Federal Government

1. The Federal Government has set laws for the use of Drones which all 50 states follow. Some states have additional requirements. 

2. The FAA breaks drones down into two groups, Recreational (drone under 1/2 lbs. and flying for fun in the park) or Non-Recreational which follows PART 107 regulations (taking pictures or video for free or for sale is included).

3. Visit FAA.GOV/UAS for the requirements to get a Certificate to fly your drone. 

TYFA

1. TYFA declares all flights of drones at any officially schedule TYFA event to be Non-Recreational which will require the pilot of any drone to have an Official Certificate from the FAA in their possession when at an event per FAA § 107.7 (a)(1), and show it when requested by TYFA Staff, Hosting Staff or Venue Staff. Failure to do so and the drone crew will be removed from the venue and the organization they are associated with will be charged with a Level II violation. TYFA, Host or Venue staff have the right to report non-compliance to the FAA.

2. Organizations who have someone who wishes to fly a drone at any officially scheduled TYFA Event needs to:

   1. • Get a Certificate from the FAA and Register their Drone with TYFA using the form below.

      • If the certificate provided to TYFA is valid, digital credentials from TYFA will be provided.

      • The TYFA credentials and the FAA certificate is required to be in possession of the pilot when they fly a drone.

3. Denying Flight

   1. • A Host's venue (ISD for example) may have their own rules on drones that supersedes TYFA's rules and credentials. 

Example: UIL Drone Policy states: Drones are not allowed to fly over the footprint of the venue when team members, officials, bands, and other spirit groups are present. 

3. 1. • TYFA reserves the right to deny previously granted flight privileges if it is proven that the drone was flying dangerously and violating TYFA or FAA policy.

4. TYFA will deny any pilots other than ones they hire, to fly a drone over any TYFA hosted event.

5. If a person is found flying a drone without their certificate, without registering with TYFA, or violating the host's request to set the pilot off property, the organization they represent will be charged with a Level II violation. There will be consequences for those flying the drone.

1. TYFA’s legal team has determined that, as a private entity, we have the authority to designate any venue hosting an officially scheduled TYFA event as a private venue. As such, TYFA may declare these venues as Gun-Free Zones. 

2. Independent School District (ISD) venues are already designated as Gun-Free Zones, meaning firearms—whether open or concealed—are prohibited, except for off-duty law enforcement officers. Some school districts even deny them.

3. For non-ISD venues, we recommend posting the required bilingual signage (English and Spanish) stating:

   1. • "This venue is hosting a TYFA event and has been designated a Gun-Free Zone. 

      • The possession of firearms, whether open or concealed, is strictly prohibited."

4. Please note that public parks are an exception, and we cannot enforce a Gun-Free Zone in these locations as park (city) policy supercedes the league policy.

5. Under Texas Penal Code 30.05, if an individual is found carrying a firearm at a restricted venue, you may request that they secure the firearm in their vehicle. If they refuse, you are authorized to issue a Criminal Trespass Warning. Should noncompliance persist, law enforcement may be contacted for further action.

Organizations may hire Photographers and Videographers as they see fit, BUT, those hired must reach out to TYFA through the Application Form below, so that a Background check can be done on them before they take the field and are around the TYFA athletes.  This is no different than the coaches etc. getting background checked. 

POLICY

1. Freelance and hired photographers who wish to attend TYFA events must apply to the league, be background checked and receive digital credentials they will show at venues they attempt to enter.

2. Major outlets like NBC, ESPN, CBS or local affiliates with credentials are exempt.

3. If a team or organization hires someone and does not get them cleared by TYFA, the organization will be charged with a Level II violation.

4. If a vendor has personnel at a venue that have been denied because of their background check, the vendor will be indefinitely suspended from being at TYFA events.

5. It is an organization's responsibility to make sure the vendor hired has their TYFA credentials and that none of their personnel are there illegally. Failure to do so and the organization could be charged with a Level II violation

GAME DAY

1. If hired media violate the area they can be in which is stipulated on their credentials given by TYFA, the host organization can eject them from the venue.

2. The same goes for their behavior. They are there to take video or pictures, not cheer on a player or team or badger the referees or anyone else. 

3. If either of these is reported to TYFA, the vendor may lose their ability to be at TYFA events.

4. Any hired vendor trying to enter a venue without TYFA credentials can be denied by the host.

5. Hired media (except those hired by TYFA) are required to pay the gate fee unless the host chooses otherwise.

6. All hired media, TYFA's, freelancers and organization hired must seek out the main POC for the host and let them know they are there.

ACCESS TO VENUE AREAS

1. HIRED BY ORGANIZATION PLAYING/FREELANCERS

• May ONLY be on the sideline of the Team who hired them and outside of the coaches box. (hired)

• May be on either sideline, but must stay out of the coaches box. (freelancer)

• May be at the back of either endzone.

• Cannot be on the field during a play.

• May go into the Press Box if the hosts allows.

2. TYFA HIRED

• Covered by the digital waiver organizations, volunteers and parents sign during certification.

• May be on either sideline, but must stay out of the coaches box.

• May be at the back of either endzone.

• May be on the field during a play.

• May go into the Press Box if the hosts allows.

1. The ADA Service Animal Policy is very complicated when it comes to what you can and cannot ask.

2. TYFA highly recommends you research your venue policy and go with that. Venue policy supercedes any league policy.

3. If your venue does not have a policy, you can research or get a lawyer to provide you one.

4. Texas Disability Law - Service Animals

The Texas Youth Football and Cheer Association (TYFA) recognizes the important role social media plays in today's world, particularly in youth sports. We understand that parents, coaches, and volunteers often use these platforms to celebrate their children's achievements and promote their teams. However, it's crucial that we maintain a positive and respectful online environment that reflects the values of TYFA. This policy outlines our expectations for social media conduct related to TYFA activities. 

This policy aims to:

• Promote a positive and supportive online environment for all TYFA participants.

• Protect the reputation of TYFA, its member organizations, and its athletes.

• Encourage responsible and respectful communication on social media.

• Provide guidance for addressing inappropriate social media behavior.

While we acknowledge that we cannot directly control all social media activity, we strongly encourage all TYFA members organizations (parents, coaches, volunteers, and athletes) to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Respectful Communication:

• Refrain from posting any content that is disrespectful, offensive, or derogatory towards other teams, coaches, players, officials, or TYFA itself.

• Avoid engaging in "trash talk" or any form of online bullying or harassment.

• Remember that your online actions reflect on your team, your organization, and TYFA.

• Think before you post. Once it is posted, it is very hard to remove.

2. Positive Representation:

• Use social media to celebrate the achievements of your team and individual athletes in a positive and constructive manner.

• Focus on promoting good sportsmanship and teamwork.

• Share positive stories and experiences related to TYFA activities.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality:

• Be mindful of the privacy of others, especially children.

• Avoid posting personal information or sensitive content without consent.

• Do not share confidential information about TYFA or its member organizations.

4. Addressing Concerns:

• If you encounter inappropriate social media content related to TYFA, please report it to your local organization's leadership or to TYFA at helpdesk@tyfa.com.

• Avoid engaging in public disputes on social media. Instead, address concerns through appropriate channels.

5. Organizational Responsibility:

• TYFA member organizations are encouraged to educate their volunteers and parents about this social media policy.

• Organizations should address instances of inappropriate social media behavior promptly and fairly.

• We encourage each organization to create their own social media policy that coincides with the TYFA policy.

Recommendations

• We strongly recommend that coaches and organization leaders proactively communicate these guidelines to parents and volunteers at the beginning of each season with their parents, volunteers and athletes.

• Consider hosting meetings or information sessions on responsible social media use.

• Encourage positive social media engagement by sharing team photos, highlights, and achievements.

While TYFA does not directly police all social media activity, we reserve the right to take action in cases of false information being posted or egregious violations that significantly damage the reputation of the league or its participants. This may include, but is not limited to, warnings, Fines, suspensions, or other appropriate disciplinary measures against the offending party.