Author. Title Bookjt.Cy-'^S Imprint /939 Spalding's Official Foot Ball Guide Official Foot Ball Rules OF THE National Collegiate Athletic Association 1939 In Convenient Detachable Form for the Use of Coaches and Officials Rules Changes for 1939 Attention is called to four changes in the rules for 1939 : (1) Responsibility of management to provide testing equipment and of Referee to test ball. (See Rule 2.) (2) The Section on Equipment has been rewritten, the changes being an increase in thickness of knee-pads and required padding, new specifications for shape and size of conical cleats, and the wearing of head protectors made mandatory. (See Rule 5, Section 3.) (3) The penalty for a forward pass striking an ineligible player has been changed to loss of 15 yards, the play to count as a down. (See Rule 7, Section 5, Article 2, Item 2.) (4) On a play from which a forward pass develops, in- eligible players are prohibited from advancing be- yond the line of scrimmage before the pass is made. (See Rule 7, Section 5, Article 4.) FOOT BALL RULES COMMITTEE The Foot Ball Boles Committee is appointed hy the National Collegriate Athletic Association and consists of eleven members, one from each of the eight districts Into which the National Collegiate Athletic Association divides the territory which it covers, one life member and two members from the country at large. The Committee for the year 1939 is constituted as follows: W. J. BINGHAM First District G. F. YEENKEB Fifth District New England States Missouri Valley States W. G. CROWELIi Second District D. X. BIBIiE Sixth District Middle Atlantic States Southwestern States W. A. AliEXANDEB Thurd District L. H. MAHONY Seventh District Southeastern States Mountain States F. H. YOST Fourth District W. O. HUNTER Eighth District Middle Western States Pacific Coast States MemberB-at-Large W. B. OKESON, ChalrmAn W. 8. liANOFOBD, Secretary SEP 14 I93.q ^ Order of the Rules RULE PAGE 1. FIELD 3 2. BALL 3 3. DEFINITIONS 4 4. GAME— HOW STARTED, CONDUCTED AND TIMED 13 5. PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, AND THEIR EQUIPMENT 18 6. KICK-OFF 20 7. SCRIMMAGE 22 Sec. 1 — Necessary Gain on Downs 22 Sec. 2— Position of Players 23 Sec. 3— Putting Ball in Play 26 Sec. 4 — ^Backward Pass and Fumble 28 Sec. 5 — ^Forward Pass 28 Sec. 6 — Kicks from Scrimmage 33 Sec. 7~Dead Ball 34 Sec. 8 — Possession of Ball After Out-of -Bounds 36 8. FAIR CATCH AND FREE KICK 36 9. SCORING 40 Sec. 1 — Value of Scores 40 Sec. 2 — ^Touchdown 40 Sec. 3 — ^Try-for-Point After Touchdown 40 Sec. 4 — Safety 42 Sec. 5 — Goal from the Field 43 Sec. 6 — ^Touchback 44 10. CONDUCT OF PLAYERS 46 11. CONDUCT OF PERSONS OTHER THAN PLAYERS 51 12. ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES 52 13. OFFICIALS— THEIR JURISDICTIONS AND DUTIES 58 Sec. 1— General 58 Sec. 2 — ^Referee 58 Sec. 3 — Umpire 59 Sec. 4 — ^Linesman 60 S«c. 5— Field Judge 61 CO «2 < \^ ^^ n .s FCEndUne,lGOfeet • Goal 1 ^ v//////y^^^^v////// '^.Goal Lin& -rr. J60feet.I?' C-15yrfs.;^ 2-YardLine 3^ O I 5 = § K • £ w a « Q *' OB ^ a < li t 1^ o S » 2 "^ a o OS E s § H .2 a O 5^ s s 4 in.--->ii l<---,4iil National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules [^^s^^^ |_RTTT.R 1 Official Foot Ball Rules CopyrlKht, 1939, by National Collegiate Athletic Aaaoclatlon FIELD RULE 1 Section 1. Dimensions The game shall be played upon a rectangular field, 360 feet in length and 160 feet in width. The lines at the ends of the field shall be termed End Lines. Those at the sides shall be termed Side Lines. The Goal Lines shall be established in the field 10 yards from and parallel to the end lines. The space bounded by the goal lines and the side lines shall be termed the Field of Play. The spaces bounded by the goal lines, the end lines and the side lines shall be termed the End Zones. Section 2. Mari^ing The Field of Play shall be marked at intervals of 5 yards with lines parallel to the goal lines, and each of these lines shall be intersected at right angles by short lines 15 yards in from the side lines. All lines shall be marked — prefer- ably in white. Note — If lime is used for marking, it should be thoroughly slacked. Section 3. Goal The goal posts shall be placed in the middle of each end line, shall exceed 20 feet in height and be placed 18 feet 6 inches apart, with a horizon- tal crossbar the top of which shall be 10 feet from the ground. BALL RULE 2 The ball shall be made of pebble grained leather (natural tanned color) without corruga- tion of any kind, enclosing a rubber bladder. It shall be inflated with a pressure of not less than 121/^ pounds nor more than 13 14 pounds and Page 4 RULE 2 Diagram showing the longitudinal cross section of the standard ball. Maximum dimensions are used. This diagram is printed in order to secure uniformity in manufacture. 1 National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules shall have the shape of a prolate spheroid — the entire surface to be convex. The circumference, long axis, shall measure not less than 28 inches, nor more than 2Sy% inches; short axis, not less than 21 1^ inches, nor more than 21 1^ inches; the length of the long axis shall measure not less than 11 inches, nor more than 11 14 inches. The weight of the ball shall be from 14 ounces to 15 ounces. The Referee shall be sole judge as to whether the ball offered for play com- plies with these specifications. He shall test the ball at least thirty minutes prior to the starting of the game and shall be provided by the management in charge with scales, tem- plet, measuring tape and air gauge to check weight, measurements and air pressure. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES For night games, a white ball or other colored ball may be used by agreement between both teams. A ball constructed with more than four panels may be used by agreement between both teams. DEFINITIONS RUI,E 3 Section I. Approved Ruling (A.R.) An Approved Ruling is an official decision on a given statement of facts. It serves to illus- trate the spirit or the application of the rule. The relation between the rule proper and an Approved Ruling is analogous to the relation between statutory law and a decision of the Supreme Court. Sections. Ball Ball IB play ARTICLE 1. The ball may be put in play by kick-off, scrimmage, or free kick. The ball then remains in play until under specific provisions of the rules it becomes dead. National Collesiate Athletic Association Rules F^*** ^ —iRULE 3 Article 2. A Dead Ball is a ball which (Sections) under the rules has ceased to be in play. It Dead Bali continues to be dead until again put in play according to rule. Article 3. A Free Ball is a ball which is in Free bail play but not in the possession and control of any player. (Exception — See fourth Supple- mental Note, page 30 ; also second Supplemental Note, page 41.) Article 4. It is a Fumble when a player in Fumbled bail possession and control of the ball in play loses such possession and control other than by pass- ing or kicking it. (A.R.) Player of Team A is carrying the ball and player of Team B snatches the ball from him before it is declared dead. Ruling: Fumble. Article 5. A Muff is an unsuccessful at- MuflFedbail tempt by a player to gain possession and control of a free ball, in which attempt he actually touches the ball. Sections. Blocking Blocking is the obstruction of an opponent by a player bringing his body into contact with a player of the opposing team. supplemental notes In blocking, the hands and arms may not be used except they be close to the body. (See Rule 10, Section 1, Article 2.) It is illegal to use a flying block in which the player dives or throws his body through the air at an opponent. (See Rule 10, Section 1, Article 5.) It is legal for the blocker to leave his feet at the instant he makes contact with an opponent. Section 4. Clipping Clipping is blocking by running or diving into the back, or throwing or dropping the body across the back of the leg or legs, of a player not carrying the ball. supplemental notes Players attempting a legal block are not to be penalized for clipping, if an opponent turns his back as the block is being made. P»ge 6] National Collejiiate Athletic Association Rules rules] 5 (Section k) Players of the kicker's team going down the field under a kick who use their hands on the back of a blocker in order to ward him off are not to be penalized for clipping. Players legally attempting to recover a free ball may use their hands or arms on the back of an opponent to push him out of the way in order to get at the ball. Section 5. Crawling Crawling is an attempt by the player in pos- session of the ball to advance the ball after any portion of his person except his hands or feet touches the ground. Section 6. Disqualified Player A disqualified player is a player who is ban- ished from further participation in the game for violation of the rules prohibiting certain kinds of misconduct or unfair play. Section 7. Down A Down occurs when the ball becomes dead. Section 8. Drop-Kick A Drop-kick is made by dropping the ball to the ground and kicking it as it rises. Sections. Fair Catch Fair catch— ARTICLE 1. A Fair Catch is made on Kick- how made off, Free Kick, Return Kick, or when the ball has been kicked beyond the line of scrimmage, and any player of the team which did not kick it, who has signaled his intention of making a fair catch by raising one hand only, clearly above his head, catches the ball before it touches the ground, and does not take more than two steps after making the catch. See Illustrations 8, 9. Mark of Article 2. The mark of the catch is the spot fair catch at which the ball is actually caught. Opportunity ARTICLE 3. Opportunity to make a fair catch to make exists wheu the player is in such a position that fair catch jj- ^ould be possible for him to reach the ball /)efore it touches the ground. line for opponents National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules \^^^ 1 Section 10. Fonl A Foul is any violation of a rule. Section 11. Free Kick Abticle 1. A Free Kick is one where each Free kick team is restrained by rule from advancing be- yond a certain line before the ball is put in play, and includes Kick-off, Free Kick after Fair Catch and Free Kick following Safety. Article 2. The restraining line for the kick- Restraining ing team on a free kick is a line parallel to the }j[).^[^'^ ^^^^ goal line through the most forward point from which the ball may be kicked. The restraining line for the opponents is a line Restraining parallel to and 10 yards in advance of the kicking team's restraining line. Section 13. Goal from the Field A Goal from the Field is made by kicking the ball from the field of play over the crossbar or directly over one of the goal posts of the op- ponents* goal by either a Drop-kick or a Place- kick other than a Kick-off. Section 13. Huddle It is a Huddle when two or more of the players of the team in possession of the ball, instead of taking their normal positions and preparing to put the ball in play, group themselves together for the purpose of getting the signal for the next play or for any other reason. Section 14. Hurdling Hurdling, as used in the rules, applies only to the man carrying the ball. Article 1. Hurdling in the open is jumping Hurdling over or attempting to jump over an opponent in open who is still on his feet. (A player who is on his knee may be hurdled without penalty.) Page 81 ]<\attonal Colleiiate Athletic Association Rules RULE 3j 5 (Section n) ARTICLE 2. HuvdUng in the line is jumping Hurdling over or attempting to jump over a player on the in line line of scrimmage, with both feet or both knees foremost, within the distance of 5 yards on either side of the point where the ball was put in play. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE Mere stepping over a prostrate player, though the player so doing may have both feet in the air at the same time, is not construed as being within the definition or prohibition of hurdling. Section 15. In Tonch A ball which crosses either goal line is "in touch," and if it becomes dead behind the goal line it is a Touch-dovfn, a Safety ^owc/i-down, a Touch-bdiCk or a goal. Section 16. Kicker A player who kicks the ball is referred to in the rules as the Kicker. Section 17. Kick-off A Kick-off is the method of putting the ball in play at the opening of the first and third peri- ods, and after each try-for-point or goal from the field. It shall consist of a drop-kick or place- kick from any point on the 40-yard line (or some point behind it) of the team making the kick-off. Section 18. Line of Scrimmage Line of Article 1. The Line of Scrimmage for each ecrimmage — team is an imaginary line or vertical plane how formed parallel to the goal lines and passing through that point of the ball nearest the team's own goal line. PUyeron ARTICLE 2. A player of the team in pos- lineof session of the ball shall be considered to be scrimmage-- ^^ ^^^ ljj^g ^^ scrimmage if he has both hands, both feet or one foot and the opposite hand up to or within one foot of this line. He must have National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules \^^^ ^ 2 I RULE 3 both feet outside the outside foot of the player (section is) next to him, unless he be one of the two players standing on either side of and next to the snap- per-back, in which case he may lock legs with the snapper-back. (See Rule 7, Section 2.) See Illustrations 4, 5, 6, 7. Section 19. Neutral Zone The Neutral Zone is the space between the scrimmage lines of the two teams. Section 20. Off-side A player is off-side when any part of his per- son is ahead of the ball, his scrimmage or re- straining line when the ball is put in play. Section 21. Out of Bounds Article 1. The ball is Out of Bounds when Bali or pUyer either the ball or any part of a player holding touching it touches the ground, an obstruction or any per- ^yt "^ bound* son other than a player on or outside the side line or the end line. Article 2. When a free ball or a forward Free bail pass touches a player any part of whose person touching is on or outside the side line or the end line, it olft^of^ bound. is out of bounds. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES Ordinarily the ball is out of bounds and dead at the spot where it crosses the side line, but when a ball still in the field is declared out of bounds, either under Article 1 or Article 2, the position of the ball at the moment it be- came dead fixes the spot where it is out of bounds. The ball is not considered as out of bounds when a player touches the ball while part of his person is in con- tact with a goal post, his feet being in the end zone. Article 3. When a free ball (other than a g^n striking kicked ball which later scores a goal) or a for- goal posts ward pass strikes the goal post or crossbar, it is out of bounds. Section 22. Passer A player who makes a forward pass is re- ferred to in the rules as the Passer. RULE ^^ ^] SjtioNa! ColUiiate xithletic dissociation Rules LE 3j S_ Section 23. Piling Up Piling Up is falling, or allowing the body to fall, upon an opponent with the ball in his pos- session, after it has become dead. Section 24. Place-Kick A Place-kick is made by kicking the ball from a fixed position on the ground. The ball may be held in position by a player of the kicker's team, but must not be raised above the surface of the ground by artificial tees or mounds of earth. Section 25. Pnnt A Punt is made by a player holding or drop- ping the ball and either he or another player kicking it before it touches the ground. Section 26. Return Kicl£ A Return Kick is made when a ball has been recovered by the opponents and kicked back without an intervening play from scrimmage. Section 27. Runner A player who is carrying the ball is referred to in the rules as the Runner. Section 28. Safety A Safety is made when a free ball or a ball legally in possession and control of a player guarding his o\^ti goal becomes dead, any part of it being on, above, or behind the goal line, pro- vided the impetus which sent it to or across the goal line came from the team defending that goal. (See also Rule 9, Section 4.) Seetioa 29. Scrimmage A Scrimmage takes place when the holder of the ball places it flat upon the ground, with its Natio7ial Colleziate ^ithUtic Association KuUs \^^^ '^^ 5 I RULE 3 long axis at right angles to the line of scrim- Sfcoontf) mage, and puts it in play by snapping it back. The scrimmage does not end until the ball is dead. See IlIii5:rs::on= 1. 2, 3. Section 30. Shift It is a Shift when after the Dall is ready for play in scrimmage and the players have taken their preliminary* or final positions, two or more of the players of the team in possession of the ball simultaneously change their positions be- fore the ball is put in play. Section 31. Snapper-back The Snapper-back is the player who puts the ball in play in a scrimmage. Section 32. Snapping the Ball Snapping the Ball is passing it backward from its position on the ground with one quick and continuous motion of the hand or hands, the ball actually leaving the hands on this motion. (A.R.> Center of Team A seeing an opponent oS-slde. lifts the ball o- the ground and claims oS-side play. Ruling: Ball has not been snapped. Penalty — Team A penalized 5 yards. ( A-R, • The Cen:er of Team A steps to ilie side or back- ward while snapping the ball RuLxng: Ball illegally snapped and is no: in play. Penalty — ^Loss of 5 yards. Section 33. Supplemental Xote A Supplemental Xo:e is a descriptive para- graph indicating the spirit or scope of the rule which it follows. Section 34. Sn^ended Player A Suspended Player is one who is denied the pri\-ilege of further participation in the game either because of the use of equipment which is dangerous to opponents or because of illegal substitution. Page 12 1 National Collegiate Athletic Association Kules RULE ^J Section 35. Taekling Tackling is a specialized form of blocking in which a player is permitted to use his hands and arms to stop or throw to the ground an opponent carrying the ball. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES It is illegal to use a flying tackle in which a player dives or throws his body through the air at the ball carrier. (See llule 10, Section 1, Article 5.) It is legal for the tackier to leave his feet at the instant he makes contact with the ball carrier. Section 36. Team "A'' and "B'' "Team A" is used in the Approved Rulings to designate the team which puts the ball in play ; "Team B" to designate the opponents. Section 37. Touehbaek A Touehbaek is made when a free ball or a ball legally in possession of a player guarding his own goal becomes dead, any part of it being on, above, or behind the goal line, provided the im- petus which sent it to or across the line was given by an opponent. (See also Rule 9, Section 6.) Section 38. Touchdown A Touchdown is made when the ball legally in possession of a player becomes dead, any part of it being on, above, or behind the opponents* goal line. (See also Rule 9, Section 2.) Section 39. Tripping Tripping is obstructing an opponent below the knee with the hand or with that part of the obstructing player's leg that is below the knee. Diving under the play is not tripping. See Illustration 10. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE Tackling or attempting to tackle the runner below the knees is not to be considered tripping. Page 13 RULE 3 National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules \ Section 40. Try-f or-Point After Touchdown A Try-for-Point is the opportunity given the team which has made a touchdown to add an- other point to its score by successfully executing a single play from scrimmage as required by Rule 9, Section 3. THE GAME — HOW STARTED, COIVDUCTED A]^D TIMED RULE 4 Section 1. Length of Game Article 1. Item 1. The length of the game Length of shall be 60 minutes, divided into four periods of i^^termis«\)1ii 15 minutes each, with intervals of one minute between the first and second periods (first half) and between the third and fourth periods (second half), during which intermissions all rules governing the playing of the game con- tinue in force and no player shall leave the field of play or end zone, nor shall any representative of either team be allowed on the field of play or end zone except as provided for in Rule 11. PENALTY— Loss of 15 yards. Item 2, Between the second and third pe- riods there shall be an intermission of 15 minutes, during which intermission play is suspended and the teams may leave the field. Item 3. The teams must be on the field ready Delay in to play at the scheduled time for the beginning of ^*tj***"* the game and at the end of the 15-minute inter- mission without notification by the officials. [Penalty follows. Page 14] ]\!auonal Collegiate Athletic Association Rules RULE 4j 2 (Section 1) PENALTY — Loss of 15 yards, unless the Referee deem the delay excusable. The choice of goal and kick-off shall be determined as outlined in Section 2. SPECIAL NOTE The Rules Committee recommends and urges that Pre- paratory and High School games be limited to a maximum of 48 minutes, divided into 4 periods of 12 minutes each. If Junior High School games are played they should be limited to 32 minutes, divided into 4 periods of 8 minutes each. The intermission between the halves may be reduced proportionately. Shortening ARTICLE 2. BefoFG the scheduled starting periods time, the game may be shortened by mutual agreement of the Field Captains. The Referee, if he is of the opinion that there is any likelihood of the game being interfered with by darkness, may arbitrarily shorten the playing time. In either of such cases the four periods must be of equal length. During an intermission the Referee, with the consent of the two Field Captains, may shorten the playing time of the remaining period or periods. Section 2. Start of Each Period First and ARTICLE 1. The Referee shall toss up a coin Third periods ^gforc tho beginning of the game in the pres- ence of the Field Captains of the opposing teams, first designating which Field Captain shall call. The winner of the toss shall have choice of goal, or of kicking off, or of receiving the kick-off, which choice shall not be revocable. The loser of the toss shall have the choice of options which the winner does not select, and his choice shall not be revocable. At the begin- ning of the third period these privileges shall be reversed. National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules [^^^^ ^^ Article 2. At the beginning of the second (section. 2j and fourth periods the teams shall change goals ; Second and the possession of the ball, the down, the relative '^o"'^^ period* spot of the down, and the distance to be gained remaining the same as at the termination of the preceding period. Section 3. Delay of Game — Time Out Article 1. Time shall be taken out while Timeout the ball is being brought out for a kick-oif ; dur- ing a try-for-point after touchdown; after a touchdown, safety or a touchback ; after a fair catch has been made; after an incomplete for- ward pass; during enforcement (or declina- tion) of penalties; when the ball goes out of bounds ; during all substitutions (except as pro- vided in Section 3, Article 4) ; or when play is for any reason suspended by the Referee. Time shall begin again when the ball is actually put in play, and no extension of "time out" shall be allowed by the Referee unless a Captain re- quests the privilege allowed in Article 2. (A.R.) The Umpire signals a foul and the Field Judge stops his watch as soon as he hears the horn. Ruling: The watch should not be stopped until the ball is declared dead by the Referee. Article 2. Whenever the Referee suspends Legal delay play at the request of a Field Captain, or for the purpose of completing a substitution made by the Coach, a '*time out" shall be charged. A team is entitled to three such "time outs" (of not more than two minutes each) during each half without penalty. After a team has exhausted its three legal "time outs", subsequent requests for "time out" shall be granted but a penalty shall be exacted, except that time may be taken out for an injured player without penalty, provided this player is removed from the game. [Penalty follows. Page 161 ]\} agonal Colleziate Athletic Association Rules RULE 4 J 2 (Section s) PENALTY — Loss of 5 yards, the number of the down and point to be gained remaining the same as when the request was made. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE Upon request, the Field Captain must designate to the Referee the injured player for whom time is called. Other- wise the Referee shall exact the penalty. (A.R.) (1) Shortly after a game starts a player is in- jured and his Captain calls for "time out." The injured player is removed from the game and a substitute takes his place. Ruling: This counts as a "time out" against the team in question. (2) The coach sends a substitute on the field to replace a player and the Referee blows his whistle and stops play until the change has been com- pleted. The Referee charges the team with a "time out". (See also last Approved Ruling under Rule 12, Section 8, Article 4.) Article 3. The Referee may at his discre- tion suspend play at any time without penalty to either team. Illegal delay ARTICLE 4. Substitutions may be made with- out penalty only when time is out, but there must be no unnecessary delay. The ball must be put in play promptly and any action or inaction by either team which tends to prevent this shall be construed by the Referee as delay of the game. He shall have the right to order the Timekeeper not to stop the watch if in his opin- ion the offending team is trying to profit by call- ing for "time out" after their three legal re- quests are exhausted. PENALTY — For delay of the game: Loss of 5 yards, the down and point to be gained remain- ing the same as when the request was made. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES A delay of more than 30 seconds (whether or not the watch is running) in putting the ball in play, is considered prima facie evidence of delay of the game. National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules [^^^^ ^"^ The Referee should prevent unnecessary delay by exer- (Section S) cising his power to let the watch run when the substitution privilege is being abused. (A.R.) Time is out and play is about to be started when a substitute comes on the field. The ball is snapped while twelve men of his team are on the field. Ruling: Delay of game (no "time out" to be charged) . Penalty — 5 yards from spot where ball was put in play. Coaches should send in substitutes promptly. (A.R.) A team which has exhausted its three "time outs" has the ball on its opponents' 10-yard line. Its Field Captain calls time the moment the whistle is blown after each play, it being evident that his purpose is to conserve the scanty time remaining. The Referee warns the Captain on first offense and instructs Timekeeper not to stop the watch thereafter. (A.R.) Team A repeatedly asks that time be taken out to enable them to wipe off mud or to dry the ball. Al- though this may seem justified by circumstances on a wet field, the Referee should judge as to the real intent, and if he feels that the main purpose is to lengthen the play- ing time he shall instruct the Timekeeper not to stop the watch. Article 5. No delay arising from any cause whatsoever shall continue more than two minutes. PENALTY — Refusal of either team to play with- in 2 minutes after having been ordered to do so by the Referee — Forfeiture of the Game. (A.R.) Captain of Team A (or B) has called for time out and his two minutes have elapsed. Captain of Team B (or A) agrees that he may have a minute more. Ruling: Play must be resumed forthwith, as no delay may con- tinue for more than two minutes. Article 6. Time shall not be called at the Time end of a period until the ball is dead, but in the case of a touchdown the try-f or-point shall be allowed. In case of a fair catch after time has expired the free kick only shall be allowed, but time shall not be called until the ball is declared dead. (A.R.) With a period about to end, the team in posses- sion of the ball makes a play. The opponents commit a foul, time expiring during the play. Ruling: The penalty is to be enforced. The period must continue until a play has been made free from interference by any foul com- mitted by defensive team, unless the penalty is declined. It should be noted tlaat this applies only to fouls committed by the team on defense, but does not apply if both teams commit fouls. extended Page 18 RULES 1 National ColUgtate Athletic Association Kules THE PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, AND THEIR EQUIPMEIVT RULE 5 Section 1. IVumber of Players The game shall be played by two teams of eleven men each. A Field Captain must be des- ignated for each team. Noie—The following diagram is inserted for the purpose of designating the positions of the players. Naming of Players in Customary Position on Offense o o o o o o o End Tackle Guard Center Guard Tackle End O Quarter-back o o Half-back Half-back O Full-back Section 3. Substitutes A player may be substituted for another at any time, but a player withdrawn from the game may not return in the same period or intermis- sion in which he was withdrawn. An incoming substitute must report to the Umpire. Until after the ball has been put in play he shall not communicate with anyone other than the offi- cials, except that a man substituted for a player previously giving signals may give the signal. (See Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2.) PENALTIES: For not reporting — Loss of 5 yards. For communicating — Loss of 15 yards. For illegal return — The player shall be sus- pended from the game and his team shall be penalized 15 yards. These penalties shall be enforced from the spot where the ball was about to be put in play. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES At the start of the second half, players are not required to report and there are no restrictions on communicating. National Colleziate Athletic Association Rules \ ^^^^ ^^ ^ L RULE 5 After a player has reported to the Umpire and the (Section b) change has been approved by his Field Captain, the sub- stitution shall be considered completed. Information in regard to change in position of players may be given through the Umpire. SPECIAL NOTES The Committee suggests that competing colleges by mutual agreement authorize the Coaches to assume all responsibility for the legality of substitutions. This would speed up play by relieving the Umpire of keeping a record of players who enter and leave the game. By mutual agreement, Preparatory and High School teams may adopt more liberal regulations regarding sub- stitutions, except that no player who has been disqualified or suspended shall be allowed to return to the game. Section 3. Equipment No player shall wear equipment which in the opinion of the officials endangers or confuses other players. The use of the following equipment is prohib- ited : Thigh guards, shin guards and braces made of any hard or unyielding substance which are not covered on the whole outside surface and overlapping edges with soft padding at least V2-irich in thickness; knee pads, elbow pads, hand, wrist or forearm protectors made of sole leather or other hard and unyielding substance ; any projecting metal or hard substance on a player's person; shoes with projecting nails or metallic plates ; cleats made of metal or a material liable to chip or fracture; conical cleats, the points of which are less than i/j-ii^ch in diameter or without straight sides from point to base; oblong cleats which measure less than l^ by % of an inch on the surface. Taping of the hands is prohibited except for the protection of an injury, and then only by per- mission of the Umpire upon a full report by the Coach. It is also prohibited to use head protectors or jerseys (or attachments) which are so similar in Page 20 j ] opponents' goal hne. Item 5. It is a touchback if any interference with the interception of a forward pass is com- mitted behind the opponents' goal line by the team which put the ball in play. Item 6. If a player commits a foul behind his opponents' goal line which would give the team defending the goal possession of the ball had the foul occurred in the field of play, or which after the penalty is enforced leaves the ball in possession of the offended team back of its goal line, a touchback shall be declared. Item 7. It is a touchback if a player on de- fense permits a ball kicked by an opponent to touch his person and it then rolls across his goal line and is declared dead in his end zone in pos- session of any member of his team, or if the ball goes out of bounds from his end zone following such a play. It is not a touchback if such player juggles the ball so that he in any way forces it over the line and he or any player of his team then recovers it. (A.R.) Team A throws forward pass from field of play into end zone which is caught by player of Team B, who attempts to run but is tackled and downed in end zone. Captain of Team A claims safety. Ruling: Touchback. (A.R.) Team A punts over scrimmage line and player of Team A illegally touches ball on Team B's 3-yard line and (1) permits it to roll over goal line; (2) follows the ball across the goal line and falls on it; (3) carries the ball which he has illegally recovered across the goal line. Ruling: In each case touchback, unless defenders elect otherwise. (A.R.) Team A kicks off and ball rolls into end zone, after having been touched in field of play by player of Team B (no impetus being added nor decisive alteration in direction b'eing caused by this action) . Player of Team B picks up ball in end zone and starts to run, but is tackled before reaching the goal line. Captain of Team A claims safety. Ruling: Touchback. (A.R.) Team A kicks off over goal line. Team B fumbles ball in end zone and in the effort to pick it up causes it to go out of bounds behind the goal line. Ruling: Touch- back. Helping the runner Page 46] ]<^ational Colleziate Athletic Association Rules RULE 9j 2 (Section 6) (A.R.) A fumbled ball rolls over the goal line and a de- fender of that goal is about to fall on it when an opponent kicks it away from him. Ruling: Touchback. Article 2. After a touchback, the team making- it shall put the ball in play by a scrim- mage anywhere on its own 20-yard line. CONDUCT OF PLAYERS RIILE 10 Section 1. Use of Hands, Arms and Body Article 1. No player of the team in posses- sion of the ball may help the runner except by interfering for him, and there shall be no inter- locked interference. PENALTY— Lo88 of 15 yards. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES Grasping of teammate by runner is not permissible. Pushing the runner or lifting runner from ground by teammate is infraction of the rule. Interlocked interference means the grasping of one an- other by, or encircling the body to any degree with, the hands or arms of the players of the team in possession of the ball. Article 2. The runner may ward off oppo- nents with his hands and arms, but no other player of the team in possession of the ball may use his hands or arms (unless the arms be close to the body) to obstruct an opponent. Players of the team not in possession of the ball may use their hands and arms to get at the ball or the runner, but may not tackle or hold a player ex- cept in an actual attempt to get at or tackle the runner. When the ball is free, players who have a legal right to recover the ball may use their hands or arms to push opponents out of the way in order to get at the ball. When the ball has been kicked, players of the kicker's team may use their hands and arms to ward off or push opponents who are attempting to block them. Use of hands and arms National ColUnate Athletic Association Rules [^^^^ '^'^ ± IrULE 10 PENALTIES: (1) For illegal use of hands or (Sectioni) arms by players of team in possession of ball — Loss of 15 yards. (2) For illegal use of hands or arms by players of the team not in possession of ball — Loss of 5 yards. (3) For illegal use of hands or arms when the ball is free — Ball goes to oflf ended team. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES Description of illegal use of hands and arms by the team in possession of the ball: (a) Grasping an opponent with the hands and arms. (b) Placing the hands upon an opponent to push him away from a play. (c) Encircling with the arm in any degree any part of an opponent. (d) Using the arms in any way to lift an opponent In blocking. SPECIAL NOTE Players and officials should particularly note the distinctions brought out in Illustrations 11-26 and make sure that the rules governing the use of hands and arms are complied with. (A.R.) Player of Team A who has made a forward pass and who is standing behind his own line of scrimmage, is tackled, thrown to the ground and held down by lineman of Team B. Ruling: Defensive holding; penalty 5 yards. (A.R.) End of Team A plays wide with the evident inten- tion of going down field under a kick or pass. End of Team B holds him without making an effort to advance toward the player with the ball. Ruling: Illegal use of hands by Team B. Article 3. In case of a ball in the air from a pass, an eligible player of either team may bat the ball in any direction to prevent an opponent from securing it. In no other case may a player bat the ball toward his opponents' end line, nor may he bat a free ball in the end zone. PENALTY— Loss of ball to opponents if foul occurs in field of play. If it occurs in the end zone, Rule 9 apphes. Article 4. A free ball may not be kicked or kicked at. PENALTY — Loss of ball to opponents if foul occurs in field of play. If it occurs in the end zone, Rule 9 applies. [Note follows. Batting free ball Kicking free ball Page 481 J^auofial ColUgiate Athletic Association Rules (Sectioni SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE If a free ball is kicked, unless a penalty for kicking is called and accepted, it is to be treated simply as though the ball had been touched. (A.R.) A free ball is struck by a portion of a player's body other than his foot. Ruling: This is not to be considered as kicking a free ball. Article 5. A player may not use a flying block or a flying tackle. PENALTY — Loss of 5 yards whether or not con- tact is made with the opponent. If the offense is committed against a player who is making, or who has made, a forward pass, the penalty shall be enforced from the spot of the preced- ing down. Section 2. Personal Fouls Striking ARTICLE 1. Item 1. All players are pro- K^ckin^ hibitedfrom "'^^ (a) Striking with fists, locked hands or elbows ; (b) Kicking, kneeing or meeting with the knee ; (c) Striking on the head, neck or face with the heel, back or side of the hand, wrist or forearm. PENALTY — Disqualification and loss by offend- ing team of one-half the distance to its own goal hne. See Illustrations 27 and 28. Item 2. Players on defense may not strike opponents on the head, neck or face with the palms of their hands, but they may use the palms above the shoulders to ward off or push such opponents in order to get at the ball or the player carrying it. PENALTY— Loss of 15 yards. Running into ARTICLE 2. There shall be no running into or roughing qj. roughing a player who kicks from behind his the kicker . -, . scrimmage line. PENALTIES— For running into the kicker — ^Lo88 of 5 yards. National CoUe si ate Athletic Association Rules [Page 49 2 -^. LRULE 10 For roughing the kicker — Loss of 15 yards. (Section 2} For flagrant roughing of kicker — Loss of 15 yards and disqualification. These penalties shall be enforced from the spot where the ball was put in play. SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES This rule is to protect the kicker from injury. If con- tact is slight, or is caused by the kicker's own motion, this shall not be interpreted as "running into the kicker." If the kick develops from a running play, the kicker loses his special protection and is accorded only the same protection given any player. (A.R.) Team B lineman breaks through and blocks or partially blocks a kick, but his charge carries him in to the kicker, who is knocked down. Team A claims penp-lty for running into kicker. Ruling: As kicker was knocked down as an incidental part of a successfully executed play, there is no penalty. Article 3. There shall be no piling up. Piling up PENALTY— Loss of 15 yards. Article 4. There shall be no hurdling. Hurdling penalty—Loss of 15 yards. Article 5. There shall be no unnecessary Unnecessary roughness. This shall include : roughness Item 1. Tripping, striking an opponent any- where above the knee with the foot or any part of the leg below the knee, tackling the runner when clearly out of bounds, throwing to the ground the runner after the ball is dead, or any other act of unnecessary roughness. penalty— Loss of 15 yards. Item 2. Running or diving into or throwing oneself against a player obviously out of the play, before or after the ball is dead. PENALTY— Loss of 15 yards. supplemental note The forward passer after the pass is made is often "ob- viously out of the play" and he is entitled to protection under this rule. Item 3. There shall be no clipping. This, Clipping however, does not apply to close line play. PENALTY— Loss of 15 vards, SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES Close line play is that which occurs in an area extend- ing laterally to the positions usually occupied by the de- Page 501 ]\lauonal Collesiate Athletic Association Rules RULE loj ^ (BeeHont) fensive tackles and longitudinally 3 yards on either side of the lines of scrimmage. It is entirely within the province of officials to designate and penalize as unnecessary roughness, acts other than those specified. Crawling ARTICLE 6. There shall be no crawling by the runner, as defined in Rule 3, Section 5. PENALTY— Loss of 5 yards. Unsportsman- ARTICLE 7. There shall be no unsportsman- like conduct like conduct on the part of the players either during the game or between the halves. This shall include the use of abusive or insulting lan- guage to opponents or officials. Concealing the ball beneath the clothing, substituting any article for the ball, or making an invalid signal for a fair catch, shall be deemed unsportsman- like conduct. The calling by a player on defense of words or signals for the obvious purpose of disconcert- ing the offense may be deemed unsportsmanlike conduct. PENALTY— Loss of 15 yards. If the ball was dead when the offense occurred, the penalty shall be enforced from the spot from which the ball would next be put in play had no foul occurred. If the ball was in play when the offense occurred, the penalty shall be enforced from the spot where the ball was put in play. For flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct, loss of 15 yards and disqualification. Fouls to Article 8. If a team on defense commits delay game f quIs SO near its own goal line that these fouls are punishable only by the halving of the dis- tance to the goal line (the object being, in the opinion of the Referee, to delay the game), it shall be regarded as a refusal to allow the game to proceed. The Referee shall in such case warn the offending team once, and if the offense is repeated he shall declare the game forfeited to the opponents. National Collesiate Athletic Association Rules \^^^^ 5i __LrULE 10 Article 9. In case the play is interfered r-^cc^onf; with by some act palpably unfair and not else- Unfair play where provided for in these rules, the Referee shall have authority to make such ruling as in his judgment justice may require. CONDUCT OF PERSONS OTHER THAN PLAYERS RULE 11 Article 1. There shall be no coaching, Sideline either by substitutes or by any other person not coaching participating in the game. PENALTY— Loss of 15 yards by the team for whose supposed benefit the offense was com- mitted. If the ball was dead when the offense oc- curred, the penalty shall be enforced from the spot from which the ball would next be put in play had no foul occurred. If the ball was in play when the offense occurred, the penalty shall be enforced from the spot where the ball was put in play. The Referee shall have the right, if the offense is flagrant, to exclude the offender from the neighborhood of the field of play for the remainder of the game. Article 2. No person other than the players, Persom the officials, the attendants mentioned in Article ?* m^T* ?" 3, or an incoming substitute, shall at any time ^ « p ^y come upon the field of play or end zone without permission of the Referee. PENALTY — Loss of 15 yards by the team whose substitute or representative committed the offense. The spot from which the penalty shall be enforced will be determined as under penalty for breach of Article 1. Article 3. In case of injury to a player, one Attendance attendant of the player's team may come upon ^"^"J"*'®*^ the field'of play or end zone to attend the injured ^ ^^"""^ player, but before communicating with any player he must first report to an official. PENALTY — Same as under Article 2. Page 521 ]<\ational Collenate Athletic Association Kuks RULE llj ^ No walking ARTICLE 4. All who are admitted within the on side lines enclosure must be seated throughout the game. No person shall be allowed to walk up and down on either side of the field. PENALTY— Same as under Article 2. Unsportsman- ARTICLE 5. There shall be no unsportsman- like conduct j-jj^g conduct by coaches, trainers or others con- nected with a team (such as abusive or insulting remarks to players or officials), either during the game or between the halves. PENALTY— Same as under Article 1. Article 6. In case of any other act by such persons which is palpably unfair and not else- where provided for in these rules, the Referee shall have authority to make such ruling as in his judgment justice may require. ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES (Governing all cases not otherwise specifically provided for) RULE 12 Section 1. Spot from which Enforced Penalties for fouls committed hy players shall be enforced from the spot where the foul was committed, even though it be out of bounds or behind the goal line, unless otherwise specified. The penalty for a foul committed against a player with the ball while out of bounds between the goal lines shall be enforced from the point where the ball crossed the side line. Unless other- wise specified other fouls committed whentheball is out of bounds and before the Referee has de- clared the ball dead are to be penalized as though the ball were in bounds. Penalties for fouls com- yyiitted hy persons other than players shall be en- forced as specifically provided under Rule 11. Section 2. Location of Foul Article 1. If a foul is committed outside National Colle2,iate Athletic Association Rules \^^^^ ^^ 2 _LRULE 12 the 1-yard line, and the distance penalty if en- (Section 2; forced would carry the ball across the goal line, or inside the 1-yard line, the ball shall be down on the 1-yard line. Article 2. If a foul is committed within the 1-yard line, and the distance penalty if en- forced would carry the ball across the goal line, one-half the remaining distance to the goal line shall be given. The enforcement of this penalty cannot result in a score. No matter how small may be the remaining distance, the ball is con- sidered to be in the field of play. Article 3. Item 1. If a foul that does not involve possession of the ball is committed be- hind its goal line by the team not in possession of the ball, and the penalty for which if enforced would place the ball behind the goal line, the ball shall be down on the 1-yard line unless it was put in play on or inside the 1-yard line, in which case the penalty shall be one-half the distance to the goal line from the spot where the ball was put in play. Item 2. If a foul occurs behind a goal line, which involves possession of the ball, the penalty therefor shall be enforced as provided for in Rule 9, Sections 3, 4 and 6. Section 3. Fouls by Both Teams Article 1. If fouls are declared against both Both sides teams during the same play the penalties offset ^®^g' j^^n" each other. The play shall be replayed, except in the case of a kick-off out of bounds between the goal lines. If the play was from scrimmage, the number of the down and the point to be gained for first down remain the same. If the play was a kick-off, the ball must be kicked off again unless it went out of bounds be- Page 541 ] 5 34 23 35 5 5 7 8 13 2 59 3 2 6 4 2 15 3 21 9 9 4 43 9 6 44 9 3 41 9 6 46 3 26 2 4 3 28 1 21 6 33 7 35 2 3'J Referee judge of putting in play and progress Rotation of, not permitted be- fore measurement Snapping the. definition of Striking an ofl^cial Throwiflig the When in touch Batting the Ball Blocking— Definition of Clipping — Definition of. Penalty for 13 2 58 7 1 23 3 32 11 7 7 35 7 4 28 3 15 8 10 1 47 3 3 5 3 4 5 10 2 49 AuIe.Sec Clothing — Restrictions on 5 Coaching — Penalty for 11 . Conduct of Players 10 Unsportsmanlike 10 Conduct of Persons Other Than Players 11 . Unsportsmanlike 11 . '* Continuously in Possession " — Definition of 7 Crawling — Definition of 3 Penalty for 10 Darkness 4 Dead Ball — Definition of 3 Instances when 7 Definitions of Principal Terms . . 3 . Delay — ^Penalty for, in reaching field 4 Delay of Gome — What constitutes 4 Shall not continue more than two minutes 4 Penalty for 4 10 Disqualified Player — Definition of 3 Disqualification — Offenses calling for 10 Offenses which may involve. ... 10 10 Penalty, distance, accompany- ing, declinable 12 Distance — Gained, how measured 7 Necessary on kick 6 Down — Definition of First, if foul committed when neither team in possession of ball First, if Team B penalized No change of, at beginning of second and fourth periods . . . Remains same, if Team A pen- alized Downs — Consecutive Necessary gain in. four Drop-kick — Definition of End Lines — Definition of Enforcement of Penalties Down after . Forward pass plays Fouls by both teams One-yard rulings Pagfe 3 19 . . 51 46 2 50 . 51 . . 52 1 22 5 6 2 50 1 14 2 5 7 34 . . 4 1 13 3 15 3 17 3 17 2 50 6 6 2 48 2 49 2 50 55 1 23 1 21 2 39 7 8 57 8 57 4 2 15 8 56 1 22 1 22 8 6 1 3 . . 52 8 56 7 55 3 53 5 32 2 53 G 55 1 52 Refusal of Spot from which enforced Time of foul, in relation to spot from which penalty enforced 12 5 55 Two or more fouls committed by same team 12 4 54 Equipment of Players 5 3 19 National Colleu ate Athletic Association Rules\^^^^ ^ Line 69 INDEX Rule. Sec. Page Fair Catch— Definition of 3 9 G Interference on 8 1 37 Kick following, must go 10 yards 8 2 39 Mark of 3 9 6 No run by any player of signal- ing team 8 1 36 Opportunity to make 3 9 6 Position of kicker's team after 8 2 38 Position of opponents after. .. . 8 2 30 Putting ball in play after 8 1 37 8 2 38 Signal for 3 9 6 Throwing receiver to ground . 8 1 37 Two steps after making 8 1 37 Field — Diagram of 1 Dimension of 113 Marking of 1 2 3 Field of Play — Definition of 1 1 3 Field Goal— Definition of 3 12 7 Ball put in play by* kick-off after 9 5 44 Field Juds:e — Jurisdiction and du- ties of 13 5 61 Forfeiture of Game 4 3 17 10 2 50 Forward Pass — Eligibility to re- ceive 7 5 29 Incomplete, penalty for disre- garded if foul by defense. .12 7 56 Incomplete, penalty for not de- clinable 12 7 5r) Incomplete, when 7 5 29 Intentional grounding of 7 5 31 Interference during play 7 5 32 Legal, when 7 5 2S Foul — Definition of 3 10 7 Committed when neither team in possession of ball 12 8 57 Deliberate, to delay game 10 2 50 Disqualification for — distance penalty accompanying not off- set 12 3 54 Down after enforcement of pen- alty for 12 8 56 Forward pass, incomplete, dis- regarded if 12 7 56 Forward pass, incomplete, not a 12 7 55 One-yard line, when committed within 12 2 53 One-yard line, when enforce- ment of penalty for, would carry ball over 12 2 53 Palpably unfair act 10 2 51 Penalty for, may be declined.. 12 6 55 Penalty for, must be enforced or declined 7 327 Play nullified, if each team commits 12 3 53 Referee's decision on, is final.. 13 1 5S Signaling of, does not stop play 13 3 59 Time of, as determining spot from which penalty for is en- forced 12 5 55 Two or more by same team 12 4 54 Free Ball — Definition of 3 2 5 Kicking, penalty for 10 1 47 37 2 2 11 2 38 2 5 8 36 38 7 Rule.Sec.Paee Free Kick— Definition of 3 11 7 Fair catch, followed by 8 1 Five players of receiving team within 5 yards of restraining line 8 Safety, followed by 8 Restraining lines on 3 8 Fumble — Definition of 3 Going out of bounds 7 Striking ground, and recovery by Team B 7 4 Gain — Necessary on four downs. . 7 1 Game — Length of 4 1 Shortening of 4 1 Goal — Definition of 1 3 Change of 4 2 Choice of, at kick-off . 4 2 Distance penalties near 12 2 Field, how made 3 12 9 5 Goal Lines — Definition of 1 Hands, Arms and Body — Use of. 10 Helping the Runner 10 Holding 10 Huddle — Definition of 3 Huddle Plays 7 Hurdling — Definition of 3 Penalty for 10 Illustrations of Play 64 Interference — On forward pass play 7 With fair catch 8 With Snapper-back by oppo- nents 7 Interlocked Interference 10 Interlocking Leirs — Limitations. . 3 18 9 Intermission 4 1 13 In Touch— Definition of 3 15 8 Kick — Out of bounds 7 8 36 Over goal lines 9 6 44 Return— definition of 3 26 10 Kicker — Definition of 3 16 8 28 22 13 14 3 15 14 53 7 43 1 3 1 46 1 46 1 46 13 7 2 25 14 7 2 49 5 32 1 37 3 27 1 46 Kick-efT — Definition of Ball must go 10 yards on Ball put in play by, when Choice of goal, at Formation on Offensive player going out of bounds on, may not touch ball Off-side on Out of bounds Point of Side scored upon has option of. . Kneeing 10 Language — Abusive or insulting. . 10 11 Legs — Interlocking of, limitations 3 Length of Game 4 If commenced late 4 2 22 1 20 2 21 1 20 3 41 5 44 2 48 2 50 . 52 Page 701 ] 2 18 Player withdrawn may return in subsequent period 5 2 18 Summary of Penalties 62 Supplemental Note— Definition of 3 33 11 Suspended Player — Definition of. 3 34 11 Suspension — Illegal equipment... 5 3 19 Illegal return to game 5 2 18 Tackling — Definition of 3 35 12 Tees — Prohibited on place-kick.. 3 24 10 Time — Begins when 4 3 15 Duties of Field Judge in con- nection with keeping 13 5 61 Extended when 4 ."? 17 Field Judge must keep 13 5 61 Not called at end of period until ball is dead 4 3 17 Time Out — Captain may ask for three times during each half 4 3 15 Penalty for more than three re- quests for, by captains 4 3 15 Referee has discretionary power for calling 4 3 16 Shall not continue more than two minutes 4 3 17 When taken 4 3 15 Touchback— Definition of 3 37 12 9 6 44 Ball put in play by scrimmage after 9 6 46 Fouls, resulting in 9 6 44 9 6 45 Forward pass, resulting in 7 5 30 9 6 45 Touchdown — Definition of 3 38 12 9 2 40 Team making, entitled to try- for-point 9 3 40 Tripping— Definition of 3 39 12 Penalty for 10 2 49 Try-for-Poii)t After Touchdown — Definition of 3 40 13 Ball put in play by kick-off after 9 3 41 Fouls, effect of during 9 3 41 Fumble, effect of during 9 3 41 Umpire — Jurisdiction and duties of 13 3 59 Use of Hands, Arms and Body. .10 1 46 offimis^^ 1 National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules Signals Fashing: Movement of Hands to Front with Arms Hang-ingr Vertical Crawling, pushing or helping runner. Hands on Hips Off-side and violation of kick-off formation. Grasping of One Wrist Holding. Fusliing Hands Forward Irom Shoulders with Hands Vertical Interference with forward pass (also pass which touches ineKgible player). To Officials Additional signals are as follows: 1. Delay of Game or Extra Time- outs — Folded Arms (see be- low) . 2. Clipping — Military Salute, fol- lowed by striking the back of the knee with hand. 3. Running Into or Roughing the Kicker — Military Salute, fol- lowed by swinging the leg to simulate a punt. HorlzoBtal Arc of Either* Hand Player illegally Waving Hand Behind Back Illegal forward pass. Folded Arms Delay of game or extra time-outs. Military Salute Unnecessary roughness. Sifting of Hands in Horizontal Plane Penalty refused, Incomplete pass, play to be replayed, missed goal, etc. Both Arms Extended Above Head A score. Bringing palms of hands together after this signal indicates safety. Sifting of hands in vertical plane above head, time out; Timekeeper answers by raising his right hand. Illustrations Copyright by Football Publications, New York. CODE OF SIGNALS FOR OFFICIALS I I National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules V^f^J^, .^________^_^__^.^_i^_— ^^-^^^— — '^-i*^— — ^i— ^— — ^^^— ^^^^— Land Answen QUESTIONS and ANSWERS Being Official Interpretations of Certain Moot Points in the Foot Ball Rules. Copyright, 1939, by National Collegiate Athletic Association. (1939 Changes in Rules are Indicated by Larger Type.) RULE 2— THE BALL After the word "specifications," in last paragraph, another sentence is added covering the requirements for proper checking of the ball. This provision is merely to insure reasonable uniformity in weight, inflation size and curvature of foot balls offered for play. 1. Question — If no ball is furnished by the home team which conforms to the official specifications what should the Referee do? Answer — Secure a proper ball from the other team if possible and, failing that, get the two teams to agree to play with the best ball which ia available. RULE 3--DEFINITIONS Section 4. Clipping 2. Question. — On a kick a Team A end going down the field ia pursued by a Team B player, who catches up and uses a shoulder block on the back of the end. Is this to be considered clipping? Answer — Yes. Section 5. Crawling 3. Question — A runner is tackled, his forward progress stopped, the Referee blows his whistle and the runner, who is still on his feet, breaks away and is tackled and thrown. Is this crawling by the runner and unnecessary roughness by the tackier ? Answer — No. Crawling is an attempt by the runner to advance the ball after some portion of his body other than his hands or feet touches the ground. If he persists in breaking away after the whistle is blown he might be penalized for delaying the game. The tackier should not be penalized unless the tackle is unduly rough, for every player has the right to tackle a runner advancing towards the tackler's goal. Section 9. Fair Catch 4. Question — On a high, short kick-oflf a player of Team A catches the ball dn Team B's 40-yard line, obviously interfering with an opportunity for a fair catch. Where is the ball put in play ? Answer — It is Team B's ball, first down on Team A's 45-yard line. Section 21. Out of Bounds 5. Question — The ball is lying free in the field of play two feet from the goal line and the same distance from the side line. A player of the team attacking that goal falls on the ball, his body extending over the goal line and one foot touching the side line back of the goal line. Where is the ball put in play ? Answer — The position of the ball governs. It is down two feet from the opponents' goal line and 15 yards in from the side line. Q^fsdom] National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules and Answers J ^— ^— — — ^— — — — — ^-^-^^— — — i^— ^.^— — ^^— ^— — ^^— — 6. Question — A runner carrying the ball close to the side line bumps into (a) the Head Linesman or (b) an opponent, who is standing on the side line. Is the runner out of bounds ? Answer — (a) Yes. (b) No. 7. Question — A player of Team A fumbles the ball, which then touches a player of Team B, a part of whose person is on the side line, the ball remaining in the field of play, where it is recovered by a player of Team B. What is the ruling? Answer — Team A's ball, out of bounds. RULE 4--THE GAME Section 3. Delay of Game — ^Time Out The Supplemental Note under Article 4 is amended, in order to elimi- nate unnecessary delay, by inserting after the word "seconds", in the first line, the words "(whether or not the watch is running)", and changing in the second line the words "may be" to "is". 8. Question — A team has had three "time outs" and the Coach sends in a substitute while the watch is running, and after the substitution is completed the Captain of that team insists on being given two minutes before having to start play. Should his demand be granted ? Answer — No. Play shall be delayed no longer than is necessary to make the substitution. 9. Question — At the beginning of the second or fourth quarter Team A is ready to play when the Referee announces the minute intermission is over. Team B does not line up until thirty seconds have elapsed. What can the Referee do ? Answer — Penalize Team B for delay of the game. 10. Question — Team B commits a foul and time expires for the period on the play. Two extra plays are run before Team A is able to get off a play without a foul by Team B. Is the time consumed by these extra plays taken off the next period ? Answer — No. The watch is not running. Team A is merely being given a chance to run its play without interference by Team B. RULE 5— THE PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND EQUIPMENT Section 2. Substitutes 11. Question — Does the penalty for illegal return to the game apply to dis- qualified and suspended players? Answer — Yes. 12. Question — A player is withdrawn from the game at the end of the first period. May he return at the beginning of the second period ? Answer — No. He must wait until at least one play has occurred in the second period. 13. Question — A player on defense who has been giving defensive signals Is removed from the game. May his substitute give a defensive signal on the first play after entering the game? Answer — Yes. 14. Question — May two incoming substitutes communicate with each other without penalty? Answer — ^Yes ; if their communication is made in a way which cannot be overheard or interpreted by their team mates. National Collegiate Athletic Association Rules [q, Page 75 Questions and Answers I Section 3. Equipment The Section on Equipment has been rewritten, the changes being an increase in thickness of knee-pads and required padding, new specifica- tions for shape and size of conical cleats, and the wearing of head pro- tectors made mandatory. New Special Notes have been added. 15. Question — If a player is discovered to be wearing illegal equipment which cannot be removed in two minutes, may he be substituted for and return to the game later on? Answer — No. At the end of two minutes, if the fault has not been cor- rected, he is suspended, and a suspended player is one who is denied further participation in the game. RULE 6— THE KICK-OFF Section 1. General Provisions In the Penalty, after the word "again", is added in parentheses, " (unless the kick goes out of bounds) ". In the Approved Ruling is added, after the word "foot", the words "on or". Section 2. Kick-off Out of Bounds 16. Question — Team A kicks off and a player of Team B makes a return kick, the ball going out of bounds. Must the ball be kicked oflE again ? Answer — No. It is Team A's ball, at the point where it crossed the side line. 17. Question — On a kick-off which goes out of bounds a player of Team B clips a player of Team A while the ball is still within the boundary line. Is the ball kicked off again ? Answer — No. It is Team A's ball at the spot of the foul. 18. Question — On a kick-off, a player of Team A who has gone out of bounds returns to the field of play and uses his hands and arms to push opponents out of the way in order to get at the ball, which has not passed into the possession and control of an opponent. If he does not touch the ball has he committed a foul? Answer — Yes. He has no legal right to touch or recover the ball and therefore is liable to penalty under Rule 10, Section 1, Article 2. 19. Question — On a kick-off, a player of Team A legally recovers the ball and makes a backward pass which goes out of bounds, the ball being touched by a player of Team B before it crosses the side line. Is this Team B's ball ? Answer — No. The ball is dead at the spot the Team A player recovered it. 20. Question — On a kick-off, an end of Team A is forced out of bounds by a Team B player blocking him. The ball is muffed by the Team B receiver and the Team A end falls on it in the field of play. Whose ball is it ? Answer — ^Team B's ball, where the Team A player fell on it. RULE 7— THE SCRIMMAGE Section 1. Necessary Gain on Downs 21. Question — Team A player in attempting to run the ball out from behind his own goal line is tackled and the ball is downed, with the forward point in the field of play and the backward point in the end zone. Is this a safety, or a down which calls for another play? Answer — Safety. The backward point of the ball governs when a player Is attempting to run the ball out from his own end zone. Page 76] ]