It is truly extraordinary times that we are living in. The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging on, the political environment is as polarizing as ever, and there’s a renewed social justice movement that continues to be front and center of almost everything.
It’s the last point that the NCAA has gone all-in with support on. According to a release from the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, rules have been modified. Prior to the modification, some sports do not allow patches, while rules for other sports do not address the topic.
Panel members met last week and reaffirmed and expanded existing rules, which will now allow student-athletes two places on the uniform, one on the front and one on the back, to express support and voice their opinions.
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved rules to allow student-athletes to wear patches on their uniforms for commemorative and memorial purposes as well as to support social justice issues: https://t.co/yjuEsMYMy7 pic.twitter.com/AdWLgFMZ0D
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) July 30, 2020
There are a few restrictions to abide by. From the release:
“The patch must not exceed 2¼ square inches and must be placed on the front or sleeve of the uniform. While not all team members are required to wear the patch, they must be identical for those who choose to wear them.”
“The second location is on the back of the uniform where the player name is traditionally located and, as authorized by the school or conference, will allow names/words intended to celebrate or memorialize people, events or other causes. The names or words may vary by team member.”
So there you have it. Based on the support for the social justice movement Ohio State players and coaches have expressed through it all, you can probably expect the Buckeye uniforms to adorn something in support — that is — as long as we have a season.
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