[Bob M.]

REPLY: Having worked some under both FED and NCAA rules, I'd offer my opinions on the rules--not the states that use them! The FED code is clearly easier to learn. However, that ease of learning comes at a price. The FED code eschews 'exceptions.' [Note: The two foremost 'exceptions' that do exist in Fed code are the numbering exception and the momentum exception.] As a result of the FED's distaste for exceptions, there are places where apparent conflicts might be seen to exist and it might be unclear as to which rule trumps the other. Likewise, there are places where gaps exist. The NCAA code too has its inconsistencies, apparent conflicts, and gaps, but it is a "tighter" code in its entirety. The NCAA code has been structured primarily for the college game that appears on TV, e.g. the rule that says that all players' socks must match, or the rule which specifies precisely what shades of gray are permissible for gloves. The FED rules have no such restrictions. In fact, the word 'socks' doesn't even appear in the FED rule book. It's also claimed that the FED code provides a safer environment with it's further restrictions on BBWs. I've never seen any data to either support or refute that claim, but that's the claim nonetheless. As for which rule set gives you a better football product?? I guess that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have my opinion, but I'm sure that everyone else does as well.