USF forced to ditch plans to place 'THE TEAM' on back of jerseys
TAMPA, Fla. -- So much for USF's idea to stitch "THE TEAM" on the back of its football jerseys this fall.
On Tuesday, the Bulls reversed course on their untraditional idea to place "THE TEAM" on the back of each player's jersey instead of an individual's last name. The change was made because the concept violates NCAA Rule 1-4-5, which governs design of football jerseys.
According to the rule, a jersey can only contain: A player's number; a player's name; the school name; an NCAA logo; sleeve stripes; a logo for a school, conference, mascot, postseason-game, memorial or military affiliation; an American flag; and a state flag.
The rule states, "By interpretation, only military service academies may substitute words such as Honor, Integrity, etc. for the player's name on the back of the jersey. This interpretation applies only to the military service academies; civilian institutions may not substitute other words for the player's name."
The jerseys will remain blank above the number for now.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
