NCAA Bans Twitter #hashtags on football fields

The NCAA has banned teams from using Twitter hashtags such as #goblue and #hailstate as on field advertising as seen several times in the last year. Teams are forbidden from any on-field slogans or advertising, except the following exceptions:

 NCAA logo

 Conference logo

 College/university name and logo

 Team name and logo

 Name of the commercial entity with purchased naming rights to the

facility in no more than two locations (Note: the entity’s commercial

logo is not allowed.)

 Postseason game: Name/commercial logo of only the title sponsor

associated with the name of the postseason game. There may 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 2

below. No other advertisements, either by the title sponsor or by any

other commercial entity, may be on the field.

and then their is this...

All other items, including social media designations such as URL’s and hashtags, are

prohibited.

2. No field marking may obscure any portion of any yard line, sideline, or goal

line. Each line in its entirety must be clearly visible to the officials on the field.

These markings may not touch or enclose the hash marks. (Rule 1-2-1-f)

 

Below is the full briefing from the NCAA:

NCAA FOOTBALL RULES COMMITTEE

BULLETIN: Field Markings, Uniforms and Playing Equipment

Field Markings

1. Except as noted herein, there may be no advertising on the field, which

includes the end zones and sideline areas (Rule 1-2-1-h). Only these items are

allowed:

 NCAA logo

 Conference logo

 College/university name and logo

 Team name and logo

 Name of the commercial entity with purchased naming rights to the

facility in no more than two locations (Note: the entity’s commercial

logo is not allowed.)

 Postseason game: Name/commercial logo of only the title sponsor

associated with the name of the postseason game. There may 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 2

below. No other advertisements, either by the title sponsor or by any

other commercial entity, may be on the field.

All other items, including social media designations such as URL’s and hashtags, are

prohibited.

2. No field marking may obscure any portion of any yard line, sideline, or goal

line. Each line in its entirety must be clearly visible to the officials on the field.

These markings may not touch or enclose the hash marks. (Rule 1-2-1-f)

3. New in 2013 Each pylon may bear a manufacturer’s logo or trademark.

Institutional logos, conference logos and the name/commercial logo of the title

sponsor of postseason games are also allowed. Any such marking may not extend

more than 3 inches on any side. (Rule 1-2-6)

Uniforms and Playing Equipment

1. New in 2013 Jersey numerals 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. (Rule 1-4-4-c-3) (This rule takes effect in 2013 for FBS institutions, and in

2014 for FCS, D-II and D-III institutions.)

2. Towels must be solid white and must measure no smaller than 4” X 12” and

no larger than 6” X 12.” (Rule 1-4-6-a) (Size specification is new in 2013.)

3. Eye shields, including spectacles, goggles and other items covering the eyes,

must be clear and not tinted. (Rule 1-4-6-c)4. Cameras of all kinds are prohibited in the team area. (Rule 1-4-11)

Rogers Redding

Secretary-Rules Editor

April 2013

See the official PDF release from the NCAA here: Bulletin Field Unis

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