The NCAA rules do not explicitly prohibit all forms of sign-stealing, and there's a nuanced approach to what is and isn't allowed.
1 Rule 1-11-h (NCAA Football 2023 Rules Book): This rule forbids recording the signals of an opposing team through any audio or video means. However, its scope is limited to individuals in the "team area" during a game, essentially covering players, coaches, and specific staff on the field sidelines.
2 2022-2023 NCAA Division 1 Manual Bylaw 11.6.1: This bylaw strictly prohibits off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents within the same season, with specific exceptions. Importantly, this rule seems directly targeted at institutional staff members, not extending to independent spectators or fans.
3 Rule Changes and Implications: Before August 2013, different rules applied to scouting across various sports. A significant change occurred in 2013, standardizing the scouting rules across all sports. This change also removed a ban on paying for scouting services, implying that institutions could now pay third parties for scouting information.
The Gray Area In The NCAA Bylaws
In essence, while you cannot record signals during the game on the field, institutions appear to be within their rights to hire third parties to scout and even record signals of opponents outside of the actual game area or off-campus.
