FOOTBALL GAME MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL Game Procedures/Protocol 
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Regulation The scoreboard clock will be the official time. The official game clock shall be set and started ninety (90) minutes before game time. Time Action to be taken 60 minutes before kickoff The field is cleared and available for teams 5 minutes before kickoff National Anthem. Teams on field and standing at attention.
3 minutes before kickoff Coin toss at the center of the field.
Each team’s long side for kickers to warm up will be the side closest to their team’s bench. All games shall have a twenty (20) minute halftime intermission. If there are any exceptions, the visiting team must be notified at least forty‐eight (48) hours before the scheduled contest.  Starting lineups may be introduced but student‐athletes are not required to run on the field in order to start the game on time.  Game management is responsible for sideline control and allowing only authorized personnel on the sideline area. Game Management  At each Conference football contest, the home institution shall provide and identify to game officials and the competing teams, an athletics department designee on the premises as the person in charge of game management at that event.  The primary game management administrator must introduce himself/herself to the opposing team’s head coach and game officials prior to the start of the contest to let those parties know they are available to assist with any crowd control or game management issues. On Game Day: the host must have someone present to do the following for the visiting team:  Meet the buses as they arrive and escort the team to the dressing room.  Identify the training room and indicate where and when player taping should take place.  Review the procedures for dressing room security.  Be sure the visiting coaches know how to access the press box.  Review telephone line availability.  Provide a cart to haul heavier equipment and gear if the buses cannot park near the dressing room.  Provide a game day itinerary/timing sheet. Two (2) weeks prior to the contest:  The home team should contact the visiting team to obtain the following: o Estimated arrival time o Cell phone numbers of primary contacts o Practice needs 
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During this contact, the host should inform the visitor of the following: o Practice time o Cell phone numbers for primary host team contacts o Press box capabilities, number of visiting coaches permitted o Game filming logistical concerns Field 
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Regulation playing field marked to NCAA specifications. Retaining barrier between spectator and team bench area. A minimum of four (4) benches for the visiting team. Two twenty‐five second clocks, visible to players, fans and officials. Regulation field pylons. Visible American flag in view for teams and spectators with national anthem played before the game.  Northeast‐10 logo vests for down and distance crew required. Game Day Operations  Public address system with play by play announcer.  Professional security for players and spectators.  Trained down and distance crew with vests.  Ballpersons on either side of the field.  Trained official clock operator/timekeeper. Medical Staff  Certified trainer at game site.  Team physician available at game site.  Ambulance service available at game site. Visiting Team Provisions  The host institution shall ensure that the visiting team’s locker room is secure and shall provide the visiting team access to that area at least two (2) hours prior to game time, at the start of halftime and immediately following the game.  The visiting team shall be provided water, ice and bench towels.  Grease boards shall be available to visiting teams in meeting space both pregame, during halftime and on the sidelines. Visiting Team Accommodations  Easiest access to the field for visiting teams.  Sheltered area for visiting team and restroom access (both pre‐game and halftime).  Space large enough for full team meetings during pre‐game and halftime.