Article 1 – Teams
Each team consists of 12 players on the field at any one time.
Article 2 – Team Designation
The team which puts the ball into play shall be identified as Team A, and the other team as Team B, for identification in Approved Rulings in the Case Book.
Article 3 – Team Captains
- a) At all times, each team shall have on the field a player designated as captain, and so identified to the officials. The captain shall be the sole communicator between the team and the officials, through the Referee, and shall be entitled to an explanation of the rules. No prolonged argument is to be allowed and the Referee's decision cannot be disputed.
- b) Commenting by a player, or any occupant of the bench, for the supposed benefit of the officials shall be penalized. Penalty L10. No option.
- c) A captain will be informed by the Referee when a choice is to be made such as on a kick off at the start of a half, or after a touchdown or field goal, or in the case of a foul where the captain of the non-offending team shall be given the choice of the penalty, or option provided. After the choice on a kick off has been communicated to the opponents by the Referee, the choice may not be revoked. After the choice of penalty or option has been made, the choice may not be revoked.
- d) The Referee may decline a request for a measurement if satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that a first down has or has not been made.
- e) When the distance chains are called in to determine whether a first down has been made, only the on-field captain of each team shall be permitted in the vicinity of the measurement.