SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1 - The Game

a. The game shall be played between two teams of not more than 11 players each, on a rectangular field and with an inflated ball having the shape of a prolate spheroid.
b. A team legally may play with fewer than 11 players, but a foul for an illegal formation occurs if the following requirements are not met:
1. When the ball is free-kicked, at least four Team A players are on each side of the kicker (Rule 6-1-2-c-3).
2. At the snap, at least five players wearing jerseys numbered 50 through 79 are on the offensive scrimmage line and no more than four players are in the backfield (Rules 2-21-2, 2-27-4 and 7-1-4-a) (Exception: Rule 7-1-4-a-5) (A.R. 7-1-4-IV-VI)

Article 2 - Goal Lines

Goal lines, one for each team, shall be established at opposite ends of the
field of play, and each team shall be allowed opportunities to advance the ball across the other team’s goal line by running, passing or kicking it.

Article 3 - Winning Team and Final Score

a. The teams shall be awarded points for scoring according to rule and, unless the game is forfeited, the team having the larger score at the end of the game shall be the winning team.

b. When the referee declares that the game is ended, the score is final.

Article 4 - Game Officials

The game shall be played under the supervision of the game officials.

Article 5 - Team Captains

Each team shall designate to the referee not more than four players as its field captain(s). One player at a time shall speak for his team in all dealings with the officials.

Article 6 - Persons Subject to the Rules

a. All persons subject to the rules are governed by the decisions of the officials.
b. Those persons subject to the rules are: Everyone in the team area, players, substitutes, replaced players, coaches, athletics trainers, cheerleaders, band members, mascots, public-address announcers, audio/video/lighting system operators, and other persons affiliated with the teams or institutions.

Article 7 - Institutions Subject to the Rules

a. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating organizations shall conduct all contests under the official football-playing rules of the Association.
b. NCAA-affiliated officiating organizations shall use the current Football Officials Manual published under the jurisdiction of the College Football Officiating, LLC (CFO).
c. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating organizations not complying with NCAA football-playing rules are subject to sanctions (See appropriate divisional NCAA Manual).

SECTION 2. THE FIELD

Article 1 - Dimensions and Marking 

The field shall be a rectangular area with dimensions, lines, zones, goals and pylons as indicated in Appendix D.
a. All field-dimension lines shown must be white and 4 inches in width (Exceptions: Sidelines and end lines may exceed 4 inches in width, goal lines may be 4 or 8 inches in width, and Rule 1-2-1-g).
b. Twenty-four-inch short yard-line extensions, four inches inside the sidelines and at the hash marks, are mandatory; and all yard lines shall be four inches from the sidelines (Rule 2-12-6).
c. A solid white area between the sideline and the coaching line is mandatory.
d. White field markings or contrasting decorative markings (e.g., team names) are permissible in the end zones but shall not be closer than four feet to any line.
e. Contrasting coloring in the end zones may abut any line.
f. Only these contrasting decorative markings are allowed: conference logo, NCAA logo, college or university name and logo, and team name and logo. These are permissible within the sidelines and between the goal lines, under these conditions (See Appendix D):
1. The entirety of all yard lines, goal lines, and sidelines must be clearly visible. No portion of any such line may be obscured by decorative markings.
2. No such markings may touch or enclose the hash marks or numbers.
3. A single decorative marking, centered on the 50-yard line, and a maximum of four smaller flanking decorative markings are allowed.
g. Goal lines may be of one contrasting color from the white lines.
h. Advertising is prohibited on the field except as follows:
1. For postseason and neutral-site games the title sponsor whose name is associated with the name of that game may advertise on the field, with the restriction that there be a maximum of three such advertisements: a single advertisement centered on the 50-yard line and no more than two smaller flanking advertisements. These advertisements must adhere to paragraph f above. No other advertisements, either by the title sponsor or by any other commercial entity, may be on the field.
2. The NCAA Football logo is permitted.
3. If a commercial entity or individual has purchased naming rights to the stadium, facility, or field, that entity’s or individual’s name/company-specific font or logo may be painted on the field in no more than two of the flanking locations and will count in the total of the maximum of four flanking locations allowed.
i. White field yard-line numbers not larger than 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width, with the tops of the numbers nine yards from the sidelines, are recommended.
j. White directional arrows next to the field numbers (except the 50) indicating the direction toward the nearest goal line are recommended. The arrow is a triangle with an 18-inch base and two sides that are 36 inches each.
k. The two hash marks are 60 feet from the sidelines. Hash marks and short yard-line extensions shall measure 24 inches in length.
l. Nine-yard marks 12 inches in length, every 10 yards, shall be located nine yards from the sidelines. They are not required if the field is numbered according to Rule 1-2-1-i.

Article 2 - Marking Boundary Areas

Article 3 - Limit Lines

a. Limit lines shall be marked with 12-inch lines and at 24-inch intervals 12 feet outside the sidelines and the end lines, except in stadiums where total field surface does not permit. In these stadiums, the limit lines shall not be less than six feet from the sidelines and end lines. Limit lines shall be 4 inches in width and may be yellow. Limit lines designating team areas shall be solid lines.
b. No person outside the team area shall be inside the limit lines. Game management personnel have the responsibility and the authority to enforce this rule. (Exception: Hand-held cameras under the supervision of the television partners may briefly be between the limit lines and the sideline after the ball is dead and the game clock has been stopped. This exception does not allow cameras to be on the field of play or in the end zone at any time.)
c. Limit lines shall also be marked six feet from the team area around the side and back of the team area, if the stadium permits.

Article 4 - Team Area and Coaching Box

a. On each side of the field, a team area in back of the limit line and between the 20-yard lines shall be marked for the exclusive use of substitutes, athletics trainers and other persons affiliated with the team. The front of the coaching box shall be marked with a solid line six feet outside the sideline between the 20-yard lines. The area between the coaching line and the limit line between the 20-yard lines shall contain white diagonal lines or be marked distinctly for use of coaches (Rule 9-2-5). A 4-inch-by-4-inch mark is mandatory at each five-yard line extended between the goal lines as an extension of the coaching line for line-to-gain and down indicator six-foot reference points.
b. The team area shall be limited to squad members in full uniform (see Appendix D) and a maximum of 50 other individuals directly involved in the game. All persons in the team area are subject to the rules and are governed by decisions of the officials (Rule 1-1-6). The 50 individuals not in full uniform shall wear special team area credentials numbered 1 through 50. No other credentials are permitted. Medical personnel are exempted from the 50-credential limit and should have a separate, distinct pass.
c. Coaches are permitted in the coaching box (see Appendix D), which is the area bounded by the limit line and coaching line between the 20-yard lines.
d. No media personnel, including journalists, radio and television personnel, or their equipment, shall be in the team area or coaching box, and no media personnel shall communicate in any way with persons in the team area or coaching box. In stadiums where the team area extends to the spectator seating area, a pass-through area should be made available for media to move from one end of the field to the other on both sides of the field.
e. Game management personnel shall remove all persons not authorized by rule.
f. Practice kicking nets are not permitted outside the team area (Exception: In stadiums where playing enclosures are limited in size, nets, holders and kickers are permitted outside the team area and outside the limit line) (Rule 9-2-1-b-1).

Article 5 - Goals

a. Each goal shall consist of two white or yellow uprights extending at least 30 feet above the ground with a connecting white or yellow horizontal crossbar, the top of which is 10 feet above the ground. The inside of the uprights and crossbar shall be in the same vertical plane as the inside edge of the end line. Each goal is out of bounds (see Appendix D).
b. Above the crossbar, the uprights shall be white or yellow and 18 feet, six inches apart inside to inside.
c. The designated uprights and crossbar shall be free of decorative material (Exception: 4-inch-by-42-inch orange or red wind directional streamers at the top of the uprights are permitted).
d. The height of the crossbar shall be measured from the top of each end of the crossbar to the ground directly below.
e. Goal posts shall be padded with resilient material from the ground to a height of at least six feet. Advertising is prohibited on the goals. One manufacturer’s logo or trademark is permitted on each goal post pad. Institutional and conference logos are allowed.
f. The home team is responsible for the availability of a portable goal if original goals are removed during the game for any reason.

Article 6 - Pylons

Article 7 - Line-to-Gain and Down Indicators

The official line-to-gain (yardage chain) and down indicators shall be operated approximately six feet outside the sideline except in stadiums where the total playing enclosure does not permit. These must be operated on the side of the field opposite the traditional press box.

a. The yardage chain shall join two rods not fewer than 5 feet high, the rods’ inside edges being exactly 10 yards apart when the chain is fully extended.
b. The down indicator shall be mounted on a rod not fewer than 5 feet high operating approximately six feet outside the sideline opposite the press box.
c. An unofficial auxiliary line-to-gain indicator and an unofficial down indicator six feet outside the other sideline are recommended.
d. Unofficial red or orange nonslip line-to-gain ground markers positioned off the sidelines on both sides of the field are recommended. Markers are rectangular, weighted material 10 inches by 32 inches. A triangle with an altitude of 5 inches is attached to the rectangle at the end toward the sideline.
e. All line-to-gain and down-indicator rods shall have flat ends.
f. Advertising is prohibited on the down and line-to-gain indicators. One manufacturer’s logo or trademark is permitted on each indicator. Institutional and conference logos are allowed.

Article 8 - Markers or Obstructions

a. All markers and obstructions within the playing enclosure shall be placed or constructed in such a manner as to avoid any possible hazard to players. This includes anything dangerous to anyone at the limit lines.
b. After the officials’ pregame inspection of the playing enclosure, the referee shall order removed any hazardous obstructions or markers located inside the limit lines.
c. The referee shall report to game management personnel any markers or obstructions constituting a hazard within the playing enclosure but outside the limit lines. Final determination of corrective action shall be the responsibility of game management personnel.
d. After the officials have completed their pregame inspection of the playing enclosure, it is the responsibility of game management personnel to ensure that the playing enclosure remains safe throughout the game.

Article 9 - Field Surface

a. No material or device shall be used to improve or degrade the
playing surface or other conditions and give one player or team an advantage (Exceptions: Rules 2-16-4-b and c).
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S19]b.
b. The referee may require any improvement in the field necessary for proper and safe game administration.

SECTION 3. THE BALL

Article 1 - Specifications

The ball shall meet the following specifications:
a. New or nearly new. (A nearly new ball is a ball that has not been altered and retains the properties and qualities of a new ball.)
b. Cover consisting of four panels of pebble-grained leather without corrugations other than seams.

c. One set of eight equally spaced lacings.
d. Natural tan color.
e. Two 1-inch white stripes that are three to three-and-one-quarter inches from the end of the ball and located only on the two panels adjacent to the laces.
f. Conforms to maximum and minimum dimensions and shape indicated in the accompanying diagram.
g. Inflated to the pressure of 12-1/2 to 13-1/2 pounds per square inch (psi).
h. Weight of 14 to 15 ounces.
i. The ball may not be altered. This includes the use of any ball-drying or ball-warming substance. Mechanical ball-drying and ball-warming devices are not permitted near the sidelines or in the team area.
j. Professional football league logos are prohibited.
k. Advertising is prohibited on the ball [Exceptions: (1) Ball manufacturer’s
name or logo, (2) institutional logo, (3) conference/NCAA logo, (4) AFCA
logo and (5) College Football Playoff logo].

Article 2 - Administration and Enforcement

a. The game officials shall test and be sole judge of not more than 10 balls offered for play by each team before and during the game. The game officials may approve additional balls if warranted by conditions.
b. Home management shall provide a pressure pump and measuring device.
c. The home team is responsible for providing legal balls and should notify the opponent of the ball to be used.
d. During the entire game, either team may use a new or nearly new ball of its choice when it is in possession, providing the ball meets the required specifications and has been measured and tested according to rule (Exception: The official NCAA football shall be used for the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, II and III championships).
e. The visiting team is responsible for providing the legal balls it wishes to
use while it is in possession if the balls provided by the home team are not
acceptable.
f. All balls to be used must be presented to the referee for testing at least 60 minutes before the start of the game. Once the teams have presented the game balls to the referee, they remain under the general supervision of the officials throughout the game.
g. When the ball becomes dead in a side zone, is unfit for play, is subject to measurement in a side zone or is inaccessible, a replacement ball shall be obtained from a ball person (A.R. 1-3-2-I).
h. The referee, center judge or umpire shall determine the legality of each ball before it is put in play.
i. The following procedures shall be used when measuring a ball:
1. All measurements shall be made after the ball is legally inflated.
2. The long circumference shall be measured around the ends of the ball but not over the laces.
3. The long diameter shall be measured with calipers from end to end but not in the nose indentation.
4. The short circumference shall be measured around the ball, over the valve and over the lace but not over the cross lace.

Article 3 - Marking Balls

Marking a ball indicating a preference for any player or any situation is prohibited.
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27].

SECTION 4. PLAYERS AND PLAYING EQUIPMENT

Article 1 - Recommended Numbering

Article 2 - Players’ Numbering

a. All players shall be numbered 0 through 99. Any number preceded by the digit zero such as “07” or “00” is illegal.
b. No two players of the same team shall participate in the same down wearing identical numbers.
c. Markings in the vicinity of the numbers are not permitted.
PENALTY [a-c]—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S23].
d. When a player enters the game after changing their jersey number or with a different number than on the game day roster, the player must report to the referee. The officiating crew informs the opposing head coach and the referee announces the change. A player who enters the game after changing their number or with a different number than is on the game day roster and does not report commits a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct [S27].  (A.R. 1-4-2-I)
PENALTY [d]—Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27]. Flagrant offenders shall be ejected [S47].

Article 3 - Mandatory Equipment

All players must wear the following mandatory equipment:
a. Helmet.
b. Hip pads.
c. Jersey.
d. Knee pads.
e. Mouthpiece.
f. Pants.
g. Shoulder pads.
h. Socks.
i. Thigh guards.

Article 4 - Specifications: Mandatory Equipment

a. Helmets. 1. The helmet must be fitted with a facemask and a secured four- or six-point chin strap, all points of which must be secured whenever the ball is in play.
2. Helmets for all players of a team must be of the same color and design.
3. Helmets must carry a warning label regarding the risk of injury and a manufacturer’s or reconditioner’s certification indicating satisfaction of National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) test standards. Reconditioned helmets shall show recertification to indicate satisfaction with the NOCSAE test standard.
b. Hip Pads. Hip pads must include a tailbone protector. 
c. Jersey. See Rule 1-4-5
d. Knee Pads. Knee pads must be covered by pants. Furthermore, the pants and knee pads must cover the knees. No pads or protective equipment may be worn outside the pants. (See Appendix E.)
e. Mouthpiece. The mouthpiece must be an intra-oral device of any readily visible color. It must not be white or transparent. It must be made with FDA-approved base materials (FDCS) and cover all upper teeth. It is recommended that the mouthpiece be properly fitted.
f. Pants. Players of a team must wear pants of the same color and design.
g. Shoulder pads. There are no specifications for shoulder pads. (See Appendix E)
h. Socks. Players of a team must wear socks or leg coverings that are identical in color and design (Exceptions: Unaltered knee braces, tape or a bandage to protect or prevent an injury, and barefoot kickers).
i. Thigh guards. There are no specifications for thigh guards. (See Appendix E)

Article 5 - Jersey Design, Color and Numerals

a. Design.
1. The jersey must have sleeves that completely cover the shoulder pads. It must not be altered or designed to tear. The jersey must be fulllength and tucked into the pants or made even with the waistline. No other undergarment (e.g., T-shirt) shall extend below the waistline at the torso. It must cover all pads worn at or above the waist. A second jersey meeting all requirements of Rule 1-4-5 worn concurrently is
allowed. Vests and/or altered jerseys with zippers, Velcro, clasps or other fasteners are not allowed.
2. Other than the player’s number, the jersey may only contain:
• Player’s name (or, as authorized by the institution or conference, other names/words intended to celebrate or memorialize persons, events, or other causes on the back of the jersey where the player name is traditionally located. The names/words may vary by team member.);
• School name;
• City and/or state of the institution;
• Mascot name;
• NCAA logo;
• Sleeve stripes;
• Logo for school, conference, mascot, postseason-game, memorial, the military;
• Graduate or academic recognition as part of an institutional or conference logo;
• The letter “C” to identify a team captain;
• American flag;
• State flag.
3. Any item in paragraph 2 must not exceed 16 square inches in area (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram), including any additional material (e.g., patch).
4. A border around the collar and cuffs not more than 1 inch wide is permissible, as is a maximum 4-inch stripe along the side seam (insert from the underarm to pants top).
5. Jerseys may not be taped or tied in any manner.
Note: The uniform diagram in Appendix E may assist in the understanding of these rules.
b. Color.
1. Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting colors. Players on the same team shall wear jerseys of the same color and design.
2. The visiting team shall wear white jerseys; however, the home team may wear white jerseys if the teams have agreed in writing before the season.
3. If the home team wears colored jerseys, the visiting team may also wear colored jerseys, if and only if the following two conditions have been satisfied:
a. The home team has agreed in writing prior to the game; and
b. The conference of the home team certifies that the jersey of the visiting team is of a contrasting color.
4. If on the kickoff at the start of each half, if either team wears a colored jersey in violation of the conditions specified above, it is a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
PENALTY—Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards at the succeeding
spot following the kickoff. If the kickoff is returned for a touchdown, the penalty is assessed either on the try or on the succeeding kickoff, at the option of the home team. [S27] In addition, Officials shall charge a team timeout at the start of each quarter the illegal jerseys are worn, or a foul for delay of the game if all timeouts have been used.
5. If a colored jersey contains white, it may appear only as any of the items listed in paragraph a-2 above.
c. Numerals.
1. The jersey must have clearly visible, permanent Arabic numerals measuring at least 8 and 10 inches in height front and back, respectively. The number must be of a color that itself is clearly in distinct contrast with the color of the jersey, irrespective of any border around the number.
2. Teams wearing jerseys/numerals that do not conform to this rule will be asked to change into legal jerseys before the game and before the start of the second half. On the kickoff at the start of each half, if a team wears a jersey in violation of the conditions specified in paragraph 1, it is a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
PENALTY—Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards at the succeeding
spot following the kickoff. If the kickoff is returned for a touchdown, the penalty is assessed either on the try or on the succeeding kickoff, at the option of the offended team. [S27] In addition, Officials shall charge a team timeout at the start of each quarter the illegal jerseys are worn, or a foul for delay of the game if all timeouts have been used. (A. R. 1-4-5-I)
3. All players of a team shall have the same color and style numbers front and back. The individual bars must be approximately 1-1/2 inches wide. Numbers on any part of the uniform shall correspond with the mandatory front and back jersey numbers.

Article 6 - Optional Equipment

The following items are legal:
a. Towels and Hand Warmers.
 1. Solid white towels no smaller than 4" by 12" and no larger than 6" by 12" with no words, symbols, letters, or numbers. Towels may bear the team logo. They may also contain a single manufacturer’s or distributor’s normal label or trademark not to exceed 2-1/4 square inches in area. Towels that are not solid white are not permitted.
2. Hand warmers worn during inclement weather.
b. Gloves.
1. A glove is a fitted covering for a hand having separate sections for each finger and thumb, without any additional material that connects any of the fingers and/or thumb, and that completely covers each finger and thumb. There is no restriction on the color of gloves.
2. Gloves must have a securely attached label or stamp (“NF/NCAA Specifications”) indicating voluntary compliance with appropriate test specifications on file with either the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) or the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), unless made of unaltered plain cloth.
c. Eye shields.
Eye shields must be clear, not tinted, and made from molded or rigid material. Eyeglasses and goggles also must be clear and not tinted. No medical exceptions are allowed.
d. Insignia.
1. Persons or events may be memorialized by an insignia with an area not greater than 16 square inches on the uniform or helmet.
2. Institutional decals are allowed on helmets.
e. Eye shade.
Any shading under a player’s eyes must be solid black with no words, numbers, logos or other symbols.
f. Game information.
Any player may have written game information on the wrist, arm or belt.

Article 7 - Illegal Equipment

Illegal equipment includes the following (See Appendix E for additional details):
a. Equipment worn by a player that could endanger other players.
b. Tape or any bandage other than that used to protect an injury, subject to the approval of the umpire.
c. Hard, abrasive or unyielding equipment that is not completely covered and padded, subject to the approval of the umpire.
d. Cleats that extend more than ½ inch from the base of the shoe (See Appendix E for full specifications). (Rule 9-2-2-f)
e. Any equipment that could confuse or deceive an opponent.
f. Any equipment that could provide an unfair advantage to any player.
g. Adhesive material, paint, grease or any other slippery substance applied to equipment or a player’s person, clothing or attachment [Exception: Eye shade. (Rule 1-4-6-e)].
h. Uniform attachments other than towels (Rule 1-4-6-a).
i. Rib pads, shoulder pad attachments and back protectors that are not totally covered. (A.R. 1-4-7-II)
j. Visible bandannas worn on the field outside the team area (A.R. 1-4-7-I).
k. Jerseys that do not conform with Rule 1-4-5.
l. Non-standard overbuilt facemask (A.R.1-4-7-IV).

Article 8 - Mandatory and Illegal Equipment Enforcement

a. No player wearing illegal equipment or failing to wear mandatory equipment shall be permitted to play (Exception: Rule 1-4-5-b and c). 
b. If an official discovers illegal equipment, or if a player is not wearing mandatory equipment, the player must leave the game for at least one down and is not allowed to return until the equipment is made legal. The player may be allowed to return without missing a down if the team takes a charged team timeout, but in any event the player may not play with illegal equipment or without mandatory equipment.
c. If equipment becomes illegal through play, the player is not required to leave the game for one down, but the player may not participate until the equipment is made legal. (A.R. 1-4-7-II)

Article 9 - Coaches’ Certification

The head coach or their designated representative shall certify in writing to the umpire before the game that all players:
a. Have been informed what equipment is mandatory by rule and what constitutes illegal equipment.
b. Have been provided the equipment mandated by rule.
c. Have been instructed to wear and how to wear mandatory equipment during the game.
d. Have been instructed to notify the coaching staff when equipment becomes illegal through play during the game.

Article 10 - Prohibited Signal Devices

Players may not be equipped with any wearable electronic, mechanical or other signal devices for the purpose of communicating with any source (Exceptions: 1. A medically prescribed hearing aid of the sound-amplifier type for hearing-impaired players. 2. A device for transmission or reception of data specifically and only for purposes of health and safety.)
PENALTY—Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards at the succeeding spot. Player is ejected [S7, S27 and S47].

Article 11 - Prohibited Field Equipment

Jurisdiction regarding the presence and location of communication equipment (cameras, sound devices, etc.) within the playing enclosure resides with game management personnel.
a. Television replay, video and/or monitor equipment is prohibited at the sidelines, press box or other locations within the playing enclosure for coaching purposes during the game or between periods. Photographs (digital or otherwise), computers and other electronic communication devices not expressly permitted by rule are prohibited for coaching purposes during the game or between periods. Computers, tablets, etc. are not allowed in the coaches’ booth.
Exceptions:
1. Monitors may be used only to view the live telecast or webcast. The home team is responsible for assuring identical television capability in the coaches’ booths of both teams. This capability may not include replay equipment or recorders.
2. A monitor is permitted on the sideline only to assist team medical staffs in the diagnosis and treatment of student-athletes.] 3. Standard tablets for in-game video only is permissive for all football playing subdivisions and are subject to the following guidelines:
• Tablets shall be restricted to “in game video” (current game) and may not include analytics, data or data access capability or any other communications access. No other video is allowed (e.g., scouting video, practice video, etc.).
• Tablets may be used in the coaches’ booth, sideline, and locker room and may not be interconnected to other devices to project larger/additional images.
• Video may include a coach’s sideline, a coach’s endzone, and a program feed per play from the current game only and may also display game circumstances including down, distance, time, quarter, play-number, and score.
• A team may have up to 18 standard tablets active, and all team personnel may view the tablets.
• Team personnel engaging an official with a tablet to show or review video is guilty of an automatic Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul.
• A conference may develop a policy to provide guidance in handling situations dealing with tablet failure.
b. Only voice communication between the press box and team area is permitted. Coaches’ booth space and location must be approximately equivalent for the home and visiting teams and should be located in the traditional press box area. Where press-box space is not adequate, only voice communication may originate from any area in the stands between the 20-yard lines extended to the top of the stadium. No other communication for coaching purposes is permitted anywhere else, including communication from outside the stadium (remote coaching).
Exception:
Coach-to-player communications through the helmet is permissive for the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) based on the following:
• Only one (1) player may be on the field per team at a time with radio receiving capability and the player must be identified by an unbranded green dot on the back midline of the helmet.
• Coach-to-player communications will be shut off when the play clock reaches 15 seconds or at the snap, whichever comes first, and will remain off throughout the down. When the play clock is reset to 25/40, the communications will be restored. If more than one green dot helmet per team is detected on the field by the game officials, the result is a live ball 5-yard equipment violation penalty, and this penalty initiates a conference review.
• A conference may develop a policy to provide guidance in handling situations dealing with communications failure.
c. Media communication equipment, including cameras, sound devices, computers and microphones, is prohibited on or above the field, or in or above the team area (Rule 2-31-1).
Exceptions:
1. Camera equipment attached to a goal support behind the uprights and crossbar.
2. Camera(s) embedded in any pylon.
3. A camera, with no audio component, may be attached to the cap of any official with prior approval of the conference and the participating institutions.
4. A camera, with no audio component, may be attached to cables that extend over the team area and field of play, including the end zones.
5. After a change of possession or timeout, one camera is permitted from the television broadcast onto the playing enclosure for the purpose of capturing team personnel entering the field of play. The broadcast camera is not permitted to enter the team area or team huddle and must exit the field of play when players enter the huddle or line up in a formation. The broadcast camera is restricted to the area outside the
hash marks.
6. Following a touchdown, one camera is permitted from the television broadcast into the end zone for the purpose of capturing team personnel reaction. The camera must immediately exit the end zone and field of play when the ball is ready for play for the try down.
7. Institutional videographers may be in the team area as a part of that institution’s 50 credentialed individuals. This video may not be used during any live broadcast or digital stream of the game.
d. Drones are not allowed over the field or the team area when squad members are present within the playing enclosure. Outside the limit lines, game management (or conference policy) govern drone activity. This governance will include all federal, state, and local laws including campus policy where appropriate.
e. Microphones attached to coaches during the game for media transmission are prohibited. (Exception: A microphone may be attached to the head coach for institutional use only after the conclusion of the live broadcast.)
f. Team personnel may not be interviewed from the start of the first period until the referee declares the game ended (Exception: Only head coaches may be interviewed in the intermission between the first and second periods, during the halftime intermission and during the intermission between the third and fourth periods. The head coach interviews between the first and second periods and the third and fourth periods may not occur during live action and must occur during a regularly scheduled broadcast timeout. The broadcast timeout may not be extended to accommodate the interview. The location of the interview shall be just outside the team area.).
g. No one in the team area or coaching box may use any artificial sound amplification for communication.
h. Any attempt to record, either through audio or video means, any signals given by an opposing player, coach or other team personnel is prohibited.
i. Institutional ball personnel are prohibited from wearing smart watches or any communications technology while on the opponent’s sideline.

Article 12 - Coaches’ Phones, Headsets and Communication Devices

Coaches’ phones, headsets and communication devices are not subject to playing rules penalties before or during the game.
a. A conference may develop a policy to provide guidance in handling situations dealing with failure of coaches’ headsets.
b. For Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football, within game management responsibility, each team may use a maximum of 23 headsets with guidelines as follows:
1. Fifteen (15) of the headsets may be used by countable coaches and graduate assistants for coaching purposes.
2. Three (3) “listen only” headsets may be used in the coaches' booth by individuals who are full time undergraduate students or are within 10 years of exhaustion of eligibility or, if earlier, college graduation. Only countable coaches, graduate assistants and the three individuals using the “listen only” devices may be in the coaches’ booth. (Exception: One communication technician.)
3. Four (4) of the headsets may only be used by Squad Members or up to four designated full-time undergraduate students.
4. The one remaining headset may be used on the field for non-coaching activity.
5. Headsets that are used for medical, game operations, security, etc. staffs are exempt from these limitations, provided the communication is separate from coaching communication devices.
6. One communication technician in the team area and one communication technician in the coaches’ booth may be on the coaching headsets to monitor and handle any technical issues with the headsets outside of the allowable 23 devices.
c. For all other NCAA football programs, each team may use a maximum of 23 headsets with category limits managed at each conference’s direction.

Article 13 - Referee Communication

a. A microphone is mandatory for the referee to be used for all game announcements. It is strongly recommended that it be a lapel-type microphone. The microphone must be controlled by the referee. It may not be open at other times. Microphones on other officials are prohibited.
b. A protected wireless official-to-official communication system (i.e., O2O) open only to the officiating crew, instant replay and conference officiating observer is permitted.