NFL Reminds Clubs of Uniform and Equipment Rules | NFL Football Operations (2024)

NFL Reminds Clubs of Uniform and Equipment Rules | NFL Football Operations (1)

In preparation for the 2015-16 season, NFL Football Operations issued a reminder to general managers, head coaches and equipment managers that all players must be in compliance with the league rule on mandatory thigh and knee padding. The league emphasizes this rule every season as part of its efforts to protect players from unnecessary risk and ensure that the game is presented in a professional manner consistent with NFL standards.

NFL uniform inspectors will be on the field before every game to inspect players and make sure that they present a professional and appropriate appearance on game-day. The uniform inspectors also will have access to the sidelines after kickoff and will continue to inspect players to confirm that they are wearing the mandatory equipment.

The rule states:

Rule 5, Section 4, Article 3. All players must wear the equipment and uniform apparel listed below, which must be of a suitably protective nature, must be designed and produced by a professional manufacturer, and must not be cut, reduced in size, or otherwise altered unless for medical reasons approved in advance by the Commissioner. 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.

Read more aboutNFL Rules Enforcement.

Any player who is not wearing his uniform in compliance with guidelines set by the rule will not be permitted to enter the game. If a player refuses to make changes to his uniform to comply with the rule and tries to enter the game, the uniform inspector will notify the team equipment designee, on field equipment manager, the designated league observer/supervisor and sideline game official of the player’s non-compliance.

Players violating the uniform policy are subject to being removed from the game until the violation is corrected.

NFL Reminds Clubs of Uniform and Equipment Rules | NFL Football Operations (2)

NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.

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NFL Reminds Clubs of Uniform and Equipment Rules | NFL Football Operations (2024)

FAQs

What is the NFL uniform policy? ›

All players must tuck in their jerseys. They cannot wear bandannas. Stockings must be white from the top of the shoe to midcalf and an approved team color from midcalf to the bottom of the pant leg, which must be pulled down below the knee.

Who enforces NFL rules? ›

The NFL and its Compliance Department apply those rules consistently and fairly for all 32 teams and their players. Football Operations staff, including Executive Vice President Troy Vincent, personally visit players who have run afoul of the rules.

How do NFL teams decide what uniforms to wear? ›

The NFL uniform code allows the home team to determine what uniform it would like to wear on any given day. The opponent then chooses a uniform that is a contrasting color. Most teams have several looks to choose from, but choose something that is inspiring and looks great (particularly on TV) for their biggest games.

Why are NFL uniform rules so strict? ›

NFL players are required to dress in a certain manner that conveys professionalism; the image of the league is reflected on the players' appearance on the field, which directly affects the NFL reputation and advancement.

Do NFL teams wear uniforms? ›

Several NFL teams are getting new uniforms and helmets for the 2022 season, while others are making changes to current sets. In a big change, the NFL dropped its one-helmet rule, prompting many teams to add an alternate helmet this year, with more sure to come.

What are the main 5 rules of football? ›

FIFA Laws of the Game can be accessed here
  • Teams will be told which way they are kicking at start of game.
  • Teams cannot score directly from a kick off.
  • There is no offside.
  • All free kicks and corners are direct and opposition must be 3 metres away.
  • Goal kicks to be taken anywhere inside penalty area.
Jan 1, 2022

What is the main rule of football? ›

The general rule behind football is that players must be playing the ball, not the opposing players. This means that the intention, focus, and purpose of their movements must be focused on the ball rather than on another player.

What does NFL football operations do? ›

NFL Operations

It's our responsibility to balance the people that make the game great — the players, coaches, teams and officials — with the game's rules, player protection, and technology. We strive to foster a culture of clarity, consistency, and credibility, to position the sport for long-term success.

Who makes the rules for football? ›

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the body that determines the Laws of the Game of association football. IFAB was founded in 1886 to agree standardised Laws for international competition, and has since acted as the "guardian" of the internationally used Laws.

How much do NFL players get fined for giving away footballs? ›

According to the NFL's schedule of infractions and fines, players are fined $7,210 for a first offense and $12,360 for a second offense. However, this fine is usually reserved for when players throw or kick the ball into the stands. It's all about safety and making sure there isn't a fight over who gets the ball.

Do NFL players wear the same uniforms every game? ›

One might assume that teams have a new uniform for every game, and they do use special uniforms, like historic throwback uniforms, for special games. The reality is, however, they wear the same uniforms, either a home or away version, most games.

Can NFL players wear whatever shoes they want? ›

The NFL, unlike the NBA, doesn't allow players to wear the shoes of their choice, with the league implementing a strict colour code rule. Even then, some players break the in-game dress codes, particularly when it comes to cleats.

How often can NFL teams wear alternate uniforms? ›

Since the 2018 season, NFL teams have been allowed to wear an alternate jersey up to three times a year and may wear up to two alternate jerseys per season.

Why can't you wear short socks in the NFL? ›

1945: Commissioner Elmer Layden, apparently with way too much time on his hands, decides that NFL players have unsightly legs and decrees that all players must wear long stockings. This rule, still on the books, is why NFL players wear high socks while so many NCAA teams still play bare-legged.

Do NFL teams reuse uniforms? ›

NFL uniforms are laundered after each game and reused unless they are discolored, soiled, torn, or otherwise destroyed.

Can NFL players pull hair to tackle? ›

In 2003, after the former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was pulled down by his dreadlocks in a game, the N.F.L. ruled that hair was part of a player's uniform and therefore legal to grab in pursuit of a tackle.

What NFL team has the best uniform? ›

The best NFL jerseys, ranked
  1. Cincinnati Bengals.
  2. Green Bay Packers. ...
  3. Baltimore Ravens. ...
  4. Philadelphia Eagles. ...
  5. San Francisco 49ers. ...
  6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ...
  7. New England Patriots. ...
  8. Los Angeles Chargers. ...
Nov 15, 2022

How much do NFL teams spend on uniforms? ›

With football rosters averaging about 45 players, and the price of a stock football team uniform costing between $80 and $120 per player, the cost to outfit an entire football team with stock home and away team uniforms would be between $7,200 – $10,800 per team.

Why do football teams wear different uniforms? ›

They are required to be worn by one team during a game between teams that would otherwise wear the same colours as each other, or similar colours. This change prevents confusion for officials, players, and spectators.

What is Rule 11 in football? ›

A player is in an offside position if: any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents' half (excluding the halfway line) and. any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent.

What is the 3 law of football? ›

Law 3 The Players. 1. Number of Players. A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players; one must be the goalkeeper. A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.

What is the golden rule in football? ›

The golden goal or golden point is a rule used in association football, lacrosse, field hockey, and ice hockey to decide the winner of a match (typically a knock-out match) in which scores are equal at the end of normal time. It is a type of sudden death.

How many Laws are rules are there in football? ›

Did you know that there are 17 laws of the game? Can you name them all? We take a look at the basics and the laws you need to know to master every aspect of the game. The field of play, the players, the ball, the duration of the match, players' equipment, the referee and offside…

What is the 7 law of football? ›

A match lasts for two equal halves of 45 minutes which may only be reduced if agreed between the referee and the two teams before the start of the match and is in accordance with competition rules.

What is not allowed in football? ›

Facemask: To protect the football players, it is illegal to grab another player's facemask. Roughing the Passer or Kicker: To protect kickers and quarterbacks, who are very vulnerable when they are passing or kicking the ball, players are not allowed to run into them after the ball has been thrown or kicked.

What is the rule of 14 in football? ›

A penalty kick is awarded if a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their penalty area or off the field as part of play as outlined in Laws 12 and 13. A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

What are the new rules of football? ›

By state association adoption, the team box may now be extended beyond the 25-yard line. Any game official may order the ball changed between downs. The single digit number “0” is now a legal number. A chop block has been redefined as an illegal combination block where contact is made above and below the waist.

What is head of football operations? ›

Key responsibilities

Managing all aspects of overseas event operations and logistics for UEFA away matches and pre and post season tours. Working cross functionally to ensure that event plans are in place to maximise all available assets and inventory and to deliver on agreed performance targets.

What is a football operations assistant? ›

The Administrative and Operations Assistant, Football provides support and managerial assistance in the implementation of various operational functions of the football program.

What is operations in sports management? ›

Working in games operations means handling virtually every aspect of the game, including the music, videos, mascots, sponsorships, cheerleaders, parking, security, and special events.

Does football have Laws or rules? ›

Football must have Laws which keep the game fair – this is a crucial foundation of the 'beautiful game' and a vital feature of the 'spirit' of the game. The best matches are those where the referee is rarely needed because the players play with respect for each other, the match officials and the Laws.

What equipment do you need to play football? ›

Basic equipment worn by most football players include helmet, shoulder pads, gloves, shoes, and thigh and knee pads, a mouthguard, and a jockstrap or compression shorts with or without a protective cup.

Who owns NFL football teams? ›

List of NFL franchise owners
FranchisePrincipal owner(s)Purchase price
New England PatriotsRobert Kraft$175,000,000
New Orleans SaintsGayle Benson$64,000,000
New York GiantsJohn Mara (50%) Steve Tisch (50%)$500
New York JetsRobert Wood Johnson IV and Christopher Wold Johnson$635,000,000
28 more rows

Who pays for Super Bowl rings? ›

Who pays for the Super Bowl rings? The NFL typically contributes anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 per ring for up to 150 rings per team, with any additional costs falling to the team owners. Those numbers might seem daunting, but pale in comparison to the impact a Super Bowl victory has on a team's value.

How much does NFL helmet cost? ›

NFL Price Guide
Riddell NFL Authentic Full-Size HelmetRiddell NFL Speed Full-Size Replica Helmet
MSRP & MAPP:$359.99MSRP & MAPP:
Unit Price for 1 to 2 units:$239.50Unit Price for 1 to 2 units:
Unit Price for 3 or more units:$226.75Unit Price for 3 or more units:

Do fans get to keep footballs? ›

Football fans can keep the ball if they are careful not to touch it with their hands. They can also keep the ball by throwing it downfield, but be aware of other players who might be trying to catch the ball.

Do NFL players buy their own helmets? ›

Each season, NFL players choose their own helmet from a list of helmets ranked by safety performance. The league's continued work to drive innovation in helmet safety has led to more and safer helmet options from which players can choose.

Why do NFL players no longer wear cups? ›

It's a comfort thing and a macho thing, he says. The cups are too bulky and obtrusive for today's player.

How many guys can dress on an NFL team? ›

The NFL game-day roster was expanded from 53 to 55 players with two players being able to be elevated from the practice squad on a weekly basis.

Can NFL players carry guns? ›

A facility owned or operated by the NFL or any League company. Put simply, the League, the Players Association, and law enforcement authorities urge you to recognize that you must not possess a gun or other weapon at any time you are performing any service for your team or the NFL. Legal Possession.

What are NFL shoes called? ›

Football boots, called cleats or soccer shoes in North America, are an item of footwear worn when playing association football. Those designed for grass pitches have studs on the outsole to aid grip.

Do any NFL players have their own shoes? ›

Only 19 players in the history of the NFL have received their own shoes. By comparison, 22 players in the NBA wore a signature sneaker in just the 2021-22 season. Each week this season, exactly 1,696 total players are listed on the active rosters of the league's 32 teams.

How many NFL players can suit a game? ›

NFL teams are allowed 53 players on their roster but only 46 can suit up for a game since the active roster rules were changed in 2011.

How many times can NFL teams wear alternate helmets? ›

For a while, NFL franchises were limited to just one option concerning helmet choices. In the 2021 offseason, the league announced that teams could have two different helmets starting in 2022.

Can NFL players wear whatever they want? ›

Even then, some players break the in-game dress codes, particularly when it comes to cleats. The good news is that the NFL now permits players to alter their cleats before and during games.

Why can't NFL players wear under Armour? ›

Products with the company's logo will be barred from being worn or displayed on the field during NFL games. The decision comes after Under Armour terminated multiple collegiate contracts in the last year. Cut ties with Cal and its 10-year, $85 million deal. Left its record 15-year, $280 million deal with UCLA.

How many players can an NFL team dress on game day? ›

On an NFL team, there are 55 players on the team roster, with 53 players on the active roster. However, only 48 players dress on game day. The 11 starting players on the field for each team are announced prior to the game.

Can you tackle a guy by his hair in the NFL? ›

In 2003, after the former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was pulled down by his dreadlocks in a game, the N.F.L. ruled that hair was part of a player's uniform and therefore legal to grab in pursuit of a tackle.

Does the NFL allow tattoos? ›

2. Hide tattoos and piercings. Tattoos or piercings are not allowed, therefore, cheerleaders are made to remove all jewelry and hide or cover tattoos with makeup. Some teams often do body checks before every game to ensure the rule is being followed correctly.

Can you tackle a person by the hair in the NFL? ›

A player's hair is just as much in play as the rest of his body, and it is even legal to tackle a runner by the hair or a handful can be called a holding penalty.

Do NFL players wear socks or leggings? ›

1945: Commissioner Elmer Layden, apparently with way too much time on his hands, decides that NFL players have unsightly legs and decrees that all players must wear long stockings. This rule, still on the books, is why NFL players wear high socks while so many NCAA teams still play bare-legged.

Does Tom Brady own part of Under Armour? ›

An Under Armour spokesperson said Brady continues to part of the UA family as an ambassador, as he has for 11 years, but said the Brady brand is his personal, off-the-field endeavor and separate from his partnership with the company.

Is Tom Brady an Under Armour athlete? ›

Brady and Under Armour have teamed together for the last 11 years, even as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar developed his own apparel line – Brady Brand. Brady has won seven Super Bowl titles – six with the New England Patriots and one with the Buccaneers.

Does Tom Brady have a deal with Under Armour? ›

Under Armour

Under Armour is one of the leading brands in athletic clothing. For over 11 years, Brady has appeared in Under Armour marketing as an ambassador. Despite the quarterback launching his own clothing line in 2022, his contract with Under Armour remains intact, as Front Office Sports reports.

Are NFL players allowed to wear necklaces during a game? ›

According to NFL spokesman Michael Signora, there are no rules prohibiting jewelry -- but the league policy does prohibit "hard objects."

Do NFL teams wear dark at home? ›

In the National Football League (NFL), most teams often wear their "official team colour" at home, with the road team wearing white in most cases. White road uniforms gained prominence with the rise of television in the 1950s. A "white vs. colour" game was easier to follow in the black-and-white television era.

Do NFL teams dress 3 quarterbacks? ›

The third quarterback rule was a rule in the National Football League from 1991 to 2010 that governed the use of a third quarterback in addition to the starter and the backup. The rule was abolished for the 2011 season, when the NFL increased the roster size to allow 46 players to dress for a game.

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