The Ball#

Section 1 — Dimensions#

The Ball must be approved by the League.

The ball shall be made up of an inflated (12½ to 13½ pounds) urethane bladder enclosed in a pebble grained, leather case (natural tan color) without corrugations of any kind. It shall have the form of a prolate spheroid, and the size and weight shall be long axis, 11 to 11¼ inches; long circumference, 28 to 28½ inches; short circumference, 21 to 21¼ inches; weight, 14 to 15 ounces.

The Referee shall be the sole judge as to whether all balls offered for play comply with these specifications. A League-approved inflation measurement device will be provided to the officials for every game by the League. In addition,
a pump is to be furnished by the home club, and the balls shall remain under the supervision of the Referee until they are delivered to the ball personnel just prior to the start of the game.

Section 2 — Supply#

Each team will make a maximum of 12 balls available for testing by the Referee no later than two hours prior to the starting time of the game to meet League requirements.

In the event a home team ball does not conform to specifications, or its supply is exhausted, the Referee shall secure a proper ball from the visitors and, failing that, use the best available ball. Any such circumstances must be reported to the League.

In case of rain or a wet, muddy, or slippery field, a playable ball shall be used at the request of the offensive team’s center.

The game clock shall not stop for such action (unless undue delay occurs).

Note: It is the responsibility of the home team to furnish playable balls at all times by ball personnel from either side of the playing field. There shall be at least one ball person, (see also 1-5) on each sideline as directed by the game officials, who shall have direct access to at least three tested game balls at all times during the game.