RULE CHANGES FOR 2021
There are 7 rule changes to the 2021 NCAA rulebook.
1. Team Area (Rule 1-2-4-a): The team area will be permanently expanded to 20 yard line to 20 yard line rather than 25 to 25.
2. Extra Periods (Rule 3-1-3-e, 3-1-3-f): Beginning with the second extra period, teams scoring a touchdown must attempt a two-point try. Although not illegal, a one-point try attempt by Team A will not result in a score. Beginning with the third extra period, a team's possession series will be one play for a two-point try from the three-yard line, unless relocated by penalty.
3. Feigning Injuries (Rule 3-3-5-b): Feigning an injury for any reason is unethical. An injured player must be given protection under the rules, but feigning an injury is dishonest, unsportsmanlike and contrary tp the spirit of the rules. For questionable game action, an intuition or conference has the option to consult the National Coordinator of Football Officials who would then facilitate a video review. After the review, the National Coordinator will communicate any findings with the Director of Athletics at the institution for further action. This will obviously fall under the UIL's authority at the Texas High School level.
4. Administration and Enforcement, Game Balls (Rule 1-3-2-a): The game officials shall approve no more than 10 game balls offered for play by each team before and during the game. More can be approved by the game officials if warranted by conditions.
5. Extension of Periods (Rule 3-2-3-a-1): A period shall be extended for an untimed down if the following occurs during a down in which time expires: A penalty is accepted for a live-ball foul(s) (Exception: Rule 10-2-5-a). At the option of the offended team, the period is not extended if the foul is by the team in possession and the statement of the penalty includes loss of down.
6. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Rule 9-2-1-b-5): Persons subject to the rules, including bands, video / audio / lighting systems operators shall not create any noise or distraction that prohibits a team from hearing its signals or obstructs play. Rule 1-1-6 details all persons subject to the rules. The penalty statement will now include that the Referee take any action he considers equitable, which includes directing that the down be repeated, including assessing a 15-yard penalty, awarding a score, or suspending or forfeiting the game.
7. Jersey Design (Rule 1-4-5-a-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 full-length 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. Vest and/or altered jerseys with zippers, Velcro, clasps or other fasteners are not allowed.
1. Team Area (Rule 1-2-4-a): The team area will be permanently expanded to 20 yard line to 20 yard line rather than 25 to 25.
2. Extra Periods (Rule 3-1-3-e, 3-1-3-f): Beginning with the second extra period, teams scoring a touchdown must attempt a two-point try. Although not illegal, a one-point try attempt by Team A will not result in a score. Beginning with the third extra period, a team's possession series will be one play for a two-point try from the three-yard line, unless relocated by penalty.
3. Feigning Injuries (Rule 3-3-5-b): Feigning an injury for any reason is unethical. An injured player must be given protection under the rules, but feigning an injury is dishonest, unsportsmanlike and contrary tp the spirit of the rules. For questionable game action, an intuition or conference has the option to consult the National Coordinator of Football Officials who would then facilitate a video review. After the review, the National Coordinator will communicate any findings with the Director of Athletics at the institution for further action. This will obviously fall under the UIL's authority at the Texas High School level.
4. Administration and Enforcement, Game Balls (Rule 1-3-2-a): The game officials shall approve no more than 10 game balls offered for play by each team before and during the game. More can be approved by the game officials if warranted by conditions.
5. Extension of Periods (Rule 3-2-3-a-1): A period shall be extended for an untimed down if the following occurs during a down in which time expires: A penalty is accepted for a live-ball foul(s) (Exception: Rule 10-2-5-a). At the option of the offended team, the period is not extended if the foul is by the team in possession and the statement of the penalty includes loss of down.
6. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Rule 9-2-1-b-5): Persons subject to the rules, including bands, video / audio / lighting systems operators shall not create any noise or distraction that prohibits a team from hearing its signals or obstructs play. Rule 1-1-6 details all persons subject to the rules. The penalty statement will now include that the Referee take any action he considers equitable, which includes directing that the down be repeated, including assessing a 15-yard penalty, awarding a score, or suspending or forfeiting the game.
7. Jersey Design (Rule 1-4-5-a-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 full-length 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. Vest and/or altered jerseys with zippers, Velcro, clasps or other fasteners are not allowed.
2021 NCAA RULEBOOK AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
CLICK HERE to access rulebook.
UIL 11-MAN RULES EXCEPTIONS
CLICK HERE for a link to the UIL exceptions for 11-man football games.
UIL 6-MAN RULES EXCEPTIONS
CLICK HERE for a link to the UIL exceptions for 6-man football games.
IMPORTANT LINKS
ArbiterSports - Formerly owned by the NCAA and comprised of ArbiterOne (Scheduling) and ArbiterPay (getting paid).
TASO- The Texas Association of Sports Officials, 1221 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, 866-283-TASO (8276). Mike Fitch is the Executive Director; Bill Theodore is the Assistant Executive Director.
UIL- The University Interscholastic League. This is the governing body of all Texas public high school competition...from football to one-act plays. The Athletic Director is Dr. Susan Elza.
MAXPREPS - Information about high school football in Texas as well as around the USA.
NCAA - The National Collegiate Athletic Association. Although this organization regulates college athletics, Texas high schools play by NCAA football rules.
FOOTBALL OFFICIATING - This site is free to any official at any level and, although its primary focus in NCAA rules and mechanics, it can be useful for all officials to help them continue our goal of improving performance and consistency. The site contains bulletins, tests, videos and notices about clinics and camps. Check it out!
SMOAKHOUSE FORUM - Discussion board based in East Texas.
REFSTRIPES- A website for officials of all sports with various discussion boards. Ask real officials real questions.
COLLEGE CONFERENCE SITES:
Big XII Conference
Southeast Conference
Conference USA
Mountain West Conference
Sun Belt Conference
Southland Conference
Lone Star Conference
American Southwest Conference
TASO- The Texas Association of Sports Officials, 1221 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, 866-283-TASO (8276). Mike Fitch is the Executive Director; Bill Theodore is the Assistant Executive Director.
UIL- The University Interscholastic League. This is the governing body of all Texas public high school competition...from football to one-act plays. The Athletic Director is Dr. Susan Elza.
MAXPREPS - Information about high school football in Texas as well as around the USA.
NCAA - The National Collegiate Athletic Association. Although this organization regulates college athletics, Texas high schools play by NCAA football rules.
FOOTBALL OFFICIATING - This site is free to any official at any level and, although its primary focus in NCAA rules and mechanics, it can be useful for all officials to help them continue our goal of improving performance and consistency. The site contains bulletins, tests, videos and notices about clinics and camps. Check it out!
SMOAKHOUSE FORUM - Discussion board based in East Texas.
REFSTRIPES- A website for officials of all sports with various discussion boards. Ask real officials real questions.
COLLEGE CONFERENCE SITES:
Big XII Conference
Southeast Conference
Conference USA
Mountain West Conference
Sun Belt Conference
Southland Conference
Lone Star Conference
American Southwest Conference
MECHANICS MANUALS
All mechanics manuals are the property of TASO and are available on in the member's portal of www.taso.org.