Rules Related To Flying Drone Delays UMass Vs New Mexico State Football Game

A drone was seen flying over Aggie Memorial Stadium before the commencement of Saturday’s Week 0 matchup between Massachusetts and New Mexico State.

This season, the NCAA put into effect a new regulation prohibiting drones from flying above the field or team areas.

Rules Related To Flying Drone Delays UMass Vs New Mexico State Football Game

The first games of week zero of the college football season will be played on Saturday.

Even though their game versus New Mexico State on Saturday night was momentarily interrupted for an odd reason, UMass was one of the schools suited up for game action.

Prior to the second quarter start by New Mexico State, the game had to be stopped by officials because a drone had entered the stadium and was flying low over the field. Shortly after the drone took off, play began again.

UMass and New Mexico State were even at the time of the break, 7-7. The final score was 41-30 in favor of UMass, marking the school’s first victory over an FBS opponent since 1984. In their previous meeting, New Mexico State prevailed 23-13.

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Taisun Phommachanh, the new quarterback for UMass, was the highlight of the game, gaining 192 yards via the air and another 96 on the ground. He scored on the ground as well. The 41 points scored by UMass were the most in a single game since November 3, 2018.

With his team leading by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Minutemen defensive back Isaiah Rutherford recovered an interception and returned it 57 yards for a score to help seal the victory.

What is the rule about drones at college sports games?

According to the Football Foundation, Rule 1-4-11-d’s drone policy is as follows:

When team members are present inside the playing enclosure, drones are not permitted above the playing field or the team area. Drone activity will be governed by game management (or conference rules) outside of the restriction lines. All applicable FAA, state, municipal, and school policies are covered by this governance.

What makes drones prohibited at college sporting events?

There was regulations in place that prohibited drones from being used in collegiate athletics airspace until the 2022 season. according to the Federal Aviation Administration

It is illegal to fly drones in or near stadiums that can hold 30,000 or more spectators beginning one hour before and continuing until one hour after the start of any of the following events:

Major League Baseball Game
National Football League Game
NCAA Division One Football Game
NASCAR Sprint Cup, Indy Car, and Champ Series Race

 

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