Why Do College Footballs Have Stripes?

College footballs have white stripes.

Football has been played on the collegiate level since 1869. The game has gone through many changes since then. As game play has changed, so has the equipment. The equipment has evolved throughout the years along the different playing levels: high school, college and professional. There are differences in the balls used on these levels.

Purpose of Stripes

The main purpose that has been given for the stripes on the college football is that it makes the ball easier to see at night. The NFL has no need for the stripes as its stadiums are extremely well-lit. However, college stadiums, especially in the smaller conferences and divisions, are not nearly as bright. Having the stripe will create a white circle when passed, assisting the receiver.

History

For the first four decades the game existed on the collegiate level, the rules prohibited the forward pass. It was not until 1906 that it was legal. As the forward pass became more prevalent, the composition of the ball changed so both the passer and receiver could grip the ball better. The ball was often made from a pig's bladder. Balls are now made from leather.

Ball Specifications

Per the NCAA rules, the official game ball measures between 10-7/8 and 11-7/16 inches long. The circumference around the middle has to be 20-3/4 to 21-1/4 inches. Along the oval edge of the ball, the circumference is to measure 27-3/4 to 28-1/2 inches. The exterior consists of four panels of pebble-grained leather and eight laces. The color is natural tan and the ball is inflated to a pressure of 12-1/2 to 13-1/2 pounds per square inch. Two white stripes are painted on the panels adjacent to the laces and are 3 inches from the edge of the ball.

Ball Differences by Level

On the high school level, the balls are under less stringent guidelines than the NCAA. There are no actual rules that state the ball must be made of leather. Also, the balls can be slightly smaller. High school balls do have the stripes. NFL footballs do not have the stripes. They also have league logos on the exterior. There is no significant difference in size than the college ball.

Manufacturers/Production

Wilson is the largest manufacturer of regulation NCAA footballs. The football is made of four equal-sized panels. Two of the panels will have the laces placed through their edges. After the panels are stitched together, a bladder will be placed into the hole left for the laces. The laces, made of leather and colored white, are then placed on the ball.

References

• NCAA Rule Book