Gloves

[Efrem]

I have under armor gloves that are gray and black on top with a silver front that would be on the ball.  I also have a white and gray pair would i be able to use any of these and if not where can I find a gray pair of gloves.

[Arvon]

Andrew,

Thank you for your question I apologize for the slight delay in answering it.  As my profile states there will be slight delays in my reply during the football season as I travel to officiate games.  I have just returned and have reviewed your question.  In brief gloves must be GRAY.  Gray all over nor Black & Gray [except for the NIKE Vaper - see below] or any other color or color combination - solid gray. Rule 1 is very specific about the color of gloves [Rule 1-4-5-b].  It sates that: "If worn, gloves or hand pads must be gray in color. The recommended shades of gray are Pantone Cool Gray 8C, Cool Gray 9C, 423C and 430C."

The reason for the rule is to assure contrasting colors.  Hold is a problem that plagues the game.  If you have gloves that are white or black on top you hands will blend in to the opponents jersey and make it difficult to see holding fouls.  Thus since the one color teams do not use for their Jersey is Gray [Pantone Cool Gray 8C, Cool Gray 9C, 423C and 430C] the NCAA Rules Committee created a rule to only permit gray gloves to assure that gloves and hand pads will be a contrasting color with uniform colors.

The rule also provides: "Gloves or hand pads that are not gray in color or not in conformance with Rule 1-4-5-b. A glove is a fitted covering for a hand having separate sections for each finger and thumb, without any additional material that connects any of the fingers and/or thumb, and that completely covers each finger and thumb.

Gloves and hand pads that do not have a securely attached label or

stamp(NFL/NCAA Specifications”) indicating voluntary compliance

with test specifications on file with the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.(Exception: Hand pads became subject to this rule in 2006.)"

Per an 8/26/08 memo from the NCAA "regarding the Nike Vapor glove. These gloves, which have black palms, have been ruled LEGAL for NCAA

competition. This issue will be reviewed by the rules committee at our February 2009 meeting, but these gloves are legal for competition this season."  Understand that this glove has a black palm, the top is gray.  Under Armor gloves have not been permitted under this exception; also understand most gloves that have two colors(Gray & Black, Gray & White, Gray & Red, etc.) don't have a solid gray only color on the top portion of the glove as this Nike Vapor.

So to briefly answer your question: the Gloves you are wearing are not legal.  Most sporting good stores should have the proper type of glove(although the Big 5 store I last went to did not have any that were legal).  Check on-line and only order gloves with GRAY TOPS(i.e. Under Armor Gray/Gray football gloves, Cutter football Gloves, Reebok football gloves, Neumann football gloves, etc.).  If you don't get them in time for your game this week, go to the "UMPIRE" before the game and ask him to advise you if you can wear the gloves you currently have during the game.  He may use his discretion and permit it or he may strictly enforce the rule.

Best of luck,

Victor Winnek

NCAA Football Official