Rule 5/Game Operations

Players, Substitutes, Equipment, General Rules

Players, Substitutes, Equipment, General Rules#

Section 1 — Players#

Article 1 — Number of Players#

The game is played by two teams of 11 players each.

If Team A has more than 11 players in its formation for more than three seconds, or if Team B has more than 11 players in its formation and the snap is imminent, it is a foul. Once the ball is made ready for play, if either team has more than 11 players in its formation prior to a free kick, it is also a foul. In these instances, game officials shall blow their whistles immediately and not allow the snap or kick to occur.

Penalty: For more than 11 players in the formation prior to the snap or free kick: Loss of five yards from the succeeding spot.

If a team has more than 11 players on the field of play or the end zone when a snap, free kick, or fair catch kick is made, the ball is in play, and it is a foul.

Exception: If Team A is using a designated holder pursuant to 6-1-1-Note, the designated holder may be the 12th person on the field when the ball is kicked for a kickoff or safety kick, but he is a non-player and must leave the field on his team’s sideline with the kicking tee immediately after the ball is kicked (5-2-8-h) and is also subject to the rules of non-player conduct in accordance with Rule 13.

Penalty: For more than 11 players on the field of play or the end zone while the ball is in play: Loss of five yards from the previous spot.

Article 2 — Players Numbered by Position#

All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with Rule 5, Section 4, Article 3, Item 3. Such numerals must be by playing position, as follows:

(a) quarterbacks: 0–19;

(b) punters and placekickers: 0–49 and 90–99;

(d) running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, H-backs, and wide receivers: 0–49 and 80–89;

(e) offensive linemen: 50–79;

(f) defensive linemen: 50–79 and 90–99;

(g) linebackers: 0–59 and 90–99.

Eligible pass receivers and a T-Formation Quarterback must be wearing numerals 0-49 or 80-89. All other numerals are worn by ineligible players unless they report a change in their position. See 5-3-1.

If a player changes his position during his playing career in the League, and such change moves him from a position as an ineligible pass receiver to that of an eligible pass receiver, or from a position as an eligible pass receiver to that of an ineligible pass receiver, he must be issued an appropriate new jersey numeral. A change in jersey numeral is not required if the change is from an ineligible position to another ineligible position, or from an eligible position to another eligible position, provided that the player has participated at least one season at his position prior to the change.

Any request to wear a numeral for a special position not specified above must be made to the League. During the preseason period when playing rosters are larger, the League will allow duplication and other temporary deviations from the numbering scheme specified above, but the rule must be adhered to for all players during the regular season and postseason. Clubs must make numerals available to adhere to the rule, even if it requires returning to circulation a numeral that has been retired or withheld for other reasons. See 5-3-1 for reporting a change of position.

Article 3 — Jersey Damaged During the Game#

If a player’s jersey has been damaged during a game in a way that it no longer complies with the requirements set out in 5-4-3-Item 2, beside having a replacement jersey with the same jersey numeral, this player is permitted to change to a different numeral for the remainder of the game. If the player changes to a different numeral, he is not permitted to re-enter the field before:

(a) the game officials have been informed about the numeral change; and

(b) the game officials have informed the opponent and announced the change accordingly.

Notes:

The Referee shall stop the play and game clock for the announcement of the numeral change only after the player has already changed the jersey and the officials have been informed accordingly.
After an announcement, the time remaining on the play clock shall be the same as when it stopped.
It is an unsportsmanlike conduct if a player changes his jersey in order to conserve time or to confuse the opponent (see also 4-7).

Section 2 — Substitutes and Withdrawn Players#

Article 1 — Number of Players in Huddle#

There can never be more than 11 players in the offensive huddle while the play clock is running. It is a foul, the whistle is blown immediately, and the ball remains dead. See 5-2-8-a.

Article 2 — Substitute Becomes Player#

A substitute becomes a player when he:

(a) participates in at least one play (including a play negated by penalty prior to the snap or during the play); or

(b) is on the field of play or the end zone when a snap, fair catch kick, or free kick is made, or when such a play is imminent.

A player becomes a substitute when he is withdrawn from the game and does not participate in at least one play. A play negated by penalty prior to the snap or during the play counts as a missed play.

Article 3 — Legal Substitutions#

Any number of substitutes may enter the field of play or end zone while the ball is dead.

Article 4 — Illegal Substitutions#

If a substitute enters the field of play or end zone while the ball is in play, it is an illegal substitution. If an illegal substitute interferes with the play, it may be a palpably unfair act (see 12-3-4).

Article 5 — Offensive Substitutions#

The substitution rules are intended to prevent teams from using simulated substitutions to confuse an opponent, while still permitting a player (or players) to enter and leave without participating in a play in certain situations, such as a change in a coaching decision on fourth down, even though he has approached the huddle and communicated with a teammate or an official. Similarly, if a player who participated in the previous play leaves the playing field by mistake, and returns to the playing field prior to the snap, he is not required to reach the inside of the field numerals, provided the defense has the opportunity to match up with him. However, a substitute (i.e., someone who did not participate in the previous play) is required to reach the inside of the field numerals. The following are applicable to any offensive substitute who is entering the game:

(a) He must move onto the field of play or the end zone as far as the inside of the field numerals prior to the snap to be a legal substitution. If he does not and is on the field of play or end zone at the time of a legal snap, he is an illegal substitute.

(b) If he approaches the huddle and communicates with a teammate or an official, he is required to participate in at least one play before being withdrawn. After a warning, subsequent violations of this rule shall be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. See 5-2-11.

Article 6 — Withdrawn Players#

A player or players who have been replaced must leave the playing field or end zone on their own team’s side between the end lines prior to the next snap, free kick, or fair catch kick.

Article 7 — Disqualified and Suspended Players#

A player must be withdrawn and substituted for when he is disqualified (12-2, 12-3) or suspended (5-4). A suspended player may re-enter after at least one legal snap, provided that the reason for his suspension has been corrected. A disqualified player must leave the playing field enclosure and go to the team locker room within a reasonable time. For a jersey damaged during the game see also 5-1-3.

Article 8 — Penalties for Illegal Substitution or Withdrawal#

Penalties are:

(a) For 12 or more players in the offensive huddle (whistle blown immediately and ball remains dead): Loss of five yards from the succeeding spot.

(b) For a substitute entering the field during a live ball: Loss of five yards.

(c) For interference with the play by a substitute who enters the field during a live ball: Palpably unfair act. See 12-3-4.

(d) For an offensive substitute who does not move onto the field as far as the inside of the field numerals: Loss of five yards from the previous spot.

(e) For a withdrawn player ~~or designated holder~~ clearing the field on the opponent’s side or across an end line: Loss of five yards from the previous spot.

(f) For illegal return of a suspended player: Loss of five yards from the previous spot if discovery is made while the ball is in play or prior to the start of the next down. If the previous spot is not definitely known, enforcement is five yards from the succeeding spot as a foul between downs. See 14-4-9.

(g) For return of a disqualified player: Loss of 15 yards from the previous spot if discovery is made while the ball is in play, or 15 yards from the succeeding spot if discovered between downs, and, in either case, exclusion from the playing field enclosure.

(h) For a designated holder clearing the field on the opponent’s side or across an end line: Loss of five yards.

Article 9 — Procedure Following Timeout or Change of Possession#

Following a timeout or change of possession, the offense may huddle outside the numbers near its bench area, but will not be allowed to line up and snap the ball before the defense has an opportunity to match personnel. If the offense snaps the ball before the defense has had an opportunity to complete its substitutions, and a defensive foul for too many players on the field results, no penalties will be enforced, except for personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, and the down will be replayed. At this time, the Referee will notify the head coach that any further use of this tactic will result in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Penalty: For unsportsmanlike conduct after a warning: Loss of 15 yards from the succeeding spot.

Article 10 — Defensive Matchups Following Substitutions#

If a substitution is made by the offense before the two-minute warning of either half, the offense shall not be permitted to snap the ball until the defense has been permitted to respond with its substitutions. While in the process of a substitution (or simulated substitution), the offense is prohibited from rushing quickly to the line of scrimmage and snapping the ball in an obvious attempt to cause a defensive foul (i.e., too many men on the field). If the offense substitutes, the following procedure will apply:

(a) The Umpire will stand over the ball until the Referee deems that the defense has had a reasonable time to complete its substitutions.

(b) If the offense snaps the ball before the defense has had an opportunity to complete its substitutions, and a defensive foul for too many players on the field results, no penalties will be enforced, except for personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct, and the down will be replayed. At this time, the Referee will notify the head coach that any further use of this tactic will result in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The game clock will be reset to the time remaining when the snap occurred, and the clock will start on the snap.

(c) On a fourth-down punting situation, the Referee and the Umpire will not allow a quick snap that prevents the defense from having a reasonable time to complete its substitutions. This applies throughout the entire game.

(d) If the play clock expires before the defense has completed its substitution, it is delay of game by the offense.

Article 11 — Unsportsmanlike Conduct#

Using entering substitutes, legally returning players, substitutes on sidelines, or withdrawn players to confuse opponents, or lingering by players leaving the field when being replaced by a substitute, is unsportsmanlike conduct. See 12-3-1-k. The offense is prevented from sending simulated substitutions onto the field toward its huddle and returning them to the sideline without completing the substitution in an attempt to confuse the defense.

Penalty: For unsportsmanlike conduct: Loss of 15 yards.

Section 3 — Changes in Position#

Article 1 — Reporting Change of Position#

An offensive player wearing the number of an ineligible pass receiver (50–79 and 90–99) is permitted to line up in the position of an eligible pass receiver or T-Formation Quarterback (0–49 and 80–89). An offensive player wearing the number of an eligible pass receiver is permitted to line up in the position of an ineligible pass receiver, provided he lines up within the normal five-player core formed by ineligible players and is not more than two players removed from the middle player of a seven-player line.

In both cases, the player must immediately report the change in his eligibility status to the Referee, who will inform the defensive team. He must participate in such eligible or ineligible position as long as he is continuously in the game, but prior to each play he must again report his status to the Referee, who will inform the defensive team. The game clock shall not be stopped, and the ball shall not be put in play until the Referee takes his normal position.

Article 2 — Returning to Original Position#

A player who has reported a change in his eligibility status to the Referee is permitted to return to a position indicated by the eligibility status of his number after:

(a) a team time out;

(b) the end of a quarter;

(d) a foul;

(e) a replay review;

(f) a touchdown;

(g) a kick from scrimmage;

(h) a change of possession; or

(i) the player has been withdrawn for one legal snap.

Penalty: For a player failing to notify the Referee of a change in his status when required, or an offensive player with an eligible number reports as ineligible and lines up outside normal five-player core: Loss of five yards for illegal substitution.

Article 3 — Speakers in Helmets#

The Coach-to-Player system allows a member of the coaching staff in the bench area or the coaches’ booth to communicate to a designated offensive or defensive player with a speaker in his helmet. The communication begins once a game official has signaled a down to be over and is cut off when the play clock reaches 15 seconds or the ball is snapped, whichever occurs first.

Each offensive and defensive team is permitted no more than one player on the field with a speaker in his helmet. Each team is permitted to have a maximum of three active radio receivers to be used on offense by its quarterbacks, and a maximum of three active radio receivers to be used on defense by players who have been designated as a primary and backup users.

Clubs that have a player whose principal position is as a non-quarterback (e.g., wide receiver, running back) and who also is used as a quarterback from time to time must have two helmets for that player—one with and one without radio components.

When a quarterback enters the game for the first time or re-enters the game if he has previously been in the game and removed, he must report to the Referee.

Whenever the backup defensive user enters or re-enters the game wearing a helmet with a speaker, he must report to the Umpire. If the primary defensive user subsequently re-enters the game wearing a helmet with a speaker, he must report to the Umpire. If the primary and backup players have been removed from the game, no other player may wear the radio speaker in his helmet. Teams must use other methods to communicate signals to their players.

It is not necessary that the offensive player with the speaker in his helmet receive the snap.

For special teams’ plays, only one player per team with a receiver will be permitted on the field.

All players that have radio components in their helmet must have a decal, supplied by the League, displayed on the midline of the rear of the helmet. Players who have speakers in their helmets must be reported to the Referee or a member of his crew no later than one hour and 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Additional requirements and policies pertaining to the system can be set out by the League.

Penalty: For a player failing to notify the Referee or Umpire of a change in his status when required: Loss of five yards

for illegal substitution.

Note: This rule 5-3-3 shall apply once the League has approved the use of speakers in helmets.

Section 4 — Equipment, Uniforms, Player Appearance#

Article 1 — General Policy#

Throughout the game day period while in view of the stadium and television audience, including during team pregame warm-ups, all players must dress in a professional manner under the uniform standards. The helmet and mandatory padding referenced in Article 3 below are intended to provide reasonable protection to a player while reasonably avoiding risk of injury to other players. The development of Playing Rules should be governed by this Article. Players generally must present an appearance that is appropriate to representing their individual clubs and the League. The term uniform, as used in this policy, applies to every piece of equipment worn by a player, including helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, knee pads, and any other item of protective gear, and to every visible item of apparel, including but not limited to pants, jerseys, wristbands, gloves, game socks and/or leg coverings, shoes, visible undergarments, and accessories such as headwear worn under helmets and hand towels. All visible items worn on game day by players must be issued by the club or the League, or, if from outside sources, must have approval in advance by the League.

Article 2 — Team Colors#

Pursuant to the official colors established for each club under the respective documentation of the League, playing squads are permitted to wear only those colors or a combination of those colors for helmets, jerseys, pants, game socks and/or leg coverings; provided that white is also an available color for jerseys and mandatory color for the lower portion of game socks and/or leg coverings. (See 5-4-3-Item 6, “game socks and/or leg coverings” below.) Each player on a given team must wear the same colors on his uniform as all other players on his team in the same game. Home clubs shall choose their jersey color (either white or official team color), and visiting clubs must wear the opposite. For preseason, regular season, or postseason games, the two competing teams may wear jerseys in their official colors, provided the League determines that such colors are of sufficient contrast.

Article 3 — Mandatory Equipment, Apparel#

All players must wear the equipment and uniform apparel listed below, which must be of a suitably protective nature and must be designed and produced by a professional football equipment manufacturer. All components recommended by the manufacturer must be present and must not be cut, reduced in size, or otherwise altered unless for medical reasons approved in advance by the League. During pregame team warm-ups, players may omit certain protective equipment at their option, except that helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and knee pads must be worn.

Item 1. Mouthpiece, Helmet, Face Protectors. All players must wear a mouthpiece as well as a helmet with all points of the chin strap (white, black or team color only) fastened and facemask attached. Facemasks must not be more than ⅝-inch in diameter and must be made of rounded material; transparent materials are prohibited. Clear (transparent) plastic eye shields are optional. Tinted eye shields may be worn only after the League is supplied with appropriate medical documentation and approval is subsequently granted. The League has final approval. No visible identification of a manufacturer’s name or logo on the exterior of a helmet or on any attachment to a helmet is permitted unless provided for under a commercial arrangement between the League and manufacturer; in no event is identification of any helmet manufacturer permitted on the visible surface of a rear cervical pad. All helmets must carry a small AFLE shield logo on the rear lower-left exterior, and an approved warning label on the rear lower-right exterior. Both labels will be supplied in quantity by the League.

Item 2. Jerseys. Jersey must cover all pads and other protective equipment worn on the torso and upper arms, and must be appropriately tailored to remain tucked into the uniform pants throughout the game. Jerseys are permitted to be hemmed but the length must be long enough to cover the waist area. Skin exposure due to improperly wearing jerseys is prohibited at all times throughout the game. Tear-away jerseys are prohibited. Mesh jerseys with large fishnet material (commonly referred to as “bullet-hole” or “port-hole” mesh) are also prohibited. Surnames of players in letters a minimum of 2½ inches high must be affixed to the exterior of jerseys across the upper back above the numerals; nicknames are prohibited. All jerseys must carry a small Shield logo at the middle of the yoke of the neck on the front of the garment. All fabrics must be approved by the League prior to production. For optional equipment permitted to be worn under jerseys, see 5-4-6 Item 1, “Garments Under Jersey” below.

Item 3. Numerals. Numerals on the back and front of jerseys as specified under League’s rules for the player’s specific position. Such numerals must be a minimum of 8 inches high and 4 inches wide, and their color must be in sharp contrast with the color of the jersey. Smaller numerals should be worn on the tops of the shoulders or upper arms of the jersey. Small numerals on the back of the helmet or on the uniform pants are optional.

Item 4. Pants. Pants must be worn over the entire knee area; pants shortened or rolled up are prohibited. No part of the pants may be cut away unless an appropriate gusset or other device is used to replace the removed material. All pants must carry a small AFLE Shield logo on the front left groin area of the pants, midway between the fly opening and side seam, and ½-inch below the belt.

Item 5. Shoulder Pads, Thigh Pads, and Knee Pads. All players must wear shoulder pads, thigh pads, and knee pads which have been approved by the League. All pads must be covered by the outer uniform. Knee pads must be at least ¼-inch thick and must cover the knees. Basketball-type knee pads are permitted but must be covered by the outer uniform. Punters and placekickers may omit thigh and knee pads.

Item 6. Game Socks and/or Leg Coverings. Game socks and/or leg coverings must cover the entire area from the shoe to the bottom of the pants and must meet the pants below the knee. Players are permitted to wear as many layers of game socks and/or leg coverings and tape on the lower leg as they prefer, provided the exterior is either a: (a) one-piece game sock and/or leg covering that includes solid white from the top of the shoe to the mid-point of the lower leg, and approved team color or colors (non-white) from that point to the top of the game sock and/or leg covering; or (b) solid color game sock and/or leg covering (i.e., entire covering from bottom of pant leg to top of shoe), but all players must be in the same covering style and color in any particular game. Solid game socks and/or leg coverings must be a consistent color from the bottom of the pant leg to the top of the shoe. Uniform game socks and/or leg coverings may not be altered (e.g., over-stretched, cut at the toes, or sewn short) in order to bring the line between solid white and team colors lower or higher than the mid-point of the lower leg. Skin exposure of the lower leg and ankle area due to improper wear of game socks and/or leg coverings is prohibited at all times throughout the game. No other game socks and/or leg coverings, and/or opaque tape, may be worn over the one-piece, two-color uniform game socks. Barefoot punters and placekickers may omit the game sock and/or leg covering of the kicking foot in preparation for and during kicking plays.

Item 7. Shoes. Shoes must be of standard football design, including “sneaker” type shoes such as basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, etc. A player may wear shoes that are black, white, or any Constitutional team color, or any combination of black, white, and a Constitutional team color. Each player may select among shoe styles previously approved by the League. Logos, names, or other commercial identification on shoes are not permitted to be visible unless advance approval is granted by the League. Size and location of logos and names on shoes must be approved by the League. When a shoe logo or name approved by the League is covered with an appropriate use of tape, players will be allowed to cut out the tape covering the original logo or name, provided the cut is clean and is the exact size of the logo or name. The logo or name of the shoe manufacturer must not be re-applied to the exterior of taped shoes unless advance approval is granted by the League. Kicking shoes must not be modified (including using a shoelace wrapped around toe and/or bottom of the shoe), and any shoe that is worn by a player with an artificial limb on his kicking leg must have a kicking surface that conforms to that of a normal kicking shoe. Punters and placekickers may omit the shoe from the kicking foot in preparation for and during kicking plays.

Article 4 — Other Prohibited Equipment, Apparel#

In addition to the prohibited items of equipment and apparel specified above, the following also are prohibited:

Item 1. Projecting Objects. Metal or other hard objects that project from a player’s person or uniform, including from his shoes.

Item 2. Uncovered Hard Objects, Substances. Hard objects, exposed jewelry, and substances, including but not limited to casts, guards or braces for hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, hip, thigh, knee, and shin, unless such items are appropriately covered on all edges and surfaces by a minimum of ⅜-inch foam rubber or similar soft material. Any such item worn to protect an injury must not contain colors, designs, logos, or personal messages that are not approved by the AFLE, and must be reported by the applicable coaching staff to the Umpire in advance of the game, and a description of the injury must be provided.

Item 3. Detachable Kicking Toe.

Item 4. Torn Items. Torn or improperly fitting equipment creating a risk of injury to other players, e.g., the hard surfaces of shoulder pads exposed by a damaged jersey.

Item 5. Improper Cleats. Shoe cleats made of metal or other material that may chip, fracture, or develop a cutting edge. Conical cleats with concave sides or points which measure less than ⅜-inch in diameter at the tips, or cleats with oblong ends which measure less than ¼ by ¾-inch at the end tips are also prohibited. Nylon cleats with flat steel tips are permitted.

Item 6. Improper Tape. Opaque, contrasting-color tape that covers any part of the helmet, jersey, pants, game socks and/or leg coverings, or shoes; transparent tape or tape of the same color as the background material is permissible for use on these items of apparel. Players may use opaque white, black or one dominant club color tape on hands and arms, provided it conforms to above (“Uncovered Hard Objects, Substances”) and below (“Approved Glove Color”). Opaque tape either black or white on shoes is permitted, provided it is black or white to match the selected dominant shoe choice of the club and provided it does not carry up into the game sock and/or leg covering area.

Item 7. Items Colored Like Football. Headgear or any other equipment or apparel which, in the opinion of the Referee, may confuse an opponent because of its similarity in color to that of the game football. If such color is worn, it must be broken by stripes or other patterns of sharply contrasting color or colors.

Item 8. Adhesive, Slippery Substances. Adhesive or slippery substances on the body, equipment, or uniform of any player; provided, however, that players may wear gloves with a tackified surface if such tacky substance does not adhere to the football or otherwise cause handling problems for players.

Article 5 — Recommended Equipment#

It is recommended that all players wear hip pads designed to reasonably avoid the risk of injury. Unless otherwise provided by individual team policy, it is the players’ responsibility and decision whether to follow this recommendation and use such pads. If worn, such pads must be covered by the outer uniform.

Article 6 — Optional Equipment#

Among the types of optional equipment that are permitted to be worn by players are the following:

Item 1. Garments Under Jerseys. Quarterbacks will be allowed to wear under the game jersey a solid-colored T-shirt, turtleneck, or sweatshirt (consistent with team undergarment color) with sleeves cut to any length, as long as both sleeves are evenly trimmed, and the edges are sewn and hemmed. All other players may wear garments under game jerseys only if the undergarment sleeves either

(a) are full length to the wrist; or

(b) are the half sleeve length as provided by the licensee each of which must be approved by the League.

Players may not wear long-sleeved undergarments that include pebble-grip sleeves. Undergarments should be tucked in the uniform pants. Any undergarment that is untucked must not hang out from the bottom of the jersey in length longer than the small AFLE Shield logo and the manufacturer’s logo located on the front area of the uniform pants, or the undergarment must be tucked in the uniform pants. Any garments under jerseys that are exposed at any point throughout the game and that carry an exposed logo or commercial name/identification must be licensed and approved by the League for wear on the field. All members of the same team who wear approved undergarments with exposed necks or sleeves must wear the same color on a given day, which color must be white or a solid color that is an official team color (solid means that sleeves must not carry stripes, designs, or team names). Players may not wear undergarments with an exposed hood hanging outside the collar of the jersey.

Item 2. Approved Glove Color. Gloves, wrappings, elbow pads, and other items worn on the arms below or over the jersey sleeves must be white, black or the official uniform color of the applicable team. Clubs are not required to designate to the League the color of gloves that will be worn by their players.

Item 3. Rib Protectors. Rib protectors (“flak jackets”) under the jersey.

Item 4. Wristbands. Wristbands, provided they are white, black, or an official uniform color of the applicable team only.

Item 5. Towels. Towels, provided they are white only, licensed towels approved by the League for use on the playing field. Players are prohibited from adding personal messages, logos, names, symbols, or illustrations. A player may wear no more than one towel. Players are prohibited from discarding on the playing field any loose towels or other materials used for wiping hands and the football. Streamers or ribbons, regardless of length, hanging from any part of the uniform are prohibited.

Item 6. Headwear. When players are on the field during the pregame, game, and postgame periods, they may wear approved caps, skull caps and bands, approved cold weather gear, or other approved headwear for medical purposes only, as determined by the League. Any permissible headwear must be approved by the League, and if worn under the helmet, no portion may hang from or otherwise be visible outside the helmet. Players are not permitted to wear bandannas, stockings, or other unapproved headwear anywhere on the field during the pregame, game, or postgame periods, even if such items are worn under their helmets.

Article 7 — Logos and Commercial Identification#

Article 8 — Personal Messages#

Throughout the period on game day that a player is visible to the stadium and television audience (including in pregame warm-ups, in the bench area, and during postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field), players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League. Items to celebrate anniversaries or memorable events, or to honor or commemorate individuals, such as helmet decals, and arm bands and jersey patches on players’ uniforms, are prohibited unless approved in advance by the League. All such items approved by the League, if any, must relate to team or League events or personages. The League will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, arm bands, jersey patches, mouthpieces, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns. Further, any such approved items must be modest in size, tasteful, non-commercial, and non-controversial; must not be worn for more than one football season; and if approved for use by a specific team, must not be worn by players on other teams in the League.

Article 9 — General Appearance#

Consistent with the equipment and uniform rules, players must otherwise present a professional and appropriate appearance while before the public on game day. Among the types of activity that are prohibited are use of tobacco products (smokeless included) while in the bench area and use of facial makeup. In addition to the game day penalties described in this rule, the League may subsequently impose independent disciplinary action on the club and involved player, up to and including suspension from the team’s next game - preseason, regular season, or postseason, whichever is applicable.

Penalties:

a) For violation of this Section 4 discovered during pregame warm-ups or at other times prior to the game, player will be advised to make appropriate correction; if the violation is not corrected, player will not be permitted to enter the game.

b) For violation of this Section 4 that is discovered while player is in the game, and which involves the competitive or player safety aspects of the game (e.g. mouthpiece, illegal kicking toe of shoe, an adhesive or slippery substance, failure to wear mandatory equipment), player will be removed from the game until he has complied.

c) For any other violation of this Section 4 (e.g., wristbands that are not League-approved, towel with a personal message, impermissible headwear under the helmet) that is discovered while the player is in the game, player will be advised to make appropriate correction at the next change of possession; if the violation is not corrected, player will not be permitted to enter the game.

d) For violation of this Section 4 detected in the bench area: Player and head coach will be asked to remove the objectionable item, properly equip the player, or otherwise correct the violation. The involved player or players will not be permitted to enter the game until the player has complied.

e) For illegal entry or return of a player suspended under this Section 4: Loss of five yards from succeeding spot and removal until properly equipped after one down. See 3-32.

f) For repeat violation: Disqualification from game.