The NCAA rules committee is seeking input from coaches, administrators, and officials prior to the rules committee meeting. This usually is an indication of the types of things they are going to discuss. Most of these will not pass, but they are least discussing them. Here's something good to chew on during the offseason.

What is your opinion about the previous rules changes below?
  • It is a foul if a defensive player runs forward from beyond the neutral zone and leaps or hurdles in an obvious attempt to block a field goal or try.
  • The Horse Collar tackle now includes grabbing the nameplate area.

What is your opinion about the points of emphasis below?
  • Halftime intermission is 20 minutes and is not extended beyond that time.
  • Coaches may not leave the coaching box to protest officiating decisions.


NEW RULES TOPICS/EMPHASIS
Share your opinion on the following:
  • After an official signals a Touchdown, the 40 second play clock will start for the Try.
  • After a punt or free kick where there is no subsequent media time-out, the 40 second play clock will start for the next snap.
  • The clock will continue to run after a first down is gained in the field of play, except in the last two minutes of each half when the clock would stop when the ball is dead and start on the referee’s signal.
  • After an incomplete pass, the clock stops. When the ball is ready for play, the clock will start on the referee’s signal, except in the last two minutes of each half when the clock would start on the snap. (Note: This rule would mirror the out-of-bounds rules.)
  • The committee should allow, for Conference Games only, the experimental use of technology for Coach to Player communications.
  • Under current rules, hurdling is illegal EXCEPT by the ball carrier. It should also be illegal for the ball carrier to hurdle an opponent.
  • Under current rules, blindside blocks are legal unless the action is targeting. Blindside blocks would remain legal only if forcible contact was delivered with open hands and extended arms or if the block was a screen type block without delivering forcible contact.
  • Based on AFCA feedback, blocking below the waist in the open field on scrimmage downs should be illegal, just as blocking below the waist currently is during kick downs and after a change of possession. Should the committee consider making blocking below the waist illegal when the block occurs 10 yards or more beyond the line of scrimmage on scrimmage plays?
  • The committee should consider not allowing symbols, words, numbers or logos on the mouthpiece with the exception of a single school, manufacturer’s or distributor’s normal label or trademark.
  • The committee should change the Instant Replay rules to allow the IR Official to review this foul only if the call was made on the field. This would be paired with a modification to the officiating mechanics that would state that “when in question” it is a foul for Ineligible Receiver downfield.
  • The committee should consider making the penalty enforcement for Defensive Pass Interference a Spot Foul even if the foul occurs more than 15 yards from the previous spot.
  • The committee should consider making the penalty enforcement for Offensive Pass Interference a 10 yard penalty from the previous spot.
  • Under current rules, it is illegal for the receiving team to form a three man wedge. Should the committee consider making a two man wedge illegal?
  • Under current rules, the replay official shall review every play of the game to determine if a stop is warranted. In order to potentially reduce the number of replay stops, the committee should allow replay to review all scoring plays and plays involving a change of possession, and every play inside the last two minutes of each half and during overtime. The head coach may initiate a challenge at any time within the game by utilizing a team timeout. If the challenge is successful, the head coach retains the challenge.