(Not Applicable unless more then 10 teams)
The winner of this tournament would receive the first round draft choice in next years draft. On week 15 the six teams that do not make the playoffs are entered in a Toilet Bowl Tournament. The 14th & 13th place teams in the league would get a 1st round bye in the Toilet Bowl Tournament. With the remaining four playing each other at the team with the worst record getting home field advantage. Week 16 will be the winners from round one against the 14th & 13th place teams.
VFF Championship Weekend or The Nut Bowl
- Week 17 will be the Nut Bowl. Each division champion will play each other to see who is the VFF Champion.
- Week 17 will be the VFF Toilet Bowl game. The two last place teams (losers of the Wildcard Round) will play for the #1 draft choice in next year’s draft. The draft choice goes to the winner of the game.
- All remaining teams continue to play in the post-season tournament to determine the final standings of the league with 3rd place, 5th place, etc.
- The site of the VFF Championship Weekend will be voted on each year.
- History of the Nut Bowl will be kept forever and the Commissioner will pick the most valuable player.
- The Nut Bowl and Toilet Bowl Championship game will be a neutral site where no home field advantage points will be awarded. This will occur no matter what team is playing in the game, even if the site is a teams home field.
II. LEAGUE OPERATIONS
A. LEAGUE SET-UP
The league is organized to give the owners an equal opportunity to compete in the league. The Commissioner rules over all league decisions and can hand out disciplinary action. The Commissioner is responsible for running the league and can make procedural changes (League Operations) to the Rules. A majority of the owners can vote on and approve procedural (League Operations) changes at the Summer Meetings. This would become a permanent change to the Rules. The Commissioner can not make arbitrary changes to the league rules section of the Rules. This must be approved by a majority of the league owners. This can be done at the Summer Meetings or by a temporary rule during the season.
There will be two divisions in the VFF, The Nut Tree and Vaca Valley Divisions. The Commissioner will also establish a means of communicating with all league owners in order to run the league.
1. OWNERS
All members of the VFF are considered owners of their respective franchises. They will be responsible for conducting all business associated with their respective franchises. All owners must have access to the VFF Website to be an VFF owner and have an active e-mail account. Access to the VFF website is defined as the ability to obtain news and information from the league in order to participate as an active owner. Owners will be allowed to use other owners/parties e-mail or internet access in order to gain access. An owner must follow the rules as stated by the league and it’s governing officers and must not cause the league any embarrassment due to his/her actions. Any action that is deemed inappropriate could result in disciplinary action from the league. Owners will not be allowed to change their team name every year. Team Names must stay the same for at least 2 years.
As an owner, the league will give them the following items.
- An VFF franchise with NFL players and coaches.
- An EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to compete against other teams in the league for fun and prizes.
- They will get 1 vote with regards to how the league is run.
As a franchise owner in the VFF, the owner will provide the following to the league secretary, to his team, and to his loyal fans.
- Payment of the Annual League Fee and initial Franchise Fee.
- Internet e-mail address.
- Weekly line-ups.
- A home stadium (No two teams can have the same stadium unless approved by the Commissioner).
- Team colors for uniforms, both home and away.
- Helmet emblems and trademark.
- A mascot (optional, but highly recommended).
2. PLAYERS
Any NFL player on an active NFL roster is eligible to be on a VFF team. If a player gets traded in the NFL, nothing will happen in the VFF. VFF franchises only has rights to that player for one year. At the draft new players will be selected for a franchises team.
3. OFFICERS
Kevin J. Shaw will hold the position of Commissioner, Secretary and Treasurer. He is not voted in and can not be voted out as Commissioner. He can appoint a successor if he decides to step down. The Commissioner can also make the positions of Secretary and Treasurer voting positions at his discretion. Any owner can fill the positions of division president and all owners get 1vote on any rule changes or altercations requiring a vote. VFF HQ’s will be wherever Kevin Shaw is located. The following is a description of the three respective positions.
COMMISSIONER
This position is the most important position in the league. The Commissioner represents the league if there are any problems. The Commissioner has the responsibility to recruit new teams and franchises into the league and to make sure that the league is kept going forward. He also has to make sure that all the rules are followed and adhered to. The Commissioner is responsible for the operations of the league. The Commissioner gets 1 vote, plus 1 vote for being an owner. The Commissioner also makes sure accurate records are being kept. The Commissioner is impartial and he rules on behalf of all the owners and for the good of the league. The Commissioner is not allowed to hold the position of Division President.
The Commissioner can make changes with presidential orders throughout the year. There are two types of changes to the Rules that could be made. The first is called a procedural change (League Operations) and changes the way in how the league is run with the approval of the league officers. Any permanent changes will be reflected in the Rules. The second is called a temporary rule change (League Rules) and is only a temporary change (for the football season) that must be approved by the league officers. Any permanent change must be approved by a majority of the owners at the Summer Meetings.
If a problem occurs the Commissioner should solve them through the use of the Rules and/or with the assistance of the grievance committee. This is for the overall positive benefit of the league. The Commissioner can also issue disciplinary action to league owners that do not follow league rules. If the Commissioner does issue disciplinary action an owner can only appeal to the grievance committee the type of punishment that the Commissioner gives out. The fact that the owner is void of punishment can not be appealed.
If an owner decides to pull out of the league he must talk to the Commissioner for franchise bankruptcy approval. If an owner is not fulfilling their obligations to the league, the Commissioner can suspend the right to his or her franchise. When a franchise becomes bankrupt or is suspended, the franchise becomes property of the VFF. The Commissioner must then decide what will be done with that franchise.
SECRETARY
The secretary keeps the records for the league and also runs the Annual League Draft according to the Rules. The following records will be kept:
- Schedule of competition.
- Standings (weekly)
- Keep track of transactions (Rosters, IR and Trades)
- Leading scorers
- VFF Database
- Awards (Post-season and Pre-season)
- Player standings and statistics during the regular season.
- Any special instructions according to expansion.
These records are kept according to the way the Commissioner and the Secretary decides to be the best. The secretary will keep for the record, a copy of the original Rules, with a copy going to the Commissioner, Treasurer and Division Presidents.
TREASURER
The Treasurer is responsible for the finances of the league. He has to collect all league fees before the league draft which is $100 per team. The Treasurer must also report to the Commissioner, as to which owners have paid all league fees. He can invest this money any way he sees fit as long as the Commissioner agrees to it and it is secure from theft and serious investment risk. The treasurer must also dispense the prize money according to the rules in the Rules. The treasurer must also notify all owners at least 1 month prior (where applicable) to the draft that money is due, so that the owners can get the proper fees together for the coming year.
COMMITTEES
The Commissioner cans at any time set up special committees to make sure things are done. A Committee chair or leader will be appointed and will report to the Commissioner. (Examples, Competition/Rules, Banquet, Trophy, Awards, Draft, Expansion, & etc.)
B. SEASON ACTIVITIES
The VFF uses the VFF Website at www.nafl-usa.com to conduct league business and to conduct roster moves throughout the season. The results from all games are posted every week on the VFF website.
1. ROSTERS
The Commissioner oversees the operation of franchise rosters. Roster management is the responsibility of the league owners not the Commissioner or the Secretary. The commissioner has the authority to remove players from rosters if a roster is declared illegal due to injured reserve or any other transactions. The official source of information for roster management is the NFL at NFL.COM.
Scoring Service
The VFF uses an on-line scoring service (myfantasyleague.com). All transactions and league information is put out through this website. To access this website you can reach it through the NAFL Website at www.nafl-usa.com . For complete information see the myfantasyleague.com website.
Starting Lineups
All roster lineups must be into the league office by 1:00PM {EST} or 10:00AM {PST} on the Sunday of play. The Commissioner will print out all lineups submitted at that time, if your lineup is not in then you will automatically receive the previous weeks lineup. It is suggested that you submit your lineup in one hour prior to game time in case of computer problems. When there is a Thursday or Saturday game, team owners who have players playing in that game would only have to submit those players in their lineup. Owners would be allowed to submit the rest of their lineup before the Sunday games. If an owner does not hand in a roster for 4 consecutive weeks, then the Commissioner will take disciplinary action. If an owner does not submit a roster, then their last week’s roster will be used.
When a team selects a QB they must inform the commissioner whether he is a starting QB to identify the teams back-up QB. Back-up QB’s are tied to the starting QB. If a teams changes the starting QB then the back-up QB is changed as well to coincide with the starting QB.
Bye Weeks
During bye weeks a team is allowed to pick-up one additional QB for a total of three QB’s. After the bye week the team must drop the QB. If the team does not notify the league the Commissioner will drop the last QB picked up. Head Coaches will get an automatic 3 pts during bye weeks and the Commissioner will add in the points. Teams will be allowed to pick up another defense for the bye week only.
Game-Time Decisions
Game-Time decisions are where players are in flex due to injuries. Some NFL Coaches do not report these to the last minute. To assist VFF owners the league has implemented a Game-time decision rule where the VFF owners can change lineups when a player is a game time decision. To implement the Game-Time Decision rule the owner must do the following:
1. The player must be injured.
2. The player must be a game-time decision where he could play or not play in the game.
3. The owner must announce to the ENTIRE league by the starting lineup deadline.
4. The owner must announce who will start and who will not, clearly for all to understand. For example, Eric Moulds will start if he does not play due to a game-time decision then Antonio Bryant will play. Eric Moulds will be submitted in as the BUP for Antonio Bryant.
5. Only ONE Game-time Decision will be allowed per team per week.
6. The default player will be your announced starter. If that player plays, (which can be verified on NFL.COM) then he goes. Does not matter if he scores or not, if he is listed as playing then he is in your lineup.
7. The commissioner will not allow any game-time decisions after the starting lineup deadline. DO NOT CALL or E-MAIL After the fact.
8. The commissioner will make the final call on all game-time decisions
2. TRANSACTIONS
Transactions are a way that league owners can conduct roster management. All transactions will be reviewed by the Commissioner and can be disapproved by the league office. All multiple-player trades between teams will be reviewed to prevent collusion especially trades involving multiple players and draft picks. All trades, however, would be subject to review by the league office (to avoid Super-team collusion deals).
Requirements
Transactions are made on the VFF Scoring Service Website via computer. If their is a problem with the VFF Website transactions will be accept via e-mail to league secretary. Transactions must be made before 10:00 pm (PST) or 1:00 am (EST) on Trade Night (Wednesday night) . The Commissioner will then approve all transactions and post the transactions by the following morning. Transaction preference is given based on each franchise/team rankings each week (See Below). All transactions placed by owners are considered requests until the Commissioner approves the transaction. Transactions cannot be conducted until after the final game of the week. Free agents become available as soon as they are communicated (ex. e-mailed) to the league.
Free Agents
Franchises are allowed two transactions per week to add or drop players. The transaction deadline is after the final week of NFL bye weeks. During the year, an owner can pick up any player not on any other VFF roster. The owner must notify the secretary to get approval and then must drop someone from their current active roster. Moving a player on or off I/R is considered a transaction. A team will be allowed an additional transaction if they can not start a QB or Def due to bye weeks or injury.
After the transaction deadline a team can only make an emergency free agent transaction if a team can not have an active player in the starting lineup due to injury by meeting the injured reserve rules. A team will then be allowed to place on I/R players, drop players, and add players this will allow teams to start a healthy squad.
Free agent or emergency transactions are not allowed during the playoffs for all teams.
Procedures
In the event of two (or more) teams wanting the same player in a given week, preference is given to the team that has the worst record. In the event of a Week 1 transaction, the preference will be given based on the draft order, with the lower draft team getting preference. (i.e. 3rd. choice gets preference over 12th choice). In the event of a tie between records, preference will be given to the team with the least amount of points scored. If it is still tied a coin-toss or the Commissioner conducts random draw. If the Commissioner is one of the owners involved in the transaction, someone else will conduct the coin-flip with a witness present.
Limitations
Teams will be limited to two free agent player transactions per week. All transactions that involve Injured Reserve will not count in the number of transactions per week. The number of allowed transactions per week will not change it remain at one per week. This will allow teams not to be penalized when players get injured and still can make other transactions. Teams are allowed to make Emergency Injured Reserve Transactions after the transaction deadline only if it involves a QB, or K.
Trades
The trading deadline is at the end of the 12th week of VFF competition. Trades can be done when two owners come to terms and trade players from their rosters. A trade is legally accomplished only when approved by the league secretary for compliance with the rules. (The main issue is that roster compliance remains intact.) If teams trade players from different positions, one additional free agent transaction will be allowed in order to keep roster integrity. No trades for draft picks will be allowed.
Collusion
Is defined as an agreement or cooperation between owners to circumvent, manipulate or push the limits of the rules for their own interest to gain an advantage over other owners. Collusion is illegal and will not be allowed in the VFF any trade or transaction that the commissioner feels violates the equal opportunity for all owners can be voided by the Commissioner.
Specifically any trades between owners that involve the same player or draft pick over a two year period will not be allowed. If it appears that a player or draft pick is being used in such a manner the trade or transaction is voided. It is up to the commissioner’s discretion to disallow such a transaction when it is committed. This would prevent owners from trading players and draft picks between players to circumvent franchise player rules.
No trades betweeen family members / spouses will be allowed. This will be considered collusion and will be disapproved by the Commissioner.
Injured Reserve
Teams are allowed to carry three (3) “clearly injured” players on “IR” as a roster exemption. “Clearly Injured” is defined as a player who is on the NFL’s “Out” or “Doubtful” list.
If a team has more than three (3) “clearly injured” players, they will have to make a tough choice: cut an injured player or carry them. The determination of whether a player fits the definition of a “clearly injured” player is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner. He ultimately decides which players are injured, out, or are totally unable to play in a given weekend. Each Wednesday, the Commissioner will review the status of each of the exempted players. Franchises are allowed to put players on I/R throughout the year and through the playoffs.
When a player is ready to return to play the owner will have to make room on his 15 man-roster or cut the previously injured player. All transactions that involve Injured Reserve will not count in the number of transactions per week. The number of allowed transactions per week will not change it remain at two per week. This will allow teams not to be penalized when players get injured and still can make other transactions.
Injured Reserve Franchise Player
Players that get put on I/R before the end of the regular season will be eligible to be selected as an I/R Franchise Player the following year. This creates a player that can become a I/R franchise player for next years draft. Franchises are allowed to declare one (1) player as a I/R Franchise Player and must be declared by August 1st before the Annual League Draft. If a player gets hurt after the regular season you have to carry them on your roster or put them on I/R and you will be able to take a player off I/R. However, any player adder or taken off I/R after the regular season will not be able to be claimed as an I/R Franchise Player. I/R Franchise Players are inserted into the first available draft slot in the Annual League Draft.
3. DRAFT
The Commissioner and Secretary are responsible for running the Annual League Draft. The majority of the league owners (league rules) decide the format of the draft. The secretary will keep the records of the draft for at least one year. The league Commissioner will determine the draft time and location. An owner can also participate at one of the draft locations, on America on-line (the Internet), and by mail with a list of all players and a choice for every round. The secretary will supply the results of the draft to all owners including all of his selections. The Commissioner will be the official timekeeper.
4. COMPETITION
The Commissioner will oversee the competition of the teams and to ensure that all owners get an equal opportunity to compete fairly.
a. TIE-BREAKERS
Individual games
When a game ends in a tie, the secretary will go through the list of benched players and the total points of the benched players are used to determine the winner. If a tie still exists then the team with the highest scoring player on their roster wins. If a tie still exists then the game ends in a tie. This same tie breaker format will be used when there is a tie for the weekly pool. Whoever scores one point or more first wins the pool. If there is still a tie, the money will be divided between the two teams.
Standings
The following is how the standings are figured out in case of any ties in the standings:
- Number of wins against, vs. the Number of losses.
- Record against the teams that are tied.
- Division Record
- Most points scored
- Home record
- Fewest points allowed
- Most money won
- Coin toss
Format is used until tie is broken between teams, then the formula begins at the beginning. If a tie occurs with more then two teams, then head to head records are skipped and it starts with most points scored. The Commissioner and league officers have the discretion and flexibility to carry out this formula.
5. FINANCES
The Commissioner oversees the actions of the Treasurer to administer league finances. Each franchise will pay a total of $78.00 for his or her franchise (Depending on the amount the owners decide). This is due on the day of the draft. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!! If a team does not pay the fee by the deadline, then the owner in question risks losing his or her franchise. The league will take every action necessary to sell the team prior to the annual draft. Ownership is awarded to the first owner (new or old) who delivers the entire franchise fee to the league office after the fee deadline. The Treasurer uses the Operating Expenses in order to run the league. The Treasurer is also in charge of the Franchise Fee. Any amount that exceeds the league operating expenses will be taken out of this fund. The league owners must approve any additional money taken out of the Franchise Fee Fund.
6. GRIEVANCES/APPEAL (PROCEDURES)
Definition of a Grievance
A grievance is a dispute between the Commissioner and an owner based on a ruling that was made by the Commissioner. An owner can only appeal on a decision that was made by the Commissioner. Only the owner or the immediate parties that are involved with the decision can file a grievance. If the Commissioner handles out disciplinary action to an owner, than the owner can only appeal the type of punishment the Commissioner gave out to the Grievance Committee. The fact that the owner is void of punishment can not be appealed.
Temporary Rules during the Season
The Commissioner, League Officers, and any VFF Owner would be able to call an owner’s meeting and call a league vote at any time during the year. If any owner has a grievance then they can take it to a vote before all owners. This meeting would be held via the Internet and would take place when the Commissioner deems appropriate. A majority of the voting owners must approve any new rules in a vote. Any decisions would become temporary for the football season that the decision was made for. The Annual League Summer Meetings would still be used to change the Rules permanently.
C. OFFSEASON ACTIVITIES
1. SUMMER MEETING
At the end of the season there will be a Summer Meeting. Basically what will be done at these meetings is to decide on the future of the VFF. If not done immediately after the season ends, awards will be given out to the appropriate teams and prize money will be distributed. Discussions about future business and old business will be reviewed at this time. Also at this time, owners can bring up complaints about the league and any possible suggestions they might have to improve or change the league. The majority of owners must approve any permanent changes to the league rules at the Summer Meetings. Any permanent changes in league operations must be addressed in an updated Rules. A majority of the owners can vote on and approve procedural (league operations) changes at the Summer Meetings.
2. RECRUITING
This can be done any time during the year. Basically its function is to get new owners and franchises in the VFF. The Commissioner will be in charge of this activity and will make sure it is done correctly. All new owners will be told the rules of the league and be provided with a copy of the Rules. They will also sign a registration form that will notify all existing owners that they agree to the rules and will abide by them. Recruiting can be done by many different ways, but this will be up to the Commissioner.
3. OWNERS MOVING
If an owner moves and still wants to be in the VFF he or she can do this. They do this by mailing, faxing, e-mailing or phoning in their rosters every week to the secretary. They can also give their lineups to their Division President via the computer. (i.e. E-mail, America Online) They can conduct business through the VFF web site as well. They still must pay in advance before the draft and can be at the draft via phone or e-mail. If they can not do that, they can mail in their first 150 picks for the draft and the Commissioner will pick their team for them. If an owner decides to do this they must be very faithful and dedicated to keep their team up to date via the mail or by phone. All rules of the Rules will still have to be adhered to. Prize money can be sent to them via the mail.
4. NAFL POST-SEASON POOL
All owners are allowed to compete in the NAFL Post-Season Pool contest. This would be a voluntary contest open to all owners.
5. TEAM NAMES
Owners will not be allowed to change their team name every year. Team Names must stay the same for at least 2 years.
6. EXPANSION
Any additional teams are welcome at anytime and there is no limit to the number of teams that can complete in the league as long as there are always an even number of teams. Owners have the option to vote for a maximum number of teams if they deem it necessary, by a majority vote. Here are the considerations for expansion:
- Meet all VFF rules for ownership.
- Pay the expansion fee of $25.00 (equals the Franchise fee).
- In return the expansion team will get all rights and privileges in becoming owners.
- New teams will also draft before all existing teams.
- If there is more than one expansion team, a coin flip will determine the draft order.
CONCLUSION
This Rules was written so that all owners will know the rules of the VFF so that they can receive an equal opportunity to compete in the league. By becoming an owner in the VFF, by paying the annual league fee, they must abide by the Rules and the rules administered by the league’s governing officers.
Any permanent changes or amendments to the league rules in this Rules must be approved by a majority of the owners in the VFF. Any changes must be communicated to all owners and any permanent changes printed in updates of the Rules.
Approved by VACAVILLE FANTASY FOOTBALL
Commissioner Kevin J. Shaw and initial league owners on 7/13/2006.
Updated on 8/13/2008 by Commissioner Kevin Shaw.
Updated on 8/15/2021 by Commissioner Kevin Shaw.
Updated on 9/1/2023 by Commissioner Kevin Shaw.
Updated in August 2024 by Commissioner Kevin Shaw.
SIGNED Kevin J Shaw
KEVIN J. SHAW
COMMISSIONER
VACAVILLE FANTASY FOOTBALL