NFL Uniform Rules & Regulations Explained

A multi-billion-dollar company, National Football League (NFL), has enforced strict Baseball Uniforms rules and regulations, just like all other companies. They have issued a complete rule book comprising nine pages that states the uniform compulsions. They tell what is appropriate to wear before, during, and after games. Violation of these uniform rules can result in the elimination of the team from the championship. Else players have to pay heavy fines. Each team needs to design their custom football uniforms in accordance with these guidelines.

Surprisingly Strict Dress Code

The rules and regulations for the dress code of the NFL players are quite strict. This astoundingly nine pages long uniform policy has many clauses each dealing with particular dress properties. Guidelines have imposed a prohibition on the use of pants above knees and bandanas. NFL has directed players to properly tuck in their jerseys. It has allowed the players to only place towels in front of their pants. Some players are not willing to wear the face mask that is not sanctioned by the league. Before NFL grants the approval, such players have to submit a written report approved by a certified doctor.

NFL has been charging players or teams in case of any violation since its commencement. NFL raised the cash amount of penalties in 2014 to discourage players to make any violations. The minimum fine once used to be $5,250, reaching the maximum amount of $15,000. But now the maximum penalty has reached an amount of $100,000.

One of the top reasons for such strict rules and regulations for uniforms and equipment is sponsorship. Several companies sponsor the NFL, and this sponsorship demands the suppression of their competitors. Therefore, there are particular instructions for the teams for logo placements. NFL has legal and contractual obligations towards its sponsors. NFL has instructed the teams to avoid exhibition and use of logos of the competitors of the NFL’s sponsors. They are not allowed to merchandise these competitors. Nike is in a sponsorship contract with NFL till the end of 2016. So, the teams that visibly dress in markings from other apparel brands, competing with Nike, have to pay fines. It is the most

The NFL implemented its numbering system to its uniforms in 1973, this is where we can trace its origin. The following number system was originally announced by NFL in rule 5, section 1, and article 2.

Changes to NFL Numbering Rules: NFL had allotted fresh number ranges to various position groups of the players for new sessions. Particularly, for running backs, tight ends, and receivers new number brackets tripled the number of options for an individual player.

Before this new numbering system, the knickers, punters, and quarterbacks had single-digit jersey numbers. In the new numbering system, the group has extended including defensive backs, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. The breakdown of this new numbering system is here:

Even before this, in 1984, two major changes took place to this number system. These changes were necessary to make up for the lack of numbers allotted to a single position. In this context, NFL allowed numbers 90 to 99 for the linebackers and defensive linemen. Many other teams wish to choose a base 3 to 4 defense. Before this alteration, only 50 to 59 numbers defined the linebackers.

In 2004 another change occurred in the numbering system. The major reason behind this was that the respective teams of very high-profile receivers retired their numbers. In response to this action, the NFL authorities had to allow wide receivers to wear numbers between 10 to 19 too. Though the numbers associated with them before this were only 80 to 89. Keyshawn Johnson, a famous wide receiver, had been paying fines willing for wearing number 19 long before this alteration.

NFL has directed players to keep the towels only in the front of their pants. San Diego Chargers had to pass through an investigation process. They bear allegations of using an adhesive substance on their towels. Later authorities cleared that those allegations were baseless. But the NFL still charged them $20,000 as they refused to hand over the towels to the authority immediately.

The decorations on the team’s custom football jerseys should be according to the NFL guidelines. NFL asked the teams to take care while embodying any club identification, decoration, and end zone marking. The designers must know that the marks or decorations must not cause confusion in any way to the allocation of end lines, sidelines, and goal lines. The decorations on any uniform are only acceptable if NFL Commissioner has approved them.

Due to the very strict rules of the NFL and high penalties NFL players often brand it as a “No Fun League.” The mixed assortment of the appearances of players makes it a no-fun league. The players have to dip themselves in various colors. Different colored mouth guards, shoes, gloves, arm bands, and socks. They think they look more like a funky characters than a professional football player. Well, rules are rules, and every team needs to follow them. Designing their custom football pants or jerseys they have to be very keen and specific.

AthleisureX can alleviate all your stress by managing things on its own. We keep ourselves updated and understand all the regulations very well. You can trust us blindly to design and provide you with your custom football uniforms. We will manufacture them according to the standards without compromising the quality.