Fo – Home Team Requirements

Home , Chain crew, Delay of game, Game manager, Play clock, Television timeout, Thunder (mascot)

FO – HOME TEAM REQUIREMENTS

FO - 1.1 CONFERENCE MATERIALS The home team shall be responsible for the following Conference materials for each home contests. FO - 1.1.1 CONFERENCE PSA Each institution is required to run the Conference PSA prior to each home football contest (Conference/Non-Conference) within 60 minutes of the designated kickoff time.

FO - 1.1.2 GAME MELT The Conference requires each member to record the HD game melt from the television truck postgame and upload the footage to XOS Digital XChange within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.

FO - 1.1.3 GAME PROGRAM Each institution is required to provide two pages in its game program for Conference content – one editorial page and one page for a Conference advertisement. Materials will be submitted to institutions no later than July 31, unless requested earlier.

FO - 1.2 GAME PERSONNEL FO - 1.2.1 CHAIN CREW The chain crew, including the down and distance operator, the clip person, the auxiliary box operator, and the line to gain indicator operator must wear the blue and white American Athletic Conference vests supplied by the Conference Office. The chain crew must report to the head linesman 75 minutes prior to kickoff.

FO - 1.2.2 GAME CLOCK AND PLAY CLOCK OPERATOR Each host school assigns a qualified person to operate the game clock and another to operate the play clock for each game. The game clock and play clock operator must be properly identified and be fully trained with the NCAA Football Playing Rules (Section 3, Articles 1 &2). Game Clock and Play Clock are required to attend the 105 minute meeting. The Clock Operator must meet with the Back Judge and the play clock operator with the Side Judge. Their fees are paid by the host institution.

The game clock and play clock operator must wear a Conference branded polo that will be provided by the Conference office for all home games.

FO - 1.2.3 RED HAT (TELEVISION TIMEOUT LIAISON) The Red Hat is provided by the institution and approved by the Conference for all home games. Prior to the game, he or she should contact the Home Game Administrator to determine the time and location of the 105 Minute Meeting. At this meeting, the Red Hat should confirm the kickoff time and commercial format with the producer and referee. He or she must coordinate the signals (time out, time remaining, ready for play) to the game officials.

In case of inclement weather, Game management officials shall first notify the television timeout coordinator (“RED HAT”) and it is the responsibility of the “Red Hat” to immediately notify the Head Referee.

FO – HOME TEAM REQUIREMENTS

During the game, the Red Hat shall take a position at approximately the 20-yard line on either end of the field on the same sideline as the primary TV cameras. Required dress is a red cap and vest provided by the Conference office. Their fees are paid by the Conference office.

FO - 1.2.4 REPLAY SIDELINE ASSISTANTS The home institution must assign and provide two (2) individual to serve as replay sideline assistant. Each sideline assistant will be located at the 25 yard line to assist with communication between the replay official and referee. Sideline assistants are required to wear the communication headset and Conference supplied green vest at all times. Their fees are paid by the host institution.

FO - 1.2.5 REPLAY TECHNICIAN Each host school assigns a qualified person to serve as the replay technician. This person(s) will be trained by the Conference office prior to the start of the season and will be responsible for setting up and operating all equipment in the instant replay booth. Their fees are paid by the host institution.

FO - 1.3 HOME GAME ADMINISTRATORS Each institution shall identify and notify the Conference office of their home game administrator prior to the season. The home game administrator must identify himself or herself to the officials prior to kickoff.

FO - 1.4 OFFICIALS REQUIREMENTS FO - 1.4.1 HOTELS American Athletic Conference Football Officials are responsible for reserving 10 hotel rooms in each institutions city for the day prior to each home football date (conference and non-conference) no later than May 1 prior to the competition season. The hotel must be within 25 miles of the competition site and be approved be each institutions home game manager. The home team is still responsible for providing van service to and from the competition site.

FO - 1.4.2 VAN SERVICE The home institution is responsible for providing a van to transport the on-field officials from the designated hotel to the stadium and, following the game, transporting them back to the hotel.

FO - 1.4.3 DRESSING FACILITIES Private dressing facilities are to be provided for the game officials and replay personnel at the Stadium. No other support personnel (e.g. Chain Crew, Clock Operator, Red Hat) should use this dressing room; only the game officials, the Coordinator of Officiating, the Replay Official/Technical Advisor and the replay communicator are allowed in the officials’ dressing room. A sign shall be placed on the door with the following statement: “Positively No Admittance by Unauthorized Personnel by order of Mike Aresco, Commissioner, American Athletic Conference.”

FO – HOME TEAM REQUIREMENTS

FO - 1.4.4 SECURITY Game officials should have a security escort whenever entering or exiting the field from their dressing room area, for pregame, halftime, and postgame. A security representative also should be posted outside the officials’ dressing room door when occupied and no one is to be admitted without approval of the referee.

FO - 1.4.5 REFRESHMENTS Sandwiches, sodas, soap and towels are to be provided in the dressing room at the stadium immediately following the game.

FO - 1.4.6 PARKING PASSES The instant replay official and red hat should each receive one parking pass for use on game day.

FO - 1.4.7 CREDENTIALS – REPLAY OFFICIAL & COMMUNICATOR The Replay Official and the Communicator shall gain admittance via an “All-Area Access Pass”. Game credentials and parking pass should be sent to the Replay Official prior to game day.

FO – 1.5 POLICE ESCORTS The home team will be responsible for providing the visiting team with a police escort for travel between the airport, stadium and hotel on both the day before and on game day.

FO - 1.6 POSTGAME FAMILY MEETING AREA Host Administration should clearly identify to the visiting team administrator a safe and secure location for players’ families/friends to wait to meet after the game. This also applies to the home team post game meeting area.

FO - 1.7 PRACTICE/WALK-THRU (DAY BEFORE OR DAY OF GAME) The home team will designate a two-hour time period on the day before the game to conduct their practice on the game field. The visiting team will be able to choose any other one and a half hour time period to conduct their practice. If the home team is unable to use the game field on the day prior to the game they are under no obligation to provide this opportunity to the visiting team. In the event of such a circumstance, the home team will provide the visiting team with an alternate practice location if desired. In inclement weather, it is the judgment of the home team whether the game field is suitable for practice. If the kick-off time is later than P.M., the visiting team may elect to conduct their walk-thru on the day of the game.

The home team may elect to block off a two-hour time period on game day to conduct their walk-thru. The visiting team may choose either a one and a half hour walk-thru the day before the game or on game day itself, but may not do both. The visiting team walk-thru must also begin no later than 6 hours before kickoff on game day.

FO – HOME TEAM REQUIREMENTS

FO - 1.8 RADIO LINES The home team must provide the following in visiting radio booth free of charge:

1. One ISDN or VoIP line 2. Two standard telephone lines 3. Two dry lines to the visitors locker room 4. One video monitor for replays 5. One statistics monitor or a link to real-time game statistics (i.e., StatBroadcast)

FO - 1.9 REPLAY BOOTH REQUIREMENTS The home institution will ensure that the following instant replay specifications are met for all home games: FO - 1.9.1 REPLAY BOOTH Dedicated space within the press box or suite level to accommodate no less than 4 people and the hardware. The space shall have protection on all sides and any heating or cooling that is standard in that area. A door for security and protection as well as blocked off sides (covered glass or solid walls) is preferred for this working environment. A clear view of the playing field is required. A sign shall be placed on the door with the following statement: “Positively No Admittance by Unauthorized Personnel by order of Mike Aresco, Commissioner, and American Athletic Conference.”

FO - 1.9.2 WORKING SURFACE A counter across the front of the box is required for equipment and a working surface. The counter should have several small circular holes in it for computer, video, audio, phone and power cable runs.

FO – 1.9.3 SEATING A minimum of 3 high swivel stools with backs for working operators.

FO – 1.9.4 AUDIO FEEDS A speaker that provides the in-stadium audio feed of the Referee’s announcement must be present in the Replay Booth.

FO - 1.9.5 SIDELINE COMMUNICATION A communication system between the Replay Booth and the on-field headsets located at each 20 yard line.

FO - 1.9.6 PHONE LINE American Athletic Conference Instant Replay Booth’s must have a dedicated phone line, phone number and phone that can receive and make outbound phone calls. The phone number for each institutions replay booth must be provided to the Conference office no later than August 1 each season.

FO – HOME TEAM REQUIREMENTS

FO - 1.10 STAFF PREGAME MEALS The home institution is required to provide pregame meals for the visiting team’s game day advanced staff (equipment managers, team trainers, etc.).

FO - 1.11 VISITING TEAM LOCKER ROOM PROVISIONS The home team will provide the following provisions in the visiting team locker room prior to the team’s arrival on game day:  2 Dry Erase Boards with markers  300 Towels (a reasonable increase will be made in cases of inclement weather)  8 Cases of Chilled Soft Drinks (type will be requested by the visiting team)  100 Game Programs  Soap for Showers  Table for Water Station  Ice (# of pounds depends on weather)  3-4 Taping Stations

FO - 1.12 VISITING TEAM TIMELINE The home team must provide the visiting team a final timeline 72 hours before kickoff. The timeline should include at a minimum walk-thru availability, field availability on game day, and any changes to pre- game timing to accommodate on field ceremonies. No changes should be made once the final timeline is received by the visiting institution unless mutually agreed upon by both institutions and written consent is provided from the Conference office.

FO – TEAM ACTIVITIES & ADMINISTRATION

FO - 2.1 BALL PERSONS Each competing institution shall provide its own ball crew for the game. The ball crew members must be at least 18 years of age and shall receive game instructions from the Side Judge and Field Judge 30 minutes prior to the contest at the home team bench area. Four credentials for the ball crew should be taken from the 60 “Team Bench Area” passes allot to each team.

FO - 2.2 GAME BALLS Each institution is responsible for providing its own footballs. Each team should deliver is respective balls to the official’s dressing room for inspection and approval, and will be used during the remainder of the game following opening kickoff. The game officials will oversee the use of the each team’s game balls and sideline ball personnel. The game balls will be provided to the official’s locker room at the official’s request.

FO - 2.3 TEAM ENTRANCE FLAGS Home and visiting team personnel are permitted to carry flags during team entrances prior to the game. Additionally, the Conference encourages, but does not require, each institution to carry a flag bearing the Conference’s mark during team entrances. The Conference flag will be supplied by the Conference office.

FO - 2.4 VISITING TEAM TRAVEL LIMIT The number of players and individuals included in the visiting team travel party is left up to the discretion of the institution.

FO – FIELD SET-UP

FO - 3.1 CHAINS The home institution must have available an extra set of chains in the event of breakage.

FO - 3.1.1 LINE-TO-GAIN & DOWN INDICATORS NCAA Rule 1-2-7c makes optional, but recommends, the use of unofficial line-to-gain and down indicators on the sideline opposite the yardage chain. It SHALL BE MANDATORY at all American Athletic Conference football venues that the following be used on the sideline nearest the press box for all home games: 1. An auxiliary down indicator that shall be placed at the line of scrimmage and must display the current down; 2. An orange, flat field marker that is placed on the ground at the line- to-gain for each series; 3. A forward stake that shall be placed at the line-to-gain for each series. The down indicator and forward stakes are to be placed six feet from the sideline by rule.

FO - 3.2 FIELD MARKINGS/BANNERS It is required that the American Athletic Conference logo be used on the field at both 25-yard lines, near the sidelines, facing the television cameras. The logo should stretch a total of at least 6 yards, or three yards on either side of the 25-yard line. The 2-color Conference logo in Conference approved colors, knockout/white, or school specific color variations are acceptable. Additional use of the logo on the field is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Each institution must submit their primary field logo and any variations that may be used during the regular season (ex. black logo for blackout game) by August 1 prior to each season.

FO - 3.2.1 FIELD LOGOS/MARKING (NCAA RULES 1-2-1-h) Except as noted herein, there may be no advertising on the field, which includes the end zones and sideline areas (NCAA Rule 1-2-1-h). Only these items are allowed:  NCAA logo  Conference logo  College/university name and logo  Team name and logo  Name of the commercial entity with purchased naming rights to the facility in no more than two locations (Note: the entity’s commercial logo is not allowed.)

All other items, including social media designations such as URL’s and hashtags, are prohibited.

FO - 3.2.2 PYLON (NCAA RULE 1-2-6) Each pylon may bear a manufacturer’s logo or trademark. Institutional logos and conference logos are also allowed. Any such marking may not extend more than 3 inches on any side. (NCAA Rule 1-2-6)

FO – FIELD SET-UP

FO - 3.2.3 GOAL POST PADS (NCAA RULES 1-2-5-e) “Commercial advertising is prohibited on the goals. One manufacturer’s logo or trademark is permitted on each goal post pad.”

FO - 3.2.4 FAN BANNERS Fans may not display signs or banners deemed as being offensive to particular institutions, players or coaches in the arena. These banners should be identified and removed by security personnel.

FO - 3.3 GOAL POSTS Per NCAA Rule 1, Section 2, Article 5f, fourth paragraph, "The home team is responsible for the availability of a portable goal if original goals are removed during the game for any reason. The portable goal shall be erected or held in place for kicks.”

FO - 3.4 SPONSORED FIELD SIGNAGE The following items are prohibited unless receiving written consent from ESPN and The American:  no sign, billboard or other display for any product or service will be located at field level at the site and in view of the ESPN cameras, except static advertising which is permanently affixed at the site on a year-long or Season-long basis;

 electronic wrap (LED type) signage on a stadium wall is permitted as long as ESPN branded promotional signs are included in the regular rotation (approximately 5% of the time)

 no “soccer-style” (“aka “A” Frame on field )perimeter commercial advertising will be camera visible at the site;

 no sign, logo, mark or advertising shall be visible on any field goal nets or comparable location without approval of ESPN; The All State field goal nets are permitted; and

 no sign, billboard, logo or other display recognizable to television viewers as that of any distributor (via any media) of primarily sports content or programming (including a sports division or unit of a distributor of general entertainment and/or news content or programming will be visible within camera view at the site.

FO - 3.5 TELEVISION NETWORK LIMIT LINE In addition to the standard NCAA limit line 12 feet from the sideline end line (NCAA Football Rule 1-2-3), an additional limit line should be created at a minimum 15 feet from the sideline or end line (3 feet from the first limit line).

Access up to the first limit line is to broadcast network personnel ONLY (ESPN, CBS, etc. camera operators, sound microphone personnel, sideline reporters, and those pulling cable). During dead ball situations when the clock is stopped, the broadcast network’s handheld camera may be between the 12- foot limit line and the sideline.

All other credential personnel including, but not limited to, stadium video board, local news or another other cameras not belonging to the live network crew, may not be in the three-foot network zone or move up to the sideline during a dead ball. Please see Appendix FO.1 for more information.

FO – GAME TIMING & TEAM ENTRANCE

FO - 4.1 105 MINUTE MEETING A meeting among all key game day personnel shall be held a minimum of 105 minutes before kickoff. The meeting will be held at a location determined by the host institution and based on the kick-off time of the game. The home game administrator will send a meeting reminder to all attendees, noting the start time and location, no later than 48 hours prior to game day. See Appendix FO.2–for more information.

FO - 4.2 ARRIVAL OF TEAMS Each team shall be present at the stadium in condition to play at least 60 minutes before the time advertised as the starting time.

FO - 4.3 MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS MEETING As part of the American Athletic Conference Concussion Management Policy the following is mandatory communication in the sport of football.

1. Each institution will have in place a specific sideline communication plan between the ATC, MD and EMT when an injury occurs (e.g., radio, hand signals). The types of communication will be on file at the Conference office and must be submitted annually by no later than August 1.]

2. Each institution’s medical staffs will meet pre-game at approximately 30-60 minutes before kickoff during pre-game warm ups. This meeting will include at minimum: location of EMS/Ambulance, availability of X-ray/Flouroscan, and communication between sidelines (e.g., medical liaisons, radios). EMTs are required to have an in-person meeting with each team’s medical staff prior to the game.

FO - 4.4 TEAM WARM-UPS In an effort to prevent confrontations between teams during the warm-up period, all on-field officials will be dressed and ready no later than 60 minutes before game time. When players from both teams are on the field, all officials will take the field. The playing field will be divided into an L-shaped 65-yard/35-yard segment until 40 minutes prior to game time. At 40 minutes before kick-off, the teams are to warm-up between opposite 45-yard. Officials will be positioned to enforce a 10-yard barrier between the 45 yard lines. See Appendix FO.3 for more information.

FO – GAME TIMING & TEAM ENTRANCE

FO - 5.1 ENTERING THE FIELD The home team will enter the field from the locker room first, followed by the visiting team, prior to the beginning of the game.

FO - 5.2 PRE-GAME TIMING Timing of pre-game activities should not be shortened, lengthened, or altered in any way without approval from the visiting institution and written consent from the American Athletic Conference. The length of time from the conclusion of the team warm-up period, until the start of the game, will be 20 minutes.

FO - 5.2.1 SENIOR DAY The home team may request a maximum of five (5) minutes to (20 to 25 minutes) add from the conclusion of the team warm-up period, until the start of the game for the institution’s SENIOR DAY only. The request must be made to the conference office no later than 7 days prior to the game. No other exceptions will be approved.

FO - 5.2.2 TELEVISION REQUEST FOR A SLIDING KICK TIME A national television network may require a delay in the previously agreed upon kickoff time for up to five (5) minutes if it has a live lead-in game telecast that is running late – IF the request is made prior to the 60 minute clock starting. The kickoff cannot be delayed by television if the 60-minute clock has started.

FO - 5.3 OPENING KICKOFF Participating teams shall have their special teams units on the field and in position when the pregame clock hits 0:00. The CJ will hand the ball to the kicker and the game clock will then be reset to 15:00. When the officiating crew is in place, the Referee will give the ready for play signal. If either team is not in place and ready to play, it will be charged with a delay of game penalty.

FO - 5.4 HALFTIME The halftime intermission shall be 20 minutes for all regular season games, with no exceptions.

FO - 5.4.1 HALFTIME ADMINISTRATION Following the last play of the first half, the Referee will ensure that there are no penalties to administer, no injured players or other delays and will also ensure that there is no Instant Replay stoppage or coach challenge. If there are no issues, the Referee will declare the period ended.  The Referee will signal immediately to begin the 20-minute halftime clock. The 20-minute halftime clock shall not be stopped or removed from visibility on the stadium scoreboard until it reaches 0:00. The clock operator shall also use a stopwatch to time the 20 minutes in case of a clock malfunction.  The teams will clear the field of play, including facilities with shared routes, and any coach interview with TV or Radio personnel shall take place off the field.  All interviews shall not interfere in any way with the bands’ entry onto the field of play or any other halftime activity.

FO – GAME TIMING & TEAM ENTRANCE

FO - 5.4.2 START OF SECOND HALF PROCEDURES

Clock Time 5:00 Officials visit each locker room, notify coaches of time and get 2nd half toss options. The teams should re-enter the filed with 3 minutes remaining in the half.

If kicking specialists come out early during the halftime intermission, they are in no way to interfere with the band or any halftime events. Until the field is cleared, all specialists must keep all their warm-up activity off the field of play.

Clock Time 3:00 Game management clears the field of all band, on-field promotions, and personnel. Teams re-enter the field.

Clock time 1:30 Officials clear field for warm-up activities. Once field is cleared, teams must be ready to send the special teams units onto the field and be ready to go before the clock expires.

Clock time 0:00 The Center Judge (8-man crew) or Back Judge (7-man crew) will complete his count and hand the ball to the kicker. If either team is not in place and ready to play at this point, it will be penalized for delay of game. The game clock will then be reset to 15:00, and when the officiating crew is in place, the Referee will give the ready for play signal for the second-half kickoff.

FO – GAME ATMOSPHERE

FO - 6.1 ARTIFICIAL NOISE Bands, public address announcements and/or taped noise or music is not allowed during live action and must cease playing once the quarterback is ready for play and in a position to receive the snap.

FO - 6.2 ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS Member institutions are allowed to sell or distribute Thunderstix’s during regular season contests. All other forms of artificial noisemakers are prohibited.

FO - 6.3 PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS The host institution public address announcer must be professional, courteous and non-controversial, and should refrain from “cheerleading.” The host staff should be certain the announcer receives specific pronunciations, pre-game instructions regarding TV timeout sequence, cue for national anthem and starting lineups.

FO - 6.4 VIDEO BOARDS FO - 6.4.1 HIGHLIGHT/GENERAL PLAY REPLAY There is no restriction on the type or number of times a replay can be shown on in- stadium video boards. The home institution should use good judgment when showing any replay involving clearly controversial material.

FO - 6.4.2 INSTANT REPLAY/ PLAYS UNDER REVIEW A video feed from the replay officials monitor may be shown on the in-stadium video board for plays under further review from the instant replay official.

Once the referee signals that a play will be reviewed, the home production staff shall project the feed from the instant replay monitor on all in-stadium screens. The instant replay monitors feed shall be shown through completion of review. No in-house camera or network television replays shall be shown. Once the referee makes a final announcement regarding the outcome of the play in review, no further replays can be shown.

If stadium infrastructure or technical issues prevent the instant replay monitor feed from being shown, the home production staff may project the television feed (ESPN, CBBSN, etc.) on all in-stadium screens. The number of replays shown is unlimited provided that the television feed is the source. No in-house camera replays shall be shown.

USE OF THE INSTANT REPLAY OFFICIALS MONITOR FEED IS SUBJECT TO THE CONFERENCE’S CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP.

INSTITUTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SHOW ANY REPLAYS INVOLVING THE REVIEW OF A TARGETING CALL.

FO – INCLEMENT WEATHER

FO - 7.1 LIGHTNING (The following policy is a minimum standard. A member institution may have a more restrictive policy).

Each member institution shall be responsible for having the capability of determining when lightning strikes are within specified distances of the competition site for all outdoor sports.

When lighting is detected within 15 miles of the competition site, home team game management shall utilize the public address system to inform those in attendance of the inclement weather including lighting is within 15 miles and that should patrons wish to vacate the facility for safe shelter, they will be allowed to re-enter with a ticket stub.

When lightning is detected within 8 miles of the competition site, the competition shall be suspended by the referee upon notification by host game management personnel. The competition may be resumed when lightning is no longer within the eight-mile range. A ten minute warm-up period will be granted to both teams prior to the resumption of play once it has been determined that it is safe for participants to return to the field. The game manager will communicate to both teams when this transition period commences.

FO – 7.2 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE INTERRUPTED GAME POLICY

FO – 7.2.1 NCAA FOOTBALL PLAYING RULES – SUSPENDING THE GAME (ARTICLE 3) a. The referee may suspend the game temporarily when conditions warrant such action.

b. When the game is stopped by actions of a person(s) not subject to the rules or for any other reasons not in the rules and cannot continue, the referee shall:

1. Suspend play and direct the players to their team areas.

2. Refer the problem to those responsible for the game’s management.

3. Resume the game when he determines conditions are satisfactory.

c. If a game is suspended under Rules 3-3-3-a and b before the end of the fourth period and cannot be resumed, there are four possible options:

1. Resume the game at a later date;

2. Terminate the game with a determined final score;

3. Forfeit of the game; or

4. Declare a no contest.

FO – INCLEMENT WEATHER

FO – 7.2.1 NCAA FOOTBALL PLAYING RULES – SUSPENDING THE GAME (ARTICLE 3) (continued)

The option that takes effect shall be determined by conference policy if both institutions are members of the same conference. In nonconference competition, the directors of athletics at the participating institutions or their designees, in consultation with the coaches, must agree on one of the four options. This agreement will include the final score if the game is terminated (Rule 8-1-2). In the event that the directors of athletics do not reach an agreement, the conference policy of the home team shall be used to determine the outcome.

d. If a tie game is suspended under Rules 3-3-3-a and b after four periods of play and cannot be resumed, the game shall be ruled a tie. The final score shall be the score at the end of the last completed period. (Note: If a winner must be determined in a conference playoff game, conference policy (American Conference Game Interrupted Procedures) shall determine when and where the game will be resumed.)

e. A suspended game, if resumed, will begin with the same time remaining and under the identical conditions of down, distance, field position and player eligibility.

FO – 7.2.2 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE INTERRUPTED GAME PROCEDURES All institutional staff and conference personnel shall use their best efforts to ensure each football game is played to its conclusion. The Conference recognizes, however, that emergencies may arise that make a contest’s completion impossible or inadvisable. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, severe inclement weather, natural or man-made disasters, power failures and spectator interference. Contests should be delayed, suspended, postponed, relocated, canceled, or terminated when circumstances exist such that commencement or continuation of play would pose a threat to the safety of game participants.

1. Suspended Game 1.1. If the game is suspended, every effort should be made by game management officials to continue as soon as conditions allow.

1.2. Authority to suspend the start of a game up until kickoff is vested solely in the home team’s game management officials, which shall communicate such to the visiting team and the game officials in a timely and effective manner. A ten minute warm-up period will be granted to both teams prior to the resumption of play once it has been determined that it is safe for participants to return to the field. The game manager will communicate to both teams when this transition period commences.

FO – INCLEMENT WEATHER

FO – 7.2.2 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE INTERRUPTED GAME PROCEDURES (continued) 1. Suspended Game (continued) 1.3. Authority to suspend a game once it has begun is vested solely in the game officials. If a weather suspension is necessary, game management officials shall first notify the television timeout coordinator (“RED HAT”) and it is the responsibility of the “Red Hat” to immediately notify the Referee. A ten-minute warm-up period will be granted to both teams prior to the resumption of play once it has been determined that it is safe for participants to return to the field. The game manager will communicate to both teams when this transition period commences.

1.4. In the event that a game has been suspended, the Athletic Directors of both institutions, Home Game Management Official, Game Officials, and the Conference Office representative (if a Conference Office representative is not on site, the Home Game Management Official shall provide direct communication with the Conference Office via telephone, cellular communication, or other means necessary) shall meet in the Officials locker-room or another suitable location. The Home Game Management Official, in consultation with the Conference office, shall be responsible for disseminating information to the teams, media and general public.

1.5. If the game is suspended and cannot be resumed, the two institutions shall consult with the Commissioner, and the Commissioner shall declare the game postponed.

2. Postponed Game 2.1. If a game is postponed prior to the start of a contest, the participating institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner or his/her designee, shall attempt to reschedule the contest at a later time or date. If the contest cannot be rescheduled to a later time or date, the Commissioner shall declare the game canceled.

2.2. If the game is postponed after play has commenced, the participating institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner or his/her designee, shall attempt to reschedule and resume it at a later time or date, with the same time remaining and under the identical conditions of down, distance, field position and player eligibility. If the contest cannot be rescheduled to resume at a later time or date, the Commissioner shall declare the game canceled.

FO – INCLEMENT WEATHER

FO – 7.2.2 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE INTERRUPTED GAME PROCEDURES (continued)

3. Canceled Game 3.1. If a suspended game is declared canceled prior to the completion of one- half of play (halftime), the results shall be nullified, the game will be declared no game and its score and player statistics will not be included in the conference records, provided, however, that if the Commissioner deems there to be extraordinary circumstances, the Commissioner may take the score at the time of the suspension into consideration and may declare that the game be officially recorded and may declare the team leading in the score to be the winner of the contest.

3.2. If a suspended game is declared canceled at the completion of at least one- half of play (halftime), the Commissioner shall declare the contest terminated. If a terminated game is tied at the time of the suspension, the game shall be ruled a tie. If a terminated game is not tied, the Athletic Directors of the participating institutions or their designees shall determine if the team ahead at the time of the suspension should be declared the winner. If the Athletic Directors cannot agree on such determination, the Commissioner shall have the authority to declare the team ahead at the time of the suspension to be the winner but shall in his/her reasonable discretion have the ability to declare the results nullified and the game be declared no game, in which case its score and performance statistics will not be included in the Conference record.

4. Game Relocation 4.1. Should circumstances arise that necessitate the relocation of a contest, the Commissioner shall have the authority to determine whether and where the contest should be relocated. The alternate site must be in full compliance with all NCAA playing rules and regulations governing the sport of football.

FO – CREDENTIALS

FO - 8.1 VISITING TEAM CREDENTIALS Home institutions will send the following credentials directly to the visiting AD no later than fourteen (14) days prior to game day: All-Access 10 (three of which are for SID use) Coaches Booth 12 (this pass will also allow for sideline access) AD Booth 8 (this is the minimum number - should be the greater of 8 or the number of seats available in the booth, access limited strictly to the AD booth) Bench/Sideline 60 (bench area passes shall not be utilized by any non-working personnel) Coaches Video 4 (provides access to photo deck, bench and locker room areas) Coaches Phones 2 (provides access to coaches booth, bench and locker room) Cheer Coach 1 (provides access to the sideline area only) Parking Passes 10 (for non-equipment/non team bus vehicles, one specifically designated for the SID staff)

FO - 8.2 TEAM BENCH AREA The visiting team will be provided 60 bench passes. This is the maximum number of bench passes permitted by NCAA Football Rules. These passes are in addition to complimentary tickets and free admission of cheerleaders and mascots.

Sideline passes are for use by coaches, trainers and working personnel only.

Sideline passes must be worn by all personnel with the exception of varsity players in uniform.

All visiting team sideline passes will be restricted to the visiting team area (between the 25-yard lines).

FO – TICKETING

FO - 9.1 BAND, CHEERLEADERS AND MASCOTS Band members, cheerleaders and mascots for the visiting team shall be admitted without charge when in uniform. Seating for the band must come out of the visiting teams total ticket allotment. Unused tickets allocated for band seating will be returned in accordance with the above mentioned ticket return policy.

FO - 9.1.1 BAND TICKET LOCATION Band tickets, for both teams, cannot be located behind the opposing team’s benches between the 25-yard lines.

FO - 9.2 GAME OFFICIALS Each game official, including the replay official, replay communicator and television timeout liaison (red hat), should upon request receive two complimentary game tickets from the host institution. Requests for tickets should be made no later than two weeks before the game.

FO - 9.3 PRICING Ticket prices are established by the home team.

FO - 9.4 STUDENT-ATHLETE COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION POLICY Each institution is responsible for setting up procedures to issue student-athlete complimentary admissions in accordance with NCAA Bylaw 16.2. An institution may provide four complimentary admissions per home or away contest to a student-athlete in the sport in which the individual participates (either practices or competes), regardless of whether the student-athlete competes in the contest.

Note the following regulations: a. Complimentary admissions shall be provided only through a pass list for individuals designated by the student-athlete. “Hard tickets” shall not be issued. The institution shall be responsible for this administrative procedure.

b. The individual utilizing the complimentary admission must present identification to the person supervising the use of the pass list at the admission gate. The individual then shall be provided a ticket stub or other identification of a specific reserved seat, directed to a specific reserved-seating section or seating area, or treated as a general-admission ticket holder.

FO - 9.5 STUDENT TICKETS-LOCATION Student tickets, for both teams, cannot be located within the first 20 rows behind the opposing teams’ benches between the 25-yard lines.

FO - 9.6 TELEVISION NETWORKS For each game broadcast by ESPN, the home institution, upon request, shall provide twenty-five (25) choice complimentary tickets. The home team shall use reasonable efforts to assist ESPN with the purchase of additional choice tickets at face value. CBSSN receives fifteen (15) choice complimentary tickets for each of its games.

FO – TICKETING

FO - 9.7 VISITING TEAM FO - 9.7.1 COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS The visiting team shall receive a mutually agreed upon number of complimentary tickets, with a minimum of 400.

FO - 9.7.2 PURCHASED TICKETS The visiting team shall receive such number of tickets for purchase as agreed upon by both institutions, with a minimum of 3,000. The home team is required to distribute all tickets to the visiting team by July 30.

FO - 9.7.2 PURCHASED TICKETS  One month prior to the date of the game, the visiting institution should retain no more than 500 unsold tickets from the original allotment sent by the home team. The remainder should be returned for credit via overnight mail to the host institution.

 Two weeks prior to the date of the game, the visiting institution should retain no more than 200 unsold tickets from the original allotment sent by the home team. The remainder should be returned for credit via overnight mail to the host institution.

 On the night before the game, the visiting institution may return no more than 100 unsold tickets for credit from the original allotment sent by the home team.

 In situations where the home team does not expect a sell-out, they maintain the option to amend this policy and allow visitors more flexibility in returning unused tickets.

FO – MEDIA SERVICES

The host SID will ensure the following media services are provided at all American Athletic Conference football games.

FO - 10.1 CREDENTIALS The press box should be for working media only. The host SID administers the issuing of credentials. Credentials must indicate that the exclusive video rights belong to ESPN and the Conference regardless of the person or entity who owned the camera that was used to capture the video.

FO - 10.2 GAME NOTES The media packet should include starting line-ups, flip cards, numerical and alphabetical rosters of both teams and Conference standings. Also, an explanation of post-game procedures should be provided.

FO - 10.3 OUT OF TOWN SCORES Scores of other American Athletic Conference games being played that day should be given regularly by the inside PA announcer and on the scoreboard.

FO - 10.4 PHOTOGRAPHY PASSES The NCAA regulations regarding photographers will be enforced. The presence of any type of photographer (television or still) in the bench area is strictly prohibited. NCAA Rule 1-2-4-e limits shooting to outside the restraining line enclosing the playing field and outside the 25-yard line.

FO - 10.5 POOL REPORTER Should the situation warrant the host SID shall contact the Conference office to request a pool reporter access to the referee after the game. The only reason to question the referee is for an explanation of a rule that was implemented during the game. The reporter should be accompanied by a member of the home team's operations staff.

FO - 10.6 POST GAME INTERVIEWS An designated area for both teams should be provided for post-game news conferences. The location of these areas should be clearly marked. Coaches and players should receive a security escort to and from the locker room to the interview area. The home SID is responsible for gathering quotes from the head coaches of both teams. Equal access to coaches and players must be provided to all members of the media. At a minimum, it is mandatory for the home institution to provide a microphone and podium/table for the visiting coach’s post-game media session. Any official response by the referee to a pool reporter should be distributed to all members of the media.

FO - 10.7 STATISTICS The following should be provided to the media in a timely manner: complete team and individual statistics, play-by-play, drive chart, post-game coaches' quotes (both teams). An inside PA announcer should provide game summary statistical information after each play. The host and visiting sports information staffs should coordinate their respective participation charts.

FO - 10.8 TELEVISION/RADIO BOOTHS The host SID should make sure that home, visiting and network broadcast teams receive regular updates regarding statistics, scores of other league games and injury updates.

FO – MEDIA SERVICES

FO - 10.9 VISITING TEAM RADIO CREW Should be accommodated in the press box by the home team to its best ability and supplied the provisions necessary to originate their production. The visiting team must reimburse the home team for any incremental costs incurred.

FO – MEDICAL SERVICES

FO - 11.1 MEDICAL OBSERVER – TEAM SPECIFIC All Staff, Coaches, Game Officials and Student-Athletes have the authority and the responsibility to refer any player showing symptoms of head and neck trauma to the appropriate medical professional for evaluation. Each institution is required to follow the Conference’s Medical Policies (Appendix FO.4).

A Team Specific Medical Observer (MO) is REQUIRED for all games (conference, non-conference, postseason). The selection of that individual shall be in accordance with the institution’s athletics medical plan and protocols. The Medical Observer’s jurisdiction is limited to its team only – whether at home or on the road. The Medical Observer does not have the authority to stop the game for an injury timeout; however, the MO may request from the game officials an injury timeout to assess its own player.

For non-Conference games in a non-American venue, the American team(s) must either opt-in to the host team’s medical observer policy or provide its own Team Specific Medical Observer.

FO – 11.1.1 MEDICAL OBSERVER STADIUM REQUIREMENTS  The Medical Observer can be located on the field or in the press box but not the Instant Replay Booth. If the MO will be located in the press box there should be access to the live audio and video of the TV broadcast to monitor and detect any symptoms of head and neck trauma. Institutions are required to develop a detailed communication plan between the Medical Observer and Team Medical staff and provide a method of communication it deems appropriate for any medical staff in the press box to the field.

 Each institution’s Medical Observer must attend the mandatory 105 minute pre- game meeting with the game officials and game operations staff.

 Any visiting Conference or non-conference institutions will be afforded space for their observer upon request and only if available – this will not be required and will be at host institutional discretion.

FO – TECHNOLOGY

FO - 12.1 COACHES BOOTH MONITORS The NCAA Football Playing Rules lists the following as an exception to rule 1-4-11:

Exception: Television monitors are allowed in press box coaches’ booths. Monitors may only be used to view the live telecast or webcast. The home team is responsible for assuring identical television capability in the coaches’ booths of both teams. This capability may not include replay equipment or recorders."

In addition to these requirements, the American Athletic Conference requires each monitor to be a minimum of 32” and be positioned in the same relative location in both the home and visitors coaching booths. The feed shall either be provided by the broadcast network or through a traditional cable outlet. The use of internet feeds (Roku, Apply TV, etc.) are prohibited.

FO – TEAM VIDEO EXCHANGE

FO - 13.1 VIDEO ACQUISITION FO - 13.1.1 SHOOTING LOCATIONS a. The Home Team will provide the Visiting Team with the same or equivalent positions for shooting video in both the sideline and end-zone areas of the stadium. The term equivalent shall apply to:  Distance with respect to the 50-yard line (for the sideline position) or goal post (for the end-zone position);  Height above the playing surface;  Access to AC power in terms of available outlets and distance from the camera position to the outlets;  Physical size of the allotted area;  Free of physical obstructions which prevent the cameras or camera operators from achieving an unobstructed pan shot of the entire inbounds playing surface.

b. The sideline camera position for both teams will be located between the 40 yard lines;

c. All camera positions will be secured from fan interference and obstruction at all times during the game and the Home Team is responsible for the safety and security of camera operators and equipment during the game;

d. If the Home Team elects to shoot with cameras in both end-zones, they must provide the Visiting Team with the same opportunity. The Home Team is also required to notify the Visiting Team of the availability of the second end-zone location no less than five days prior to the game.

FO - 13.1.2 TECHNICAL STANDARDS All acquisition of game video will be performed using professional or broadcast-grade cameras and equipment, as approved by a majority of the Video Coordinators/Directors of the league schools. Football video for team and conference exchange must be shot in High Definition (HD) with a video standard minimum of 720/60fps.

FO - 13.1.3 PROFESSIONAL COURTESY In the event of a technical or mechanical malfunction during the game which results in the loss of footage (missed or unusable plays), the other team is obligated upon request to provide a copy of their footage at the earliest opportunity;

Visiting teams may request, in advance of game day, that the home team provide an individual to meet them upon arrival at the stadium and assist with reaching the camera positions and teardown, if needed;

FO – TEAM VIDEO EXCHANGE

FO - 13.2 PLAY SEQUENCE DEFINITION FO - 13.2.1 SIDELINE WIDE SEQUENCE a. The sideline wide play sequence will begin prior to setting the formation and will show all eleven players in the pre-snap formation, include all pre-snap motions and shifts, and end approximately three seconds after the official’s whistle has blown the play dead;

b. The sideline wide sequence will close to the ball only after the ball has left the immediate vicinity of the line of scrimmage or once the first contact is made with the ball carrier or receiver; Once the tackle is made, the final three seconds of the sequence will be a close-up shot of the pile for jersey number identification;

c. In the case of kick-off plays, the sideline camera will frame all eleven players of the kicking team and the front-most line of receiving team (or as many as possible) in a wide shot and will close with the players as they converge to the ball; The play sequence will end with a close-up shot of the pile for jersey number identification;

FO - 13.2.2 END-ZONE TIGHT PLAY SEQUENCE a. The end-zone tight play sequence will begin prior to any pre-snap shift or motion and continue through three seconds after the official’s whistle has blown the play dead;

b. The end-zone tight sequence will frame the interior line players, running backs, and linebackers in the “box”; 1. The “box” is defined horizontally with respect to the camera as the area from the widest players at the immediate line of scrimmage on either end of the line either a tight-end, defensive end, or outside linebacker; 2. The “box” is defined vertically with respect to the camera as being the area from the deepest inside linebacker to the deepest running back in the offensive back field; 3. Discretion will be used to include receivers or defensive backs that may affect the blocking at the line of scrimmage;

c. The end-zone tight sequence may close to the ball only after the ball has left the immediate vicinity of the line of scrimmage or once first contact is made with the ball carrier or receiver; Once the tackle is made the final three seconds of the sequence will be a close-up shot of the pile for jersey number identifications;

d. In the case of kick-off plays, the end-zone camera will frame all twenty-two (or as many as possible) players in a wide shot and will close with the players as they converge to the ball; The play sequence will end with a close-up shot of the pile for jersey number identification;

FO – TEAM VIDEO EXCHANGE

FO - 13.2.3 INTERCUT or CHECKERBOARD PLAY SEQUENCE An intercut or checkerboard play sequence is defined as follows: a. A minimum of two seconds of the scoreboard showing accurate down, distance, and clock; Either a sideline or end-zone shot of the scoreboard is acceptable; This includes the first play of the game;

i. Should the scoreboard be grossly inaccurate or malfunctioning, a shout of the sideline chains, showing accurate down and distance may be substituted;

b. A complete sideline wide play sequence as defined in FO-13.2.1

c. A complete end-zone tight play sequence as defined in FO-13.2.2

FO - 13.2.3 FILMING OF ALTERCATIONS In the case of an altercation, both camera operators from each team will continue rolling and capture the event for later review at the request of conference officials; Footage of altercation will not be included in any exchange files or tapes and the beginning of any altercation may only be included in so much as it occurs within the three seconds immediately following the end of the play (when the officials blows the whistle to signal that the play is dead);

FO - 13.3 CONFERENCE VIDEO EXCHANGE a. Each institution shall upload ALL games (regular season and post-season) to the American Athletic Conference approved online video exchange provider. All home games shall be uploaded to the American Athletic Conference approved online video exchange provider within 12 hours after completion their game. All road games shall be uploaded to the American Athletic Conference approved online video exchange provider within 12 hours of returning to campus;

b. Open and unlimited video file or tape exchange is permitted with in the American Athletic Conference at any time and each team is obligated to provide, upon request, regular season game recordings from the current year and/or the previous year, including the American Football Championship and/or Bowl Games.

c. In the event that a game is being filmed from multiple end-zone locations, one camera must be designated as the angle you are going to use for exchange. The end-zone film being exchanged must have alternating backs of the offense and defense. Example: Offensive backs are to the end-zone exchange cameras for the 1st quarter then the defensive backs would be to the camera for the 2nd quarter;

d. Each member institution is required to specifically request the game recordings from their opponent and these recordings must be supplied upon request; Open exchange. This a pull model, not a push model. On game night, teams will push their completed game files to their next opponent; i. Responsibility to download falls on the receiving school;

FO – TEAM VIDEO EXCHANGE

e. Game Videos files to be exchange must be compliant with the MXF Interop Group. The files that are to be exchange are one .mp4 video file, one .xchange data file containing the accurate video time code marks for each game file (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams), and .csv metadata files containing the following fields of data with all data entered in those fields (for Offense and Defense Game Edits):  Play Number – will equal what the actual current play the video is identifying  Drive Number = Series – the is the series number  Drive Play = Series Seq = Series Sequence – this is the number of the play within the series  Quarter = QTR – will equal the quarter of the game  Down = DN – will equal the down of the play. 2pt plays the down will equal 5  ToGo = Dist = Distance – distance needed for the offensive team to achieve a first down  BallSpot = YardLine = FldPos – where the ball is on the field. To include the minus symbol if it’s on the minus yard line but just have the numerical value if it’s on the plus yard line.  PlayType = R/P = Run/Pass – R for run, P for Pass, Pen for Penalty  Gain = Gain/Loss – Either positive or negative yardage. 0 would be a no gain or incompletion.  PlayResult = PassResult – C is Completion, I is Incomplete, INT for Interception, S Sack  Series End – how a series ended TD = Touchdown, Punt = P, Fumble = FUM, Interception = INT, End of Half = EOH, End of Game = EOG, Field Goal Good = FG, Field Goal Missed = FGM, Safety = SAF  Include headers for columns in the .csv file;

f. If a member institution uploads a corrupt or unusable file, it is the uploading party’s responsibility to rectify the situation as soon as possible;

FO - 13.4 ORGANIZATION OF VIDEO EXCHANGE

a. All exchange video shall be clearly labeled with the following minimum information: i. Year ii. Game Number iii. Originating Team iv. Vs./@/at Opponent v. Date (YY/MM/DD)

b. Each play of video should be separated into three angles: i. SB = Scoreboard ii. SL = Side Line iii. EZ = End-Zone

c. Video files shall be separated by phase, (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams);

d. Special Teams video will separated by type, such that all of the team’s plays of the same unit (kick-off, kick-off return, punt, punt return, field goal/PAT, and field goal/PAT block) are grouped together and in game order; The individual types may be in any order;

e. Fake kick (i.e, fake fieldgoal/PAT) plays will be included with the other kicks of their type (i.e. field goal/PAT);

FO – TEAM VIDEO EXCHANGE

f. Quick Kick out of an offensive formation will be included in the offensive or defensive play sequences where they occurred within the game sequence;

g. All two-point conversion attempts, which are not fake kicks, will be included in the offensive or defensive play sequences where they occurred within the game sequence;

h. All exchange files shall be in color;

i. All exchange files shall include all start and end points for all camera angles via the MXF Interop Groups .xchange file;

FO - 13.5 NON-CONFERENCE VIDEO EXCHANGE

FO - 13.5.1 DURING COMPETITIVE SEASON Video Exchange with a Non-Conference School during the competitive season is limited to games in which the sending institution participated and may only be sent an out-of- conference school that they are scheduled to play against during that season, as part of a regular exchange;

FO - 13.5.2 OUTSIDE COMPETITIVE SEASON Video exchange with a Non-Conference School outside of the competitive season is limited to games in which the sending institution participated;

FO - 13.6 OFFICIATING/CONFERENCE VIDEO EXCHANGE Each institution shall upload ALL games Home and Away games officiated by American Athletic Conference officials to the Conference office via XOS Thunder Exchange. The game files should be intercut continuous (game sequence) play order;

FO - 13.7 OWNERSHIP All files exchanged are the property of the team that originated the recording and copyright applies. By participating in the American Athletic Conference, originating schools grant limited use license through their exchange to their exchange partner; This limited license grants rights to any internal use by the exchanging partner, but does not transfer ownership of the recording to the exchange partner nor constitute any waiver of copyright;

FO - 13.8 EXCHANGE ISSUES It is expected that American Athletic Conference members will conduct their exchanges in a professional and ethical manner at all times. Members who believe the Football Video Acquisition and Exchange Policy have not been followed will: i. Attempt to seek amenable resolution between the Video Coordinators of the two schools; ii. Should the Video Coordinators not be able to reach agreement to resolve the matter, the Head Football Coaches are expected to discuss the issue with each other directly; iii. Should the Head Football Coaches not reach an amenable solution to the problem directly, then a report should be made to the Conference office liaison; iv. Alleged violations of the American Athletic Conference Football Video Acquisition and Exchange Policy will not be addressed or discussed with the Media at any time;

APPENDIX FO.1 – TELEVISION NETWORK LIMIT LINE

APPENDIX F0.2 – 105 MINUTE MEETING AGENDA

American Athletic Conference – 105 Minute Meeting Example Agenda Day of Week, Month Day, Year – Team A vs. Team B @ Kick Time Location: Meeting Location: Meeting Time ATTENDEES: • Home Game Administrator • Home Team Sport Administrator • In-Game Operations • Event Operations • Stadium Operations • Visiting Team Director of Football Operations • Home Team Director of Football Operations • Game Official/Replay Officials • Game Officials’ Liaison • TV Producer • Red Hat • Instant Replay Staff • Scoreboard & Play Clock Operations • Medical Spotter

AGENDA 1. Home Game Administrator a. Welcome b. Expectations c. Emergency Preparedness and Communications 2. Event Staff Introduction and Roles a. Game Operations b. Timeline 3. Stadium Staff Introduction and Roles a. Guest Services b. Security c. Fire d. Weather 4. TV Producers/Red Hat a. Kickoff Time/Slide b. Review Time Out c. Review Timing Protocol 5. Instant Replay a. Distribute Pagers b. Identify Locations c. Schedule Testing Time 6. Scoreboard and Clock Operators a. Review with Game Officials 7. Director of Football Operations a. Questions or Concerns 8. Home Game Administrator a. Player Ejection Protocols b. Clarifications and Closing

APPENDIX FO.3 – TEAM WARM UPS

In an effort to prevent confrontations between teams during the warm-up period, all on-field officials will be dressed and ready no later than 60 minutes before game time. When players from both teams are on the field, all officials will take the field. The playing field will be divided into an L-shaped 65-yard/35-yard segment until 40 minutes prior to game time (Diagram A). At 40 minutes before kick-off, the teams are to warm-up between opposite 45-yard lines and the end zones (Diagram B). Officials will be positioned to enforce a 10-yard barrier between the 45 yard lines. See Appendix IV for more information.

DIAGRAM A (CLOCK – 60 MINS)

TEAM A SIDELINE G 10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10 G

TEAM A WARM-UP AREA

TEAM B WARM-UP AREA

G 10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10 G TEAM B SIDELINE

DIAGRAM B (CLOCK – 40 MINS) TEAM A SIDELINE G 10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10 G

TEAM A WARM-UP AREA TEAM B WARM-UP AREA

G 10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10 G

APPENDIX FO.4 – CONFERENCE MEDCIAL POLICIES

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Each institution must travel with a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) when traveling with six (6) or more student-athletes to every Championship in all sports other than men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s rowing.

1. An information packet must be compiled by the host institution for each Championship and e-mailed to the visiting athletic training staffs a minimum of two weeks prior to the event.

Packet should include the following information:

a. Host athletic trainer’s office and cell numbers b. Primary physicians on call with office and cell numbers c. Other specialty physicians phone numbers d. Area rescue service/hospitalization/emergency room treatment with maps e. List of supplies and equipment that will be made available. Therapy equipment will be available to team athletic trainers ONLY. Teams that travel with less than 6 will be treated by the host ATC if presented with a written therapy prescription from that institutions athletic trainer. f. Access to host facilities/athletic training room with maps (training room hours should accommodate pre and post contest) g. Available transportation by host school for non-rescue situations h. Copy of reporting form for injuries. The host school should utilize its standard reporting form. i. At all championships, the host ATC must be in possession of an AED.

2. A reporting form must be utilized by the host institution for all treatments/injuries. One copy must be kept on file at the host school and a copy should be sent back with the visiting athletic trainer, coach, or administrator.

3. The NCAA blood rule will be followed for all championships. See the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook for exact verbiage.

4. Specific medical coverage requirements for each championship will be as listed below. Expenses incurred for complying with the following medical coverages are the responsibility of the Conference and should be included in the host school’s settlement report.

Men’s & Women’s Golf Low Risk  Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) on site Men's & Women's Tennis  Physician on call

Women’s Rowing Medium Risk  Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) on site  Physician on call  EMS on site

APPENDIX FO.4 – CONFERENCE MEDCIAL POLICIES

CHAMPIONSHIPS (continued)

5. Specific medical coverage for each championship (continued):

Men's & Women's Cross Country High Risk  Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) on site Men’s & Women’s Soccer  Physician on site Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving  EMS on site Men’s & Women’s Indoor Track & Field  Transportation vehicle on site Men’s & Women’s Basketball Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Softball Baseball

5. The Conference has adopted as policy NCAA Guideline 1E for Lightning Safety. You may find a copy of this policy online at: http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/MD15.pdf

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT POLICY to be updated by Mid- September

The members and administration of the American Athletic Conference recognize that concussions are serious injuries that require a comprehensive medical approach for diagnosis, treatment, and return to academic and athletic activities. The following policy’s primary principles are to approach each concussion individually, as every case is different, and to have a solid foundation/plan for recovery and stepwise progression for return. Each American Athletic Conference institution shall follow the guidelines in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook. Each institution shall have a concussion management plan in place for all sports and an updated plan shall be filed annually with the Conference office by no later than August 1. At minimum, the institution’s concussion management plan must include:

1. The medical staff has the unchallengeable authority to remove a student-athlete from and to return the student-athlete to activities/return to learn. No coach may serve as the primary supervisor for any medical provider, or have hiring, retention or dismissal authority over that provider.

2. The concussion management plan should specifically outline the roles of the athletics healthcare staff (e.g., physician, athletic trainer, physical therapist) and the specific protocol for evaluation and management of concussions.

3. If a student-athlete exhibits signs/symptoms of a concussion, that student-athlete will be immediately removed from play and evaluated by the medical staff.

4. If the student-athlete is diagnosed with a concussion by a certified medical professional, that student-athlete will not be allowed to return to play that day. Monitoring will begin and the concussion management plan for that institution will be adhered to.

5. The full process from initial evaluation to return to activities (including academic and any CARA) must be documented in the student-athlete’s medical record.

6. Baseline testing for all student-athletes will be performed at each institution as part of the initial pre- participation medical exam. The types of baseline testing will be at the discretion of the institution.

These policies and guidelines will be revisited annually by each institution.

APPENDIX FO.4 – CONFERENCE MEDCIAL POLICIES

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT POLICY (continued)

Communication  Each institution must submit annually to the Conference office, by no later than August 1, all Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for each campus competition facility. This information will be available on the Conference website under the Members Only section.

Communication in the sport of Football

a. Each institution will have in place a specific sideline communication plan between the ATC, MD and EMT when an injury occurs (e.g., radio, hand signals). The types of communication will be on file at the Conference office and must be submitted annually by no later than August 1.

b. Each institution’s medical staffs will meet pre-game at approximately 30-60 minutes before kickoff during pre-game warm ups. This meeting will include at minimum: location of EMS/Ambulance, availability of X-ray/Flouroscan, and communication between sidelines (e.g., medical liaisons, radios). EMTs are required to have an in-person meeting with each team’s medical staff prior to the game.

Return to Activities 1. Return to learn and return to activity will be determined by the institution’s medical staff.

2. Activities include any countable athletically related activities (CARA). Return to learn includes any academic-related activities (e.g., classroom, tutoring, study hall).

3. Academic staff will be notified and involved in the management of the student-athlete’s return to the classroom as well as all other academic activities.

4. Management of non-sport related concussions (i.e. automobile accidents, etc.) will be treated the same as sport-related concussions with the same return guidelines.

Education 1. Each institution will develop and determine the mechanism for providing annual concussion education to coaches, support staff and student-athletes. In addition, prior to the beginning of each academic year, the institution shall provide concussion education and shall review the concussion protocol with the medical staff (e.g., physicians, athletic trainers and other health care providers, as appropriate). Each such individual shall sign a form acknowledging that he/she received the annual concussion education.

2. Student-athletes also shall sign a form acknowledging that they have a responsibility to provide truthful information and to report promptly their injuries and illnesses to the medical staff. Coaches shall sign a form acknowledging that they have a responsibility to provide truthful information and to report promptly any student-athlete injury or illness to the medical staff.

3. American coaches will work to modify appropriately athletes’ techniques and encourage safe play to help prevent injuries.

APPENDIX FO.4 – CONFERENCE MEDCIAL POLICIES

Education in the Sport of Football

a. Football game officials will receive annual concussion education from the Conference Office staff as part of their annual certification.

b. There will be conference-wide education on safe tackling in conjunction with a partnership with USA Football and the Heads-up tackling program. The conference shall highlight and explain its initiatives to promote concussion education with respect to parents, its initiatives to promote safe tackling techniques with respect to youth coaches, and its promotion of the values of youth football.

Year-Round Football Practice Guidelines 1. Adopt the 2014 “NCAA inter-association consensus practice guidelines” purpose and background statements.

2. Definition of “full contact live practice”: Any practice that involves live tackling or live scrimmage where players are generally taken to the ground. Live contact does not include: (1) “thud” sessions, or (2) drills that involve “wrapping up;” in these scenarios players are not taken to the ground and contact is not aggressive in nature. Full contact live practices are to be conducted in a manner consistent with existing football playing rules that prohibit targeting to the head or neck area with the helmet, forearm, elbow, or shoulder, or the initiation of contact with the helmet.

3. Preseason practice guidelines

On those days in which institutions schedule a two-a-day practice, “full contact live practices” are only allowed in one practice. A maximum of four (4) live contact practices may occur in a given preseason week, and a maximum of 12 total may occur in preseason. Only three (3) practices (scrimmages) will allow for live contact in greater than 50 percent of the affected practice schedule.

4. In season practice guidelines

“In season” is defined as the period from six (6) days prior to the first regular-season game to the final regular-season game or conference championship game (for participating institutions). There may be no more than two (2) “full contact live practices” per week.

5. Post-Season Practice (Bowl Practice) guidelines:

Only four (4) “full contact live practices” are allowed during post-season practice and they may not occur on consecutive days. Of the four (4) permissible “full contact live practices,” not more than 50% of the allotted practice time of each such practice shall be designated to “full contact.”

6. Spring practice guidelines Of the 15 allowable practice sessions that may occur during the spring practice season, eight (8) such practice sessions may involve “full contact live practice”; three (3) of these eight (8) live contact practices may include greater than 50 percent live contact (scrimmages). Full contact live practices are limited to two (2) in a given week and may not occur on consecutive days.

NCAA Notes Practice Recommendations in the Year-Round Football Practice Contact for College Student-Athletes Recommendations

Although the document includes foundational statements and year-round football practice contact recommendations, you may want to focus your schools’ attention on the recommendations (or help ensure they understand the connection between the foundational statements and the recommendations). Otherwise, there may be some confusion about why they are seeing so much of the information twice.

Foundational Statements.

Preseason Practice.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the language using the current rules. Note that, except for the autonomy conference rule that requires a day off during the preseason, the other items mentioned are not required by the current rules.

Inseason Practice.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the language using the current rules.

Postseason and Bowl Practices.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the language using the current rules. Note that current rules do not establish separate definitions for “bowl practices” and “regular season practices.” Generally, the rules define the end of the playing season as the second Saturday or Sunday in December. And, for those participating in the postseason, FBS postseason games must conclude not later than the second Monday in January and FCS postseason games must conclude not later than the Sunday before the second Monday in January. Current rules related to practice activities apply consistently regardless of how much time there is between the final regular-season game or conference championship game and the next bowl or postseason game.

Spring Practice.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the language using the current rules.

Year-round Training.

It is accurate to indicate that schools cannot implement the language using the current rules. Current rules governing out-of-season athletically related activities must be followed.

Year-round Football Practice Contact Recommendations.

Preseason Practice.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the recommendations using the current rules and 2017 blanket waiver. Except for the autonomy conference rule that requires a day off during the preseason, the other preseason recommendations are not required by the current rules. It may be worth clarifying for the schools that the up to seven-day earlier start to the preseason only is in place for the 2017 preseason (due to the blanket waiver) and that the legislated method for determining the first practice date currently applies to future seasons.

Inseason Practice.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the recommendations using the current rules. However, the period defined as “inseason” by the recommendation is not the same period of time the current rules define as the playing season. The difference in definitions does not appear to affect a school’s ability to implement the recommendations under the current rules, but we wanted to point out that the described “inseason” period differs from the period defined under the current rules.

Postseason and Bowl Practices.

It is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the recommendations using the current rules. Note that current rules do not establish separate definitions for “bowl practices” and “regular season practices.” Generally, the rules define the end of the playing season as the second Saturday or Sunday in December. And, for those participating in the postseason, FBS postseason games must conclude not later than the second Monday in January and FCS postseason games must conclude not later than the Sunday before the second Monday in January. Current rules related to practice activities apply regardless of how much time there is between the final regular-season game or conference championship game and the next bowl or postseason game.

Spring Practice.

Current rules do not permit contact prior to the third practice session. It is not clear whether the recommendation intends to change that requirement, but because the requirement is not specifically stated in the recommendation, we wanted to point out that schools implementing the recommendation remain prohibited from allowing contact to occur prior to the third practice session. Aside from that, it is accurate to indicate that schools can implement the recommendations using the current rules.

NCAA:ka:7.14.17 Application

PLAYING SURFACE FOOTBALL FIELD

The American logos are to be painted on the field between the numbers and hash marks. The logos should be painted diagonally from each other facing the press box on the 25-yard lines. The base of the logo should stretch a total of at least 6 yards, or three on either side of the 25-yard line. In addition to logo placement on the field, the Conference will supply each institution with bulls-eye

caps for chains and goalpost donut pads to be used during each home contest.

1 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0

45 Application

STADIUM COLLATERAL

BASKETBALL ARENA & FOOTBALL STADIUM Conference members are required to prominently hang the banners of each conference members primary mark, as well as the Conference itself. There are no restrictions on the shape or size of each banner.

LED SIGNAGE The use of the conference wordmark is mandatory for venue LED and Video Board signage. Conference branded signage should be included into your regular rotation.