2013
UIL/TAPPS/TCAL/SPC
EXCEPTIONS TO
NCAA FOOTBALL
RULES
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
PREPARED BY THE TASO FOOTBALL 2013
TRAINING TEAM AND APPROVED CLINICIANS
Copyright © 2013 by Texas Association
of Sports Officials, Inc All rights reserved
No part of this presentation and/or video
clips may be reproduced, stored in a
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form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written
permission of TASO Football Division.
© 2013 TASO Football Division
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-1-1-a
ARTICLE 1. a. The game shall be played between two
teams of no more than 11 players each, on a rectangular
field and with an inflated ball having the shape of a
prolate spheroid
Change to no more than 6 players in
6-man games. Team must have 6 to
start the game. If they get to 3 or
fewer, game should be suspended
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-1-7-a, b, c
Member Institutions Subject to the Rules
ARTICLE 7. 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 (CFO), LLC.
c. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating
organizations not complying with NCAA football-playing rules
that do not have a designated penalty are subject to NCAA
sanctions.
Does not apply to Tx HS games.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-1-b, c
b. Twenty-four inch short yard-line extensions, four inches
inside the sidelines and at the inbounds lines, 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.
Change “mandatory”
to “recommended”.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-3-a
Limit Lines
ARTICLE 3. 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 …
Change 1st sentence to: It is
recommended that limit lines be marked
with 12 inch lines at 24 inch intervals 12
feet outside the sidelines and the end
lines, except in field where the total field
surface does not permit.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-4-b
b. The team area shall be limited to squad members in full
uniform and a maximum of 60 other individuals directly
involved in the game. ‘Full uniform’ is defined as being
equipped in accord with NCAA Football Rules and
Interpretations, and ready to play. The 60 individuals not in full
uniform shall wear special team area credentials numbered 1
through 60. No other credential is valid for the team area..
Limit of 60 individuals
not in uniform is waived.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-5-a
Goals
ARTICLE 5. 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. (See Appendix D)
Add: In Tx HS games 30 foot
uprights are recommended, 20
foot uprights are mandatory.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-5-b
b. Above the crossbar, the uprights shall be
white or yellow and 18 feet, six inches apart
inside to inside.
Change to: ”Above the crossbar the uprights
shall be white or yellow and 23 feet 4 inches
apart inside to inside. (EXCEPTION: When
HS’s are playing on collegiate fields, those
posts can be used with mutual agreement)
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-6
Pylons
ARTICLE 6. Soft, flexible four-sided pylons 4 inches by 4
inches with an overall height of 18 inches, which may include
a 2-inch space between the bottom of the pylon and the
ground, are required. They shall be red or orange in color and
placed at the inside corners of the eight intersections of the
sidelines with the goal lines and end lines. The pylons
marking the intersections of the end lines and inbounds lines
extended shall be placed three feet off the end lines…
Add: “The use of 12 pylons is recommended,
but 8 pylons on each end zone placed at the
inside corners of the four intersections of the
side lines with the goal lines and end lines is
mandatory.”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-2-7-a
a. If a yardage chain is used, it shall join two
rods not less than 5 feet high, the rods’ inside
edges being exactly 10 yards apart when the
chain is fully extended.
Add: “Any other line-to-gain indicator
that accurately measures the line to
gain is permitted when determined by
the home school. Mutual agreement is
not required.”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-3-1-j and k
j. Professional football logos are prohibited.
k. Advertising is prohibited on the ball
[Exceptions: (1) Ball manufacturer’s name
or logo, and (2) AFCA].
Does not apply to Tx
HS games.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-3-2-a
ARTICLE 2. a. The referee shall test and be
sole judge of no more than six balls offered for
play by each team before and during the game.
The referee may approve additional balls if
warranted by conditions (A.R. 1-3-2-I).
Add to the end of the first sentence: “It
is mandatory that at least one ball be
offered for play. It is recommended that
each team offer at least two balls.”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-3-2-g
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. 1-32-I).
Add: “If balls are available
and ball persons are
used.”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-2-d
Jersey
d. When a player enters the game after changing his
jersey number, he must report to the referee, who
then informs the opposing head coach and announces
the change. A player who enters the game after
changing his number and does not report commits a
foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Add: “The announcement of the change is
dependent upon whether a referee
microphone is being utilized.”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-4-c-1
Jersey
1. Design. The jersey must have sleeves that
completely cover the shoulder pads. It must not be
altered or designed to tear. It must conform with
rules 1-4-5 and paragraph 3 below. The jersey must
be full-length and tucked into the pants. Vests and/or
a second jersey worn concurrently during the game
are prohibited.
Tx HS jerseys must come to the top of the
waist with all equipment covered. All pads
must be covered during play.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-4-c-3
Jersey
3. Numerals. The jersey must have clearly visible,
permanent Arabic numerals measuring at least 8 and
10 inches in height front and back, respectively, of a
color which itself is clearly in distinct contrast with
the color of the jersey, irrespective of any border
around the number.
For Tx HS games, noncompliance with this
rule should be noted in the UIL game report
filed by the Referee after the contest.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-4-d
Knee Pads
d. Knee pads must be at least ½ inch thick
and must be covered by pants. It is strongly
recommended that they cover the knees. No
pads or protective equipment may be worn
outside the pants.
Tx HS exception: Knee pads
must cover the knees.
Volleyball style knee pads can be
worn beneath the pants.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-4-h
h. All squad members must wear visible 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)
Add an exception: White sweat
socks may be worn regardless of
what other players are wearing
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-5-a-1
Jersey
1. 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.
Add: “EXCEPTION: Light colored jerseys, instead
of white, are acceptable if jersey colors of the
teams are obviously contrasting colors with
clearly visible numbers Home teams are required
to make any changes necessary.”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-6-a-1
1. Solid white towels no smaller than 4”
X 12” and no larger than 6” by 12” with
no words, symbols, letters, or numbers.
Towels may bear the team logo.
Exception for Tx HS: Towels may be
school color and may contain school
name, school initials or mascot insignia.
Towels may not contain numbers.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-8-a
a. No player wearing illegal equipment
shall be permitted to play.
Tx HS Exception: Elastic ankle
coverings/spats are allowed.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
1-4-13
1-4-13. 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.
Tx HS Exception: Microphones are
recommended. Also, if a microphone
is used, the referee may announce the
number of the player committing any
foul.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
2-16-4-a
Place Kick
ARTICLE 4. a. A field goal place kick is a kick by a player of
the team in possession while the ball is controlled on the
ground by a teammate.
Change to : A field goal place kick is a kick by
a player of the team in possession while the
ball is controlled on the ground or a tee by a
teammate. If a tee is used, it shall not elevate
the ball’s lowest point more than 2 inches
above the ground.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
2-27-12-b
Disqualified Player
b. A disqualified player must leave the
playing enclosure within a reasonable amount
of time after his disqualification. He must
remain out of view of the field of play under
team supervision for the duration of the game.
Tx HS Exception: Does not apply
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
2-29-1
Game Clock
1. The game clock is any device under
the direction of the appropriate official
used to time the 60 minutes of the game.
Tx HS Exception: Change “60” to
“48”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
2-29-2
Play Clock
2. Each stadium shall have a visual play clock at each end of
the playing enclosure. The play clock must be capable of
counting down from both 40 seconds and 25 seconds.
Tx HS Exception: Does not apply
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-1-1
First and Third Periods
ARTICLE 1. Each half shall start with a kickoff. Three
minutes before the scheduled starting time, the referee shall
toss a coin at midfield in the presence of no more than four
field captains from each team and another game official, first
designating the field captain of the visiting team to call the
coin toss.
Tx HS Exception: “It is
recommended that the coin toss be
conducted at midfield three minutes
before the scheduled game time…”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-1-3
Extra Periods
ARTICLE 3. The NCAA tiebreaker system will be used when
a game is tied after four periods. NCAA football-playing rules
apply, with the following exceptions:
Tx HS Exception: Use the
NCAA tiebreaker procedures
with additional exceptions
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
Coin Toss Exception (3-1-3-b)
Instead of taking captains to middle of
field for coin toss, take coaches
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
Positive Point Scenarios
and PAT’s Exception
1.
2.
3.
Applies to any game where the District
uses the Positive Points tiebreaker
formula.
If scoring team elects to play the PAT, it
is played
If defense refuses to play, 2 points are
awarded to scoring team , without
requiring a snap.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-2-1
Length of Periods and Intermissions
ARTICLE 1. The total playing time in a collegiate game shall
be 60 minutes, divided into four periods of 15 minutes each,
with one-minute intermissions between the first and second
periods (first half) and between the third and fourth periods
(second half)
Tx HS varsity game are 48 minutes
divided into four 12 minute quarters.
In sub-varsity games, periods may be
shortened by mutual consent of the
schools.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-2-1-b
b. The intermission between halves, which begins
when the field is clear of all players and coaches,
shall be 20 minutes.
The maximum
intermission between
halves shall be 28
minutes.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-2-2-e
e. When the play clock is interrupted by
circumstances beyond the control of either team
(without positive knowledge of game elapsed time), a
new count shall be started and the game clock shall
start per Rule 3-2-4-b.
Tx HS Exception: When the 25second count is interrupted by
circumstances beyond the control of
either team, a new 25-second count
shall be started and game clock shall
start on the snap.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-2-2-f
f. The 40/25 second clock is not started when the
game clock is running with fewer than 40 or 25
seconds, respectively, in a period.
Tx HS Exception: There is only a 25
second clock, omit references to 40
second clock.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-2-2-h
h. Timing adjustments for games using Instant
Replay are governed by Rule 12-3-5.
Tx HS Exception: Does not apply to
Tx Hs games.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-2-4
3-2-4 Timing Devices.
This section covers the game clock,
25 second clock and 40 second clock.
Tx HS Exception:
1 – We only use game clock and 25
second clock
2 – The visual 25-second clocks are
only recommended, not mandatory
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-2-d-2 & 3
Starts on the Snap. For each of the following, the
game clock is stopped on an official’s signal. If the
next play begins with a snap, the game clock will
start on the snap:
2. With fewer than 2 mins remaining in a half a
Team A ball carrier , fumble or backward pass is
ruled out of bounds. (Exception: After a Team A
forward fumble, the clock starts on the referee’s
signal.
Tx HS Exception: This applies at all
times, not just within last 2 mins of half.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-2-d-2 & 3
Starts on the Snap. For each of the following, the
game clock is stopped on an official’s signal. If the
next play begins with a snap, the game clock will
start on the snap:
3. Team B is awarded a first down and will next
snap the ball (A.R. 3-3-2-V)
Tx HS Exception: 3. Team B is awarded a
first down, the clock will be stopped and
will start on the snap regardless of which
team next snaps the ball.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-2-e-1,3,10 & 15
Starts on the Referee’s Signal. For each of the
following, the game clock is stopped on an official’s
signal. If the next play begins with a snap, the game
clock will start on the referee’s signal:
1. Team A is awarded a first down, either through
play or by penalty.
Tx HS Exception: 1. Team A is awarded a
first down, through play.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-2-e-1,3,10 & 15
Starts on the Referee’s Signal. For each of the
following, the game clock is stopped on an official’s
signal. If the next play begins with a snap, the game
clock will start on the referee’s signal:
3. Other than with fewer than 2 mins remaining in
a half, a Team A ball carrier, fumble or backward
pass is ruled out of bounds.
Tx HS Exception: Delete. Does not
apply.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-2-e-1,3,10 & 15
Starts on the Referee’s Signal. For each of the
following, the game clock is stopped on an official’s
signal. If the next play begins with a snap, the game
clock will start on the referee’s signal:
10. A head-coach’s conference or instant replay
challenge is requested.
Tx HS Exception: Instant replay does not
apply. If your ruling is changed after the
conference, clock is restarted based on
clock status when conference was
requested.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-2-e-1,3,10 & 15
Starts on the Referee’s Signal. For each of the
following, the game clock is stopped on an official’s
signal. If the next play begins with a snap, the game
clock will start on the referee’s signal:
15. The referee interrupts the 40/25-second count.
Tx HS Exception: The referee interrupts
the 25 second count.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-5-e & f
Injury Timeouts. Paragraphs e and f
refer to use of the 40 second clock as
well as the 10 second subtraction.
Tx HS Exception: We only use 25second play clocks and NO 10 second
subtractions.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-7-b
b. For live televised games only, a
charged team timeout shall be 30 seconds
plus the 25-second play clock interval.
Tx HS Exception: Delete - Does not apply
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-9-b-1 & 2
When the helmet coming off is the only
reason for stopping the clock, the
following conditions apply:
1. With 1 min or more remaining in
either half the play clock will be set at 25
seconds if player is on offense and 40
seconds if player is on defense. The
game clock will start on referee’s signal.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-9-b-1 & 2
1. With 1 min or more remaining in
either half the play clock will be set at 25
seconds if player is on offense and 40
seconds if player is on defense. The
game clock will start on referee’s signal.
Tx HS Exception: Play clock will always
be set at 25 seconds
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-3-9-b-1 & 2
2. If there is less than 1 minute in the half
the opponent has the option of a 10second subtraction. …..
Tx HS Exception: Delete – there will be
no 10-second subtractions
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
3-4-4
10 –second Subtraction from Game Clock
NCAA rules permit 10- seconds to be run
off the game clock in certain situations
inside the last minute of a half.
Tx HS Exception: Delete - Does not apply
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
6-1-1
ARTICLE 1. For any free kick formation, the kicking team’s
restraining line shall be the yard line through the most forward
point from which the ball shall be kicked, and the receiving
team’s restraining line shall be the yard line 10 yards beyond
that point. Unless relocated by a penalty, the kicking team’s
restraining line on a kickoff shall be its 35-yard line, and for a
free kick after a safety, its 20-yard line.
Tx HS Exception: Change
“35 yard line” to “40 yard
line”
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
8-3-2-a
Try Downs
a. The ball shall be put in play by the team
that scored a six-point TD. If a TD is scored
during a down in which the 4th period expires,
the try shall not be attempted unless the
point(s) would affect the outcome of the game.
Tx HS Exception: Varsity games in
districts with “positive points” tie
breakers will do the following
(applies in Extra Periods also):
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
8-3-2-a
1. Coaches inform referee in pregame that the district uses
“positive points” tie breaker
2. Even if not given until later in the
game, the following will apply:
If TD scored on down when time
expires, the scoring team can
choose to play the try down. If
defense refuses to play, award 2
points without a snap required.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-1-3 & 9-1-4
Targeting With Crown of Helmet &
Targeting Head/Neck Area
Penalty Statements: NCAA rules provide for
disqualification and suspension from part of
the next game in some situations. Also
provide for Instant Replay review of the
disqualification part of the penalty and an
appeal for any suspension.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-1-3 & 9-1-4
Targeting With Crown of Helmet &
Targeting Head/Neck Area
Tx HS Exception: No follow on
suspension, no Instant Replay
review. Districts and/or UIL
District Committees will decide
any follow on punishment.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-2-1-b-2 & 9-2-6-b
Disqualified Players
2. No disqualified players shall be in view of
the field of play. (Rule 9-2-6)
Tx HS Exception: Does not
apply in Tx HS games
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-2-2-d-penalty
d. No player may play with cleats more than 1/2-inch in
length (Rules 1-4-5-e and f).
PENALTY—Disqualification for the remainder of the
game and the team’s next game [S27, S47]. Penalize as a
dead-ball foul at the succeeding spot, and Team B fouls do
not require a first down.
Tx HS Exception: Disqualification for
remainder of game only. Local
school districts and District
Committees may impose additional
action.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-2-6-b
b. A disqualified player must leave the playing
enclosure within a reasonable amount of time after
his disqualification. He must remain out of view of
the field of play under team supervision for the
duration of the game.
Tx HS Exception: Delete – Does not
apply
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-5-1, 2, 3
SECTION 5. Fighting
Replace Section 5
with the
following….
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
ARTICLE 1 a. Before, during any
intermission, or during the game,
squad members in uniform and
coaches shall not participate in a
fight. (Rule 2-32-1).
PENALTY - 15 yards from the basic
spot or the succeeding spot and
disqualification for the remainder of
the game.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
b. During either half, any person
authorized to be in the team area
shall not leave their team area to
participate in a fight. EXCEPTION:
Coaches designated by their head
coach prior to the game may enter
and leave their team area to act as
peacemakers. It is recommended
that at least one coach remain in
their team area to assist in
preventing persons from leaving
their team area to participate in a
fight.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
PENALTY - 15 yards from the basic
spot or the succeeding spot and
disqualification for the remainder of
the game. NOTE: Persons leaving
the team area during a fight are to be
penalized for fighting.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
ARTICLE 2. Coaches who are
disqualified for fighting may not
be in the Playing Enclosure
during the remainder of the
game. (See 2-31-5 for the
definition of the Playing
Enclosure).
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
ARTICLE 3. It is strongly
recommended that coaches who are
designated as peacemakers contact
only their players in their attempt to
stop a fight.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
9-6
Flagrant Personal Fouls
This section deals with conference
reviews of disqualifications for flagrant
personal fouls and for targeting fouls and
for fouls not called during the game.
Tx HS Exception: Delete - Does not
apply in Tx HS games
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
11-1-1
Jurisdiction of Officials
ARTICLE 1. The officials’ jurisdiction begins 60
minutes before the scheduled kickoff and ends
when the referee declares the score final [S14].
Tx HS Exception: The Officials
jurisdiction begins 30 minutes
before the scheduled kickoff and
ends when the referee declares
the score final.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
11-2-1
1. The game shall be played under the
supervision of either four, five, six or seven
officials.
Tx HS Exception: Number of
required officials may be
waived.
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
11-2-2
Officiating Mechanics –
Prescribes CCA manual be used for mechanics
and responsibilities
Tx HS Exception: The
officials mechanics
approved by the TASO or
UIL Football Board of
Directors shall be used
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
12
Instant Replay
Tx HS Exception: Delete – Not
used in Tx HS football
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
TAPPS Mercy Rule
(For 11 man games)
If point difference gets to 40 of more:
1st half – No changes
2d half – Clock runs continuously exc:
a. Time outs (team and injury)
b. End of quarter
Once timing change starts, it does not
revert back to normal even if point
difference drops below 40
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions
2013
UIL/TAPPS/TCAL/S
PC
EXCEPTIONS TO
NCAA FOOTBALL
RULES
© 2013 Texas Association of Sports Officials
2013 Exceptions