I don't usually have the U position, but sometimes I do, so knowing when a ball can be substituted and when not, looks like an important thing to know.
On fourth down, kicker A1 enters the field with an approved game ball and asks the referee to substitute it for the ball used during the previous down. RULING: Substitution of the ball is not permitted.
But as I read Rule 1-3-2, I don't see anything that backs up this A.R.? Or in better wording: why is substitution not allowed and when would it have been?
ARTICLE 2. a. The game officials shall test and be sole judge of not more than six balls offered for play by each team before and during the game.
The game officials may approve additional balls if warranted by conditions.
b. Home management shall provide a pressure pump and measuring device.
c. The home team is responsible for providing legal balls and should notify the opponent of the ball to be used.
d. During the entire game, either team may use a new or nearly new ball of its choice when it is in possession, providing the ball meets the required specifications and has been measured and tested according to rule (Exception: The official NCAA football shall be used for the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, II and III championships).
e. The visiting team is responsible for providing the legal balls it wishes to use while it is in possession if the balls provided by the home team are not acceptable.
f. All balls to be used must be presented to the referee for testing at least 60 minutes before the start of the game. Once the teams have presented the game balls to the referee, they remain under the general supervision of the officials throughout the game.
g. When the ball becomes dead in a side zone, is unfit for play, is subject to measurement in a side zone or is inaccessible, a replacement ball shall be obtained from a ball person (A.R. 1-3-2-I).
h. The referee or umpire shall determine the legality of each ball before it is put in play.
i. The following procedures shall be used when measuring a ball:
1. All measurements shall be made after the ball is legally inflated.
2. The long circumference shall be measured around the ends of the ball but not over the laces.
3. The long diameter shall be measured with calipers from end to end but not in the nose indentation.
4. The short circumference shall be measured around the ball, over the valve and over the lace but not over the cross lace.
