Bylaws

DNFL / WDFL – SIMPLE RULES & EXPECTATIONS (UPDATED)
Effective 2026 Season

​

1. PURPOSE

• Provide fair, safe, and competitive football

• Promote teamwork, respect, and community
   

2. ELIGIBILITY 

• Must be 18+ and a high school graduate

• Must provide:

  • Signed waiver

  • Signed Code of Conduct

• CODA/SODA/Hearing allowed: Max 2 per team

• Must play at least 2 games to qualify for playoffs
   

3. TEAM REQUIREMENTS

• Max roster: 21 players

• Must submit all required documents on time

• No player can join multiple teams in the same division
   

4. ROSTER DEADLINE & LOCK

• All teams must submit their official roster by February 1st

• Once the roster is submitted, it is LOCKED

• No additional players may be added after the deadline

Exception:

• Teams may add up to 3 Free Agents ($25 each)

• Free Agents must be added before the playoffs only

• All Free Agents must be approved by the Commissioners

IMPORTANT:

• If a team does NOT submit a roster by February 1st →
  👉 The team will NOT be allowed to play

👉 No exceptions will be made after the deadline

 

5. FEES & PAYMENTS (NO EXCEPTIONS)

• Full payment due: November 1st

  • DNFL:  $400 

  • WDFL: $350 

    • Fees will be split equally based on the number of players on the team

• Late fee: $100 after November 15th

Accepted Payment Methods to Commissioners ONLY

• Online payment: www.dnflwdfl.com

• Zelle

• CashApp

• Apple Pay

• Venmo

IMPORTANT:

• Payments must be sent to official league accounts only (provided by Commissioners)

• Do NOT send money to personal or unapproved accounts

• ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
   

6. FIELD REQUIREMENTS 

• All games must have a reserved field

• Fields must be secured 2 months before the season starts

Responsibility:

• Owners & Coaches → reserve fields

• Commissioners → verify and approve

• No field = NO GAME

​

7. GAME TIME CHANGES 

• Owners/Coaches may request to change game time up to 30 days before game day only

Requirements:

1. Must first agree with the opposing team

2. Must submit a request to the Commissioners

3. Must send an email explaining the reason

IMPORTANT:

• Final approval is up to the Commissioners

• Commissioners may approve or deny the request

• Requests after 30 days will NOT be accepted

👉 No exceptions will be made after the deadline

​

8. GAME OPERATIONS

• Commissioners are responsible for securing referees

• Minimum of 3 referees per game

​

9. CONDUCT

Everyone must show respect at all times:

• Commissioners

• Players

• Owners

• Coaches

• Referees

• Fans

NOT ALLOWED:

• Fighting or threats

• Disrespect or harassment

• Bad behavior on social media

• Alcohol or illegal drugs

Consequences:

• 1st offense → suspended (game + next game)

• 2nd offense → 3-game suspension

• 3rd offense → 1-year suspension

• Severe → immediate ban
   

10. COMMUNICATION POLICY 

• All communication with Commissioners must go through Owners and Coaches ONLY

IMPORTANT:

• Players are NOT allowed to contact Commissioners directly

• If players have questions or concerns, they must:

  1. Contact their Owner or Coach first

  2. Owner/Coach will then contact Commissioners if needed

• Commissioners will only respond to Owners and Coaches

👉 Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action
 

11. GAME BASICS

• 7 vs 7 format

• Minimum 5 players to start

• Mercy rule: 28 points

• Matching uniforms required
   

Emergency Player Substitution (ALT Rule)

• Commissioners may approve up to 5 substitute players (ALT) per team

• This applies ONLY in emergencies, including:

  • Immigration issues

  • Life-threatening situations

  • Serious injury (doctor-related)

  • Medical emergencies

  • Death in the family

  • Family emergencies

  • Military duty or legal obligations

  • Travel restrictions or flight cancellations

  • Natural disasters or unsafe conditions

IMPORTANT:

• Approval must come from Commissioners only

• No team can add substitute players without approval

• Must provide proof or explanation if requested

• This rule is for emergency use only — no exceptions

👉 Any misuse of this rule will result in disqualification or suspension
 

12. FORFEITS

• Missing a game = automatic forfeit

• Only Commissioners can excuse (weather only)

• Must submit a written explanation
   

13. FINAL RULE

• Commissioners have final authority on all decisions

• All decisions must be respected