Bylaws

Table of Contents

ARTICLE I ‐ Organization Name

ARTICLE II ‐ Objectives

ARTICLE III – Membership

ARTICLE IV – Organization and Annual Meeting

ARTICLE V – Alignment

ARTICLE VI – Player Eligibility

ARTICLE VII – Activities

ARTICLE VIII – Rules & Discipline

ARTICLE IX- Postseason Activities

ARTICLE X – Amendments and Ratification

1. ARTICLE I - Organization Name

   1. The name of the association shall be the Texas Homeschool Independent League (THIL).

2. ARTICLE II - Objectives

   1. THIL was established to organize, support and promote the growth of 11-man competitive football teams throughout the state of Texas. While established initially for homeschool and independent students, we welcome all teams committed to our shared vision of fair play, sportsmanship, competition, and Christian leadership.

3. ARTICLE III – Membership

   1. Membership 

      1. Membership in THIL is limited to private and public organizations and groups actively focused on and committed to the education and development of youth in the state of Texas.

   2. Eligible Organizations 

      1. Private schools that are established, conducted and primarily supported by a non-governmental agency or primarily supported by student tuition.

      2. Parochial schools that are controlled by, supported by, or within the jurisdiction of a church parish.

      3. Charter Schools operating under Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code.

      4. Home School organizations, cooperatives and private groups (i) governed by a group or board of individuals, (ii) having at least one person formally authorized to represent their interests and (iii) whose student membership consists of students who are currently being home schooled in accordance with the laws of Texas.

   3. Membership Dues

      1. Member dues will be determined at the June meeting prior to season. 

      2. All Member Organizations shall be responsible for timely payment of annual dues and all activity, contest, and event fees to THIL. Annual dues shall be submitted to the THIL state office on or before September 1st of each year.

      3. Membership fees are determined annually by the Executive Board at the annual meeting to cover projected costs for the upcoming season. Any shortages will be split up evenly amongst members to cover costs. Membership fees for 2024 will be five hundred dollars ($500.00) per member institution.  Membership fees must be paid to the THIL Treasurer.

      4. Non-payment will lead to suspension of member benefits, including ineligibility of postseason tournaments, awards, and games.

   4. Member Organization and Representation:

      1. A THIL Member Organization is one that has been approved for participation in any THIL sponsored activity, event or contest, is in good standing according to all THIL governing rules and requirements and is current with all membership fees.

      2. Each Member Organization shall be allowed one vote for its membership in THIL.

   5. New Members

      1. Applications for membership must be made in writing to the THIL Executive Committee by the applicant’s chief administrator. Applications will be considered by the Executive Committee and its decision will be reported to the applying organization. 

      2. Acceptance will require approval by 2/3rds or greater (67%+) of the Executive Committee.  Accepted member institutions must sign and return the THIL Constitution on or before August 1st.

      3. Application must include:

         1. Team name

         2. Address

         3. Leadership (include name, phone, and email)

            1. Athletic Director

            2. Head Coach

         4. Date established

         5. Football teams participating

         6. Number of high school players by level in the prior season (ie Freshman, JV, Varsity)

         7. Previous leagues

         8. Reason for  joining THIL

      4. New member vote eligibility begins after completing their first season and participating fully in the THIL post-season tournament. Each THIL Member Organization shall be represented by a delegate who will have voting privileges for that organization. In addition, each Member Organization delegate must agree to actively serve on at least one association committee.

4. ARTICLE IV – Organization and Annual Meeting

   1. League Management

      1. The management, control, and final authority for this league shall belong to the board, the Commissioner, and other committees as may, from time to time, be authorized and appointed.

   2. Annual Meeting

      1. An annual meeting of the Member Organizations shall be held each year during the month of June at such time and place as stated in a notice of meeting issued by the board to elect members of the Executive Committee.

      2. Key topics to decide include: rule updates, annual dues, and postseason events.

   3. Committees

      1. Executive Committee

         1. Executive management of the activities and affairs of the league shall be conducted and vested in the Executive Committee.

         2. Committee Composition:

            1. The number of members of the Executive Committee shall be a minimum of three (3).

            2. The number of the Members of the Executive Committee can be changed from time to time by the Executive Committee.

            3. Any new Executive Committee member shall first be nominated by a member of the Executive Committee and approved, subject to election by the Membership at the annual meeting, by a majority of the Committee and board

   4. Officers

      1. Term of Office and Appointment:

         1. Members shall be nominated, appointed and report to the Executive Committee.

         2. Nominees must be nominated by an Executive Committee member and be seconded by another Executive Committee member to be voted on.

         3. Each new member must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

         4. Each Committee member shall hold office for one (1) year or until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her death, removal, or resignation.

      2. Commissioner

         1. Responsibilities: 

            1. To serve as the chief administrative officer of THIL.

            2. For day to day operation of THIL and supervision of sponsored activities, events and contests.

            3. To report to the Executive Committee on contractual and fiscal matters, board meeting agenda, and other association business.

            4. To prepare the annual budget for THIL and submit it for approval by the Executive Committee.

            5. To take such other actions as are reasonable, necessary, desirable and consistent with the THIL Constitution, general rules and other approved rules, policies and procedures.

      3. Secretary

         1. Responsible for recording, storing, and sharing notes from meeting activities.

      4. Treasurer

         1. Responsible for managing the finances and assisting the commissioner.

   5. Meeting notice

      1. Notice for meetings will require one week for in-person and 24 hours for on-line/phone.

   6. Committee Quorum and Voting

      1. Quorum to hold a meeting and conduct business requires attendance of 66.7% or greater. All non-attending will be presumed as non-affirming for voting purposes.

      2. Voting

         1. Rule changes

            1. Majority vote (50% or greater) in the affirmative

         2. New members

            1. Supermajority vote (66.7% or greater) in the affirmative

         3. Disciplinary 

            1. Majority vote (50% or greater) in the affirmative

         4. Constitutional Amendments

            1. Supermajority vote (66.7% or greater) in the affirmative

   7. Compensation

      1. All committee members and officers shall serve without compensation except that they may be allowed reasonable advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

5. ARTICLE V – Alignment

   1. Divisional Alignment

      1. Alignment will be reviewed, voted-on, and assigned by the Executive Board at the annual meeting mentioned above.

   2. Schedule

      1. Beginning in 2025, members are required to play three or more league games in a regular season. 

6. ARTICLE VI – Player Eligibility

   1. Compliance

      1. In order to be eligible for participation in THIL sponsored activities, events and contests a student must meet and/or comply with all qualifications listed in the Constitution, general rules and THIL policies and procedures.

      2. All THIL Member programs must submit a roster to Board president/Board and have a roster uploaded into max preps by September 15th of the current year. (any roster ad’s after September 15th must be submitted for a waiver to the executive board.

   2. Age/Gender Based Restrictions: 

      1. Students 15 years old on or before September 1st must play at the high school level. Any student that is 19 years old on or before September 1st is not eligible to play in any THIL sponsored activities, events or contests.  Students will have a maximum of four (4) years of eligibility at the high school level regardless of which school or organization they play for. A student younger than 15 MAY play at the high school level. That student needs to be identified to the THIL board during the season. Post regular season THIL sponsored games such as playoffs or National contests would not start the 4 years for a player younger than 15.  All players participating in THIL activities/sports that align with their gender at birth. 

      2. Sport Gender 

                   Football - Male

3. Academic Restrictions

   1. No student who has graduated fully from high school or other school of equal or higher status (including successful completion of the General Educational Development tests) may participate in THIL sponsored activities, events or contests.

   2. Students must be actively engaged in high school courses and/or dual credit curriculum.  

4. Curriculum Requirements

   1. THIL is open to all students that attend any type of school, cooperative, or other high school equivalent education that does not offer an 11-man tackle program. For any team with less than 25 high school players on their roster, they are allowed up to five (5) players that attend schools that offer 11-man tackle football. The student cannot play or have played on both teams during the same season. Any additional player circumstances will require approval from the board.

5. Amateur Restrictions

   1. No student who has received money or gifts or valuable consideration for participating in any sport or contest may participate in THIL sponsored activities, events or contests.

6. Rules on Recruitment 

1. All coaches, athletic directors, and any individuals employed by or volunteering for a member organization are strictly prohibited from attempting to recruit players from other league members at the high school level. This rule forbids initiating conversations with players or their parents regarding recruitment in any form, whether in person, over the phone, or through any form of messaging.

2. This rule does not restrict parents or players from contacting coaches of other teams to inquire about switching teams or obtaining information. If parents or players initiate the contact, there are no restrictions.

3. Any issues should be reported directly to the THIL board. The board has the authority to determine the event's occurrence and decide on any resulting consequences.

7. ARTICLE VII – Activities

   1. State Championships

      1. Athletic championships will be conducted each year. A state champion will be recognized in both boy and girl designated sports/events.

   2. Association Operations

      1. The general operations of THIL will follow the guidelines as set by the THIL Constitution, General Rules and approved policies and procedures.

8. ARTICLE VIII – Rules & Discipline

   1. Rules

      1. THIL utilizes the NCAA Division I Football Rulebook unless otherwise stated below.

      2. https://www.ncaapublications.com/c-82-football.aspx

   2. Forfeit

      1. THIL shall deem all contests, events, activities or games in which an ineligible athlete participates to be a loss even if the team had obtained a victory. Participation will include, but not be limited to, dressing in the team uniform, playing in a game against any opponent or any other act which THIL considers to be participation.

   3. Violations

      1. Failure to follow rules listed in the THIL Constitution, General Rules or other approved policies and procedures may subject a Member Organization and/or student, coach, employee, representative or parent to association penalties and or expulsion.

   4. Ejections

      1. If a player is ejected during the course of a game, that player will be suspended and not be allowed to participate in the first two quarters of the next game, regardless of playoffs. During the two quarters of the player’s suspension, that player will be deemed as ineligible. It will be the coaches’ responsibility to not allow the suspended player on the field (player is allowed to be on the sideline and in uniform during the first two quarters).  If the player participated on the field while ineligible, the team will be subject to any rules or penalties pertaining to an ineligible player being on the field and participating in a game.  The suspended player may return to regular play at the start of the 3rd quarter. Exception: disqualification/ejection as a result of a targeting foul does not require the player to miss the first half of the following game.

      2. If a coach disagrees with an official's ejection during a game, they may submit an appeal to the Executive Committee no later than four (4) days after the incident. The coach submitting the appeal may provide supporting evidence (ie game film). If the Executive Committee deems the ejection to be unwarranted, the player that was ejected will be allowed to participate with no restrictions at the start of the next game. 

         1. Process

            1. Appeal submitted by impacted team via email to executive committee

               1. Appeals can not overturn an officials call or overturn a game.

               2. Appeals can be used to review post-game disciplinary measures (ie suspensions)

            2. A member of the executive committee needs to 2nd the motion to initiate the review by the executive process

            3. A call is scheduled/occurs within 48 hours to discuss the appeal and finishes with a vote by all members.

               1. Majority to reverse ruling

   5. Penalties

      1. All penalties will be up to the discretion of the Executive Committee. A penalty can be imposed by a simple majority vote.  

      2. Penalties include but are not limited to:

         1. Public reprimand on website and/or social media platforms

         2. Limit to all state awards

         3. Suspension from players being in the All-star game

         4. Suspension from end of season playoffs

         5. Loss of league voting rights for one (1) year 

         6. Suspension from the league for one (1) year

         7. Removal from league

9. ARTICLE IX – Postseason Activities

   1. Postseason Tournament

      1. When

         1. Round One (Semis) will begin on the last Friday/Saturday of October or first Friday/Saturday of November depending on season start date

         2. Round Two (Finals/Consolation) will follow the following week

      2. Location

         1. Round One will take place at the higher seed’s home field

         2. Round Two will be determined by the Executive Board

      3. Seeding

         1. Seeding will be determined by the following factors in the order below based on a coaches poll with consideration of the following

            1. Highest win/loss percentage within the league

            2. Highest win/loss percentage for entire season

            3. MaxPreps rankings in Texas

      4. Playoff Brackets

1. Will be available by October 15th of the current  season

5. Financial Responsibility

   1. If the operational costs for the game exceeds the revenue from concessions and/or the gate, the participating teams are responsible to evenly cover the remaining balance, unless otherwise agreed upon.

6. Executive Board gives final approval before fields, officials or other costs

7. All member teams are required to be available and participate as seeded by the Executive Board

   1. Non-participation will result in suspension of voting activities, including post-season awards.

2. League Awards

   1. Board members will vote on their choice of all-stars at each position (1st Team / 2nd Team / Honorable Mention)

      1. Offense

         1. QB (1/1/1)

         2. RB (2/2/2)

         3. WR (3/3/3)

         4. TE/FB (1/1/1)

         5. OL (5/5/5)

         6. Multi-Purpose/Athlete (1/1/1)

            1. Winning player cannot be awarded for another offensive position

      2. Defense

         1. DL (4/4/4)

         2. LB (4/4/4)

         3. DB (4/4/4)

      3. Special Teams

         1. K (1/1/1)

         2. P (1/1/1)

3. Voting

   1. Nominations must be submitted on or before the Friday before the start of the playoffs.

   2. Voting begins the day after the conclusion of the playoffs and will close on the following Thursday. The following day is reserved for tallying the votes.

   3. Announcement will take place on the Saturday following vote closure.

4. All-Star Game

   1. League awarded players (1st/2nd/HM) are automatically invited to the All-Star game. Board reserves the right to extend to additional players with majority approval. 

   2. First Saturday of December.

   3. Activities will include a morning practice time and afternoon game.

   4. Location will be based on what is best located for all teams to attend.

   5. Equipment

      1. Own uniforms and equipment

      2. Jersey provided

   6. THIL will cover the operational costs for the All-star game.

   7. The Executive Board gives final approval before fields, officials or other costs.

10. ARTICLE X – Amendments and Ratification

    1. Amendments

       1. Amendments to this Constitution must be proposed in writing to the Executive Committee. Seconding of the proposal is required for discussion. The discussion will end once a majority of the committee members agree to move to a vote. Amendment approval requires at least two-thirds (⅔) affirmative vote to pass. 

    2. Team Additions

       1. Teams are eligible to be added at the winter meetings or before July 1st of the upcoming season. Nominations must come from a current board member and be seconded by another. Approval requires two-thirds (⅔) affirmative vote.

       2. Founding teams will each have one board seat and one vote. 

       3. New teams approved for the upcoming season will have full voting rights once the regular season concludes.