Neutral Site Hosting Rules

[raginbeef]

Let me start this off by saying I am woefully ignorant on this topic, but maybe someone here can help answer my questions.

I remember when we hosted at the Tigue in 2014 and 2016, we were told that they wanted to make the host environment as close to a neutral site as possible. No extra emphasis put on UL scoring, announcing UL players, no playing of our unique chants, none of our typical scoreboard animations, fight songs played for both teams after scoring. To me I don’t understand that, because it defeats some of the purpose of being the host and having a home field advantage. But we were told those were the rules, and to my knowledge they were followed.

What I don’t know is if these regulations have been changed or relaxed in the past 8-10 years. Regardless, they did not seem to apply at A&M. In the first 3 games we played in, I noticed fight songs for both teams being played. Maybe I just missed it, but I don’t remember that taking place for us last night. I don’t recall any scoreboard animations, but they were definitely playing chants over the PA. I know it doesn’t really matter, and I even disagree with the rules to begin with, but if they are still in place, then they should be followed for all.

[R1Letterman]

It only applied to us. Also see how much better seats our opponents were given than what our fans receive at other aites, especially softball.

(Some softball hosts didnt even give us locker rooms yet we given them indoor practice facility, batting cages etc)

[cjr3888]

Sounds like it depends on the on site rep. ECU fans weren't allowed to bring their megaphones but A&M fans were allowed to bring their stupid bubble makers.

[Cajun90]

Sounds like it depends on the on site rep. ECU fans weren't allowed to bring their megaphones but A&M fans were allowed to bring their stupid bubble makers.

NCAA rules are different for different sports and for championships how heavily the rules are enforced is often dependent upon the NCAA rep.

Unlike megaphones the Bubble makers are not noise makers or amplifiers so they get a pass. I understand how they can be a potential distraction but personally don't have an issue with it.

In reference to teams getting locker rooms etc. the NCAA does not require the host institution to provide locker rooms, only bathrooms. This does not prevent the host institution from doing so it just has to be equitable. Another words you must provide consistent access to the same amenities for all teams. The host team is allowed use of their clubhouse for all games up until pre-game batting practice starts.

[Scott Malkinson]

Let me start this off by saying I am woefully ignorant on this topic, but maybe someone here can help answer my questions.

I remember when we hosted at the Tigue in 2014 and 2016, we were told that they wanted to make the host environment as close to a neutral site as possible. No extra emphasis put on UL scoring, announcing UL players, no playing of our unique chants, none of our typical scoreboard animations, fight songs played for both teams after scoring. To me I don’t understand that, because it defeats some of the purpose of being the host and having a home field advantage. But we were told those were the rules, and to my knowledge they were followed.

What I don’t know is if these regulations have been changed or relaxed in the past 8-10 years. Regardless, they did not seem to apply at A&M. In the first 3 games we played in, I noticed fight songs for both teams being played. Maybe I just missed it, but I don’t remember that taking place for us last night. I don’t recall any scoreboard animations, but they were definitely playing chants over the PA. I know it doesn’t really matter, and I even disagree with the rules to begin with, but if they are still in place, then they should be followed for all.

I know that Softball was still allowed to keep up the banners in the outfield. The time before that all of banners were taken down.

[Cajuns1]

Never forget one of the NCAA reps SCREAMING at our music guy one night because he played "Louisiana Saturday Night." On a Saturday Night. In Louisiana. He said he would "pull the plug on the laptop if we tried doing that again."

Flash forward to 60 miles down the road, where they played their full video intro, player walk up songs, etc.

I think it all depends on the onsite rep. Oh, and also what conference you're in.

[CajunVic]

fairness is not weighted on a uniform scale of justice