NCAA allowing players to alter jerseys to support social justice

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a measure allowing athletes to show their support for social justice issues with patches on their uniforms.

Athletes can now have names or words in support of causes or to celebrate or memorialize people on the back of uniforms where the player name is traditionally located. The statement must receive approval from the school or conference.

The names or words may vary for each player.

The group also approved a second place for a small patch on the front of a uniform in order to commemorate or memorialize people, events or other causes. It must be placed on the front or sleeve of the uniform.

Professional leagues such as the NBA and WNBA have allowed similar measures, with players choosing phrases to wear phrases such as Say Her Name, Equality, Freedom and Peace. In some cases, players have chosen to honor the memory of George Floyd or Breonna Taylor, whose deaths sparked protests against police brutality across the country.

The panel also approved the following changes for the 2020-21 season to enhance safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

■ The expansion of the sidelines for football games, going from the 25-yard lines to the 15-yard lines in order to provide more space for players, coaches and staff and avoid bunching up.

■ The coin toss at the start of football games will be limited to two officials and one captain from each team, eliminating personnel such as additional captains, media members and ceremonial captains.

■ Soccer players who are ejected for spitting at an opponent must serve a two-game penalty instead of an ejection and one-game suspension under the current rules.

■ Women’s volleyball teams will remain on the same bench during the entire match rather than switching benches after each set.