CONSTITUTION OF THE JNIC FFL

PREAMBLE

We the Members of the JNIC Fantasy Football League, in order to form a more perfect league, establish fair competition, ensure competitive balance, provide for weekly smack talk, promote the general enjoyment, and secure the blessings of bragging rights to ourselves and our brethren, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the JNIC Fantasy Football League.

ARTICLE I: The Commissioner

The Role of the Commissioner
Zach Davidson (“The Commissioner”) has agreed to take on the job of overseeing the JNIC FFL. His job is to manage the league, keep things fair, and make sure everything runs smoothly. By being part of this league, all members agree to follow the rules and decisions laid out by the Commissioner.

Section 1. Commissioner Responsibilities
The Commissioner is basically the league’s boss in three main areas:

  • Administration: Manages the day-to-day and big picture stats, rankings, and keeps the league organized.

  • Disputes: Handles arguments or rule issues that come up.

  • Finances: Manages league dues and payouts.

The Commissioner can also appoint helpers if needed and has the power to interpret rules, make final calls on disputes, and decide on disciplinary actions when necessary.

Section 2. Disciplinary Actions
If someone in the league acts in a way that hurts the league or isn’t in its best interest, the Commissioner can hand out punishments. These may include:

  • A simple reprimand (getting called out).

  • A formal warning.

  • Losing a keeper pick.

  • Suspension or removal from the league.

  • A cash fine.

  • Or any other fair punishment the Commissioner feels fits the situation

Section 3. Executive Order

The Commissioner has the authority to issue Executive Orders when necessary to ensure the fair, efficient, and orderly operation of the JNIC FFL.

  1. Scope of Authority

    • Executive Orders may only be used to resolve issues, clarify rules, or make adjustments that protect the integrity and smooth functioning of the league.

    • The Commissioner cannot issue an Executive Order that unfairly disadvantages, harms, or disrupts the league or its members.

  2. Binding Effect

    • Once issued, an Executive Order is immediately binding on all league members, regardless of whether each member personally agrees with it.

  3. Checks and Balances

    • Any Executive Order may be reviewed and overturned by a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of the league members.

    • Until such a vote occurs, the Executive Order remains in full effect.

Section 4. Checks on the Commissioner
The Commissioner does not have unlimited power. If the league feels the Commissioner isn’t doing his job properly, all league members can vote unanimously to remove him from office.

ARTICLE II: Owners & Voting Participation

Section 1. League Members/Owners. There will be 12 league members for each season. The Owners of each franchise are established as follows:         

(1) CJ
(2) Dre
(3) Dunc
(4) Kenny
(5) Lance
(6) Mel
(7) Sherv
(8) Steve
(9) Tone
(10) Will
(11) Zach
(12) Zayn   

A. All interested members from the previous season have the right to retain their team, so long as they have not been called to suspension or removal by the Commissioner, and thereafter upon a two-thirds vote from remaining league members.     

B. The Commissioner will institute suspensions and or removals based on a unanimous vote by remaining league members. The league vote excludes the Manager in question.     

Section 2. Voting. Each offseason, team managers may be required to cast votes in respect of such matters as would include, but not be limited to:

  • The election of a Commissioner

  • The amount of the annual league dues

  • Revisions to bonus categories as defined in Article 5, Section 1.

  • The amendment of this Constitution in respect of matters that shall include, but not be limited to:             

i. Revisions to the League Settings, as defined in Article 3; and

ii. Revisions to the regulations pertaining to a draft, as defined in Article 6;​

All of which shall require a simple majority vote by means of a virtual or in-person poll (so long as all team managers are represented); with the exception of subsection 3, which shall require a two-thirds majority vote. All votes will remain open for 24 hours after the creation of the poll. Upon expiration of the voting window, all votes will be counted, and a ruling will be made by the Commissioner pursuant to the authority granted him in Article 1, Section 1, Subsection A.

Section 3. Regular Season Voting. During the Regular Season, team managers may be required to cast votes in respect of such matters as would include, but not be limited to:

  • Referenda or opinion polls as required by the Commissioner for his own guidance; and

  • Reviews of the Commissioner’s decisions within the regular season

Section 4. NO CONTENTIOUS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS DURING REGULAR SEASON. This Constitution may not be amended during the Regular Season except by unanimous vote of the team managers by means of a poll on the website or in person. All votes will remain open for three (3) days after the creation of the poll. Upon expiration of the voting window, all votes will be counted and a ruling will be made by the Commissioner pursuant to the authority granted him in Article 1, Section 2, Subsection c.

Section 5. Minimum Voting Requirements. There is 75% minimum quorum or representation requirement for a regular season, offseason, or Constitutional Amendment vote. As stated in section 5, all votes will stay open for 24 hours after the creation of a poll. Upon expiration of the voting window, all votes will be counted.

Section 6. Withdrawal of Members/Owners. Managers may withdraw from 440 & Friends at any time between the commencement of the offseason (after Week 17) and August 1 within that offseason without penalty.  Replacement owners may be found and appointed by league majority vote.  

Article III: Draft Weekend, Attendance, and Location Selection

Section 1. Draft Weekend as a Core Tradition

Draft Weekend is the single most important annual event of the JNIC Fantasy Football League. It serves not only as the foundation of the fantasy season but also as the central gathering point for league camaraderie, banter, and traditions. Attendance at Draft Weekend is strongly encouraged and considered a vital part of membership in the JNIC FFL.

Section 2. Attendance Incentives

A. Each Owner who attends Draft Weekend in person at the official draft location shall receive a $10 in-league incentive.

B. This incentive shall be credited to the Owner’s auction budget (in the case of an auction draft) or applied as a monetary bonus or waiver perk, as determined by the Commissioner prior to each season.

C. Owners who fail to attend in person shall not receive the incentive.

Section 3. Draft Location Selection

A. The League Champion of the previous season shall hold the exclusive right to select the location of Draft Weekend for the upcoming year.

B. The Commissioner shall hold veto power over the Champion’s selection, but this power may only be exercised under the following conditions:

  1. If the selected location is financially prohibitive for the majority of Owners, as determined by reasonable cost of travel and accommodations, or

  2. If the selected location is weather-prohibitive (e.g., selecting Jamaica during peak hurricane season in the Caribbean), or

  3. If the selected location is time-prohibitive (e.g., selecting a location that forces members to take more than two days off from work because the location takes a full day to travel to)

  4. No other grounds shall be admissible for the Commissioner to veto the Champion’s choice of location.

  5. In the event the Commissioner vetoes a selection, the Champion shall promptly select a new location.

Section 4. Spirit of the Rule

This Article exists to balance the prestige and reward of being the League Champion with the fairness and practicality of ensuring the majority of Owners can reasonably attend Draft Weekend. It is the expectation of all Owners that Draft Weekend remains an accessible, memorable, and unifying tradition within the JNIC FFL.

Article IV: Keeper Rules

Section 1. Keeper Eligibility

A. Each Owner may elect to keep zero (0), one (1), or two (2) players from their previous season’s final roster.

B. A keeper may only remain with an Owner’s team for a maximum of four (4) consecutive years: the original draft year plus three (3) additional years.

C. Keepers will be designated on the draft board as K1, K2, or K3, signifying the number of years they have been kept.

Section 2. Keeper Declaration and Deadline

A. The official keeper deadline will be the third Monday of the month of August at 12:00 PM (noon).

B. Owners must submit keeper selections via Text, WhatsApp, or Email to the Commissioner, ensuring that the message is time-stamped. Keeper selections submitted via phone call will not be accepted.

C. To be valid, keeper selections must be accompanied by the Owner’s $250 league fee submitted on or before the deadline.

  1. Any keeper declaration not paired with the $250 fee shall be considered void.

  2. This rule will be strictly enforced with zero exceptions.

Section 3. Confirmation Process

A. Upon receipt of a keeper submission, the Commissioner will:

  • Review the price point of each selected player.

  • Notify the Owner of the associated cost.

  • Request confirmation from the Owner to lock in the player(s).

B. Once an Owner confirms a keeper is locked, the selection cannot be reversed prior to the deadline except in cases of injury or suspension as defined in Section 4.

Section 4. Keeper Replacement Due to Injury or Suspension

A. A locked-in keeper may only be replaced after the deadline if the player is diagnosed with:

  • An injury projected to sideline him for four (4) or more regular season games, or

  • A suspension of four (4) or more games.

Section 5. Keeper Fees

A. Keeper designations will carry the following fees:

  • K1: $5

  • K2: $10

  • K3: $15

B. If a keeper is traded, the new Owner assumes the current designation and fee status of that player. Example: If Tony trades Zach a player designated as K1, Zach assumes him as a K1. If Zach keeps him the following season, the player becomes K2 and carries a $10 fee.

Section 6. Injured Reserve (IR) Keepers

A. Players on Injured Reserve (IR) at season’s end may be kept the following season.

B. The IR player’s keeper cost will be based on his original draft value.

Section 7. Waiver Wire & Free Agency Values

A. Any player acquired via the waiver wire or free agency will assume the following keeper values:

  • Players acquired for $4 or less, or at no cost: Keeper value of $5.

    • Example: A free agent picked up at no cost would carry a $5 keeper value, plus the $5 K1 fee, totaling $10 in Year 1.

  • Players acquired for $5–$40: Keeper value remains equal to the acquisition cost.

  • Players acquired for $41–$100: Keeper value is capped at $40 for keeper purposes.

Section 8. Enforcement and Final Authority

A. The Commissioner is responsible for reviewing, confirming, and enforcing all keeper designations, values, and fees.

B. All disputes regarding the interpretation of this Article shall be resolved by the Commissioner in the best interest of the League.

Article V: Trades

Section 1. Trade Period

A. Owners may agree to exchange players at any time after the completion of the draft and prior to Saturday, November 22, 2025.

B. There is no limit on the number of trades permitted during the trade period.

Section 2. Trade Restrictions

A. Trades for future considerations are not allowed.

B. Accidental trade proposals are considered valid and binding if accepted before a revocation is submitted.

  • Once accepted, the trade is final.

  • The only way to undo an accidental trade is if both Owners mutually agree to reverse it.

C. Each Owner bears responsibility to carefully review all trade proposals before submitting or accepting.

Section 3. Trade Protests

A. Any Owner may protest a trade if it falls into one of the following categories:

  1. Collusion – Two Owners intentionally conspire to make a trade that unfairly benefits one while providing no value to the other, thus creating an undue advantage.

  2. Trade Dismantling – An Owner who has decided to leave the JNIC FFL deliberately makes a trade designed to weaken his roster beyond repair, damaging competitive integrity.

  3. Best Interest Violation – An Owner intentionally alters the league’s competitive balance in a way that is detrimental to the JNIC FFL.

B. To initiate a protest, the protesting Owner must:

  • Email the Commissioner within 24 hours of the trade being finalized.

  • Clearly state the trade being protested and the reason(s) for the protest.

C. Upon receiving a protest, the Commissioner will:

  • Notify both Owners involved in the trade that it is under review.

  • Allow each Owner 24 hours to present their case.

  • Issue a ruling within 24 hours of the response deadline.

Section 4. Intent of the Trade Protest Rule

A. The purpose of trade protesting is to prevent illegal trades or trades made with malicious intent.

B. Trade protesting is not designed to:

  • Prevent teams from legitimately improving.

  • Block an Owner’s strategy, even if unusual.

  • Reverse trades simply because they are one-sided, unbalanced, or questionable in value.

C. The guiding principle is that protests shall only be upheld when a trade is proven to be collusive, destructive, or harmful to the league’s competitive integrity.

Article VI: Game of Thrones Guillotine Tournament

Section 1. Structure of the Tournament

A. The Game of Thrones Guillotine Tournament shall run concurrently with the JNIC FFL regular season during Weeks 1 through 11.

B. All Owners are automatically entered into the Guillotine Tournament at the beginning of the season.

C. The Tournament is a single-elimination format based on weekly scoring totals.

Section 2. Elimination Rules

A. At the conclusion of each week (Weeks 1–11), the Owner whose team records the lowest weekly total score shall be eliminated from the Tournament.

B. Once eliminated, an Owner is no longer eligible to compete in the Guillotine Tournament, though their team continues in the standard JNIC FFL season.

C. Eliminations shall continue weekly until only one Owner remains at the conclusion of Week 11.

Section 3. Prize

A. The last remaining Owner — the final survivor of the Guillotine Tournament — shall be declared the Game of Thrones Guillotine Champion.

B. The Guillotine Champion shall receive a $50 bonus payout in addition to any other league winnings they may earn.

Section 4. Enforcement

A. The Commissioner shall track weekly results and ensure accurate elimination of the lowest-scoring team each week.

B. Any disputes regarding Guillotine results shall be resolved by the Commissioner in the best interest of the League.

Article VII: Payouts

Section 1. Annual Payout Distribution

A. Payouts for each season shall be distributed as follows:

  1. First Place (League Champion) – $2,000

  2. Second Place (Runner-Up) – $500

  3. Most Points (Regular Season Total Points Leader) – $250

  4. Game of Thrones Guillotine Winner – $50

B. Payouts shall be awarded at the conclusion of the season and after all league fees have been collected and confirmed by the Commissioner.

C. All payouts must be issued no later than the Friday following the determination of the winner.

  • This timeline allows for the conclusion of Monday Night Football, the standard two-day transfer period for funds, and a one-day buffer for any potential delays.

Section 2. Finalist Agreements

A. The two Owners competing in the Championship game may agree to divvy up the total Championship pot of $2,500 in any manner they choose.

B. Any such agreement must:

  • Be presented in writing to the Commissioner, and

  • Be mutually agreed upon and signed off by both finalists.

C. This agreement must be delivered prior to the commencement of the first game of Championship Week.

D. If no agreement is submitted, payouts shall default to the standard distribution outlined in Section 1(A).

Section 3. League Operations Costs

A. A total of $200 annually shall be allocated from league funds for the purpose of maintaining the domain and website access of the JNIC FFL official website.

B. This operational expense shall be deducted prior to the distribution of payouts.

C. The Commissioner shall ensure payment of this expense each year and confirm the league of successful renewal.

Section 4. Enforcement

A. Payouts will only be distributed to Owners in good standing who have fully paid their annual league fee.

B. Any disputes regarding payout distribution shall be resolved by the Commissioner in the best interest of the League.