Mascots Beware: NCAA Rule Lets Officials Eject Non-Players for Disruption
According to the CFB rulebook, mascots and sideline personnel can be kicked out if they cause too much chaos on the field.
Here’s something you might not know: mascots and other non-players, like cheerleaders or sideline personnel, can actually be kicked out of a game if they cause too much of a ruckus.
Yep, according to the 2024 NCAA Football Rulebook, if a mascot or anyone else who’s not a player gets too disruptive, they can be ejected from the field.
Basically, if a mascot is running wild or getting in the way—maybe dancing in the end zone when they shouldn’t be or stepping onto the field during a play—they can get booted. It’s all about keeping things under control and making sure the game isn’t interrupted.
The officials have the power to throw the flag for unsportsmanlike conduct (a 15-yard penalty) and, if things get bad enough, they can tell that mascot (or whoever it is) to hit the road for the rest of the game.
It’s a rule to keep the game flowing smoothly and prevent any outside interference from causing chaos on the field. So, next time you see a mascot getting a little too bold, just know—there’s a rule to send them packing!
If you found this interesting, check out the article about how coaches handle headset communications!