INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) released an interpretation for Field of Play Rule 1.21.d.
Interpretation of Field of Play Rule 1.21.d
- Caps shall be worn throughout the entire game by all players on the bench and in the water.
- If a player loses their cap or a cap breaks, a replacement cap must be available to exchange, report the cap number to the referee and score table.
- In the event that you do not have a replacement cap, the player without a cap must exit the field of play, and a replacement player may be substituted. The player without a cap may only re-enter the field of play once the cap is located and put back on.
- At all times, the referee should apply the advantage rule (Rule 3-5) in determining when to stop play.
- It is the responsibility of each team to have a replacement cap available prior to the start of the game.
- If a team does not have such cap, please be sure to notify the officials prior to the start of the game so they can be prepared to follow the above procedures.