Home Team Environment
It is the expectation of the committee that hosts of any contest during the NCAA Division
I Football Championship provide a competitive environment consistent with the significance
of the championship event. The championship environment includes the participating teams,
crowd, bands, cheerleaders, public address announcer, in-venue audio and video content as
well as other individuals, events and elements associated with the contest. While preliminary
round competition is held at campus facilities, the environment surrounding the event may
need to be notably different from regular season contests within the facility. The following
are examples of expectations of the committee from the host institution in this regard:
1. Artificial Elements. Artificial elements (e.g., fireworks, smoke, cannons, artificial
sounds/noises, video board productions) used to enhance the experience for
participating teams and fans may be used by either team; however, such elements
(e.g., mascots, video boards) should not be used to demean the opposing team in any
manner or create an unsportsmanlike environment.
2. Artificial Noisemakers. Artificial noisemakers (e.g., thunder sticks, cow bells, air
horns) shall not be permitted inside the venue, and such instruments shall be removed
from the playing and spectator areas at the request of the NCAA game representative.
Bands, or any component thereof, shall not play while the game is in progress (after
either team breaks its huddle). See 2009-10 NCAA Division I General Requirements
Handbook for additional information.
3. Seating. Host institutions shall adhere to all NCAA championship policies regarding
the seating and location of home and visiting fans as well as team bands. It should
be understood that the intent of such policies is to provide an atmosphere that helps
limit the impact of crowd and band noise in the seating area immediately around the
team bench. See other sections regarding seating within this handbook for additional
information.
4. Monitoring. The host institution shall designate a person for each sideline to be
responsible for ensuring a championship environment for both teams and ensuring that
only appropriately credentialed individuals are inside the team bench areas during the
contest. Further, the NCAA game representative shall be empowered to address any
situation that may not be meeting the intent of expected championship environment.