The Post Game Handshake is a long standing tradition intended to show good sportsmanship and respect between the coaches and athletes of each team. There may be occasions where the game became very contentious that just the Head Coaches meet at center field. If some volunteers or athletes do not line up for the hand shake, in the grand scheme of things it may be best for the safety of everyone.

Normal Situation

• All athletes who can walk and all Football Coaches should be in that line. Support staff like Team Managers, Photographers etc. do not have to be in the line.

• Cheer staff, cheerleaders, non-certified persons (adult or child) or certified athletes from another team should NOT be in the line.

• Say "Good Game", stay silent and/or put a hand out.  

• Once through the line, head back to your sideline, pack up their stuff and head out.

Contentious Situation

• If both or either Head Coach or a monitoring Black Shirt determines just the two Head Coaches should meet, all other participants from each sideline should pack up their stuff and head out.

• Head Coaches should say "Good Game", something else positive or stay silent.

• If one team lines up but their opponent's head coach is the only person to come out, the other team should respect the fact that their opponent's head coach is coming out, head back to their sideline to pack up and leave. 

• IT DOES NOT MATTER in the grand scheme of things if only the head coach comes out.

Consequences

• If a team does not at least send their head coach out, the head coach will be charged with a Level II violation.

• If volunteers or athletes make derogatory comments, taunt, use something to spank their opponent, etc., those caught will be charged with a Level IV violation.

• If an organization refuses to give TYFA the information of specific volunteers or athletes who violated some or all of this policy, the organization will be charged with a Level IV violation.

It is the policy of the league to prioritize safety and sportsmanship over any displays of ego. 

All individuals participating in or attending league events are expected to adhere to the following post-game conduct and hosting organization responsibilities.

Team Responsibilities (Home and Visiting):

1. Timely and Expedited Departure:

• Following the post-game handshake, teams shall conduct a brief team debriefing.

• Teams shall efficiently gather their equipment and promptly depart the field in order to not delay the next game.

• Teams shall ensure that volunteers and parents do not linger in the parking lot to engage in taunting or confrontation.

2. Demonstration of Respect:

• The post-game handshake is a time-honored tradition symbolizing mutual respect.

• Overly exuberant field celebrations are deemed inappropriate and disrespectful. Any post-game actions intended to humiliate or disrespect the opposing team are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, performing jumping jacks on stadium logos or engaging in any other behavior deemed to be taunting or disrespectful.

• Taunting of any kind will result in serious disciplinary measures.

• Visiting teams: Should conduct their post-game gatherings at the ends of the field, not the center. Using the home team's midfield space can be seen as disrespectful. 

3. De-escalation of Potential Conflicts:

• Organizations shall ensure that players and supporters maintain composure.

• Organizations shall prevent or attempt to mitigate actions that could lead to verbal or physical altercations.

Hosting Organization Responsibilities:

1. Spectator and Participant Safety:

• The hosting organization is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all spectators and participants throughout the event, including post-game activities.

• The host organization is responsible for ensuring that fans and spectators are respectful.

• The host organization is responsible for ensuring that violators of respectful conduct are quickly and promptly removed.

• It is highly recommended that hosting organizations have some type of security or police presence to assist in keeping the peace.

• If the host organization has access to a PA system at their field, they should make an announcement prior to the start of each game about facility rules, conduct and spectator conduct.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, penalties, fines, suspensions, and other appropriate measures as determined by league officials.