Watch now:
NCAA Approves General Exemption Allowing Teams to Play at Week Zero
(1:24)
The NCAA Laws of the Game Oversight Panel announced Thursday that it will allow players to make social justice, commemorative and commemorative statements, as well as other messages, on their jerseys in 2020. Current NCAA rules in most Sports prohibit the use of commemorative patches, while other sports do not have a rule in their books.
The relaxed policy limits the jersey areas to two places: the front of the jersey and the nameplate on the back.
The nameplate on the back of the shirt can now be used to celebrate or commemorate people, events, or other causes, subject to school and / or conference approval. Those messages may vary from player to player.
The front patch will be limited to 2.25 square inches, and should be placed on the sleeve or front of the jersey, similar to the “CFB 150” patches worn by players last season. Players are not required to use them, but those who do must use the same patch. These patches may include names, pets, nicknames, logos, and brands that celebrate or commemorate people, events, or other causes.
The change in policy comes after the NBA passed a rule that allows players to put social justice messages on the back of their shirts. Major League Baseball allows patches to be worn on uniform sleeves that also promote messages.
The NCAA Gaming Rules Oversight Panel also approved two rules designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection. The team areas on the sideline will be expanded to each 15-yard line instead of the 25-yard line. Two officials and one player per team may participate in the draw. The previous policy allowed for the presence of up to four players per team, members of the media and honorary captains.
