New College Football Rules for 2011

[TDHeysus]

College football teams able to run time off clock - ESPN

The most notable change approved Thursday by the NCAA's Playing Rules Oversight Panel is the 10-second runoff that can occur if a team commits a penalty in the final minute of a half. Opponents will have the option of taking the yardage and the time, the yardage only or declining the penalty.

Last April, the playing rules panel approved a decision to nullify touchdowns if a player is called for taunting before he crosses the goal line. Examples include players finishing touchdown runs by high-stepping into the end zone or pointing the ball toward an opponent.....Previously, the 15-yard penalty was assessed on the extra point attempt, 2-point conversion attempt or the ensuing kickoff. Penalties called after the player crosses the goal line still will be assessed on those plays, but live-ball fouls will be assessed at the spot of the foul and eliminate the score

I'm cool with penalizing most taunting, but high-stepping into the endzone is something I wouldnt include on this list. Anyone remember Deion Sanders??

The defensive team also will be assessed a 5-yard penalty if three or more players try to overpower one offensive lineman on place kicks.

at the risk of sounding ambiguous...I think this rule is garbage. They might as well should just lineup a center and kicker, and have 1 defender try to rush in the block the kick. forget 11 on 11 for place kicks.

 

[GowerND11]

I hate the penalty of running time off the clock. I hate it in the NFL, one of the many reasons I dislike the NFL as compared to NCAA, and I hate it now in NCAA. Penalties happen all the time in the game, why add extra penalty at the end of a half. I understand that can be the "most important" time of the game and players should be more smart to not commit them, but I just feel like it is excessive.

 

[military_irish]

I hate the penalty of running time off the clock. I hate it in the NFL, one of the many reasons I dislike the NFL as compared to NCAA, and I hate it now in NCAA. Penalties happen all the time in the game, why add extra penalty at the end of a half. I understand that can be the "most important" time of the game and players should be more smart to not commit them, but I just feel like it is excessive.

I think it is a rule because a team could "false start" on purpose to stop the clock if they do not have a timeout. So I think it is a preventative measure to keep teams from stopping the clock in late game situations.

Something similiar was when they had the rule that time would run off right when the ball was kicked on kick offs, I seen the Wisconsin v. Penn St. a few years back where Wisconsin went offsides for about 4 or more kickoffs, just to run the time out at the end of the half so Penn St. couldn't get a last chance before half.

 

[woolybug25]

All of these changes are terrible. The taunting rule wont last many seasons.

Remember the Locker TD two seasons ago? bs

 

[IrishLax]

The biggest change affecting us is:

But receivers or running backs lined up outside the tackle box will only be allowed to block below the waist if they are blocking straight ahead or toward the nearest sideline. If they go inside and block toward the play, it would be a penalty.

While this doesn't eliminate schools like Navy from cut blocking it sure makes it a lot harder to blind side our players from weird angles.

 

[phork]

Does Gary Bettman run the NCAA Football rules committee as well?

 

[GowerND11]

I think it is a rule because a team could "false start" on purpose to stop the clock if they do not have a timeout. So I think it is a preventative measure to keep teams from stopping the clock in late game situations.

Something similiar was when they had the rule that time would run off right when the ball was kicked on kick offs, I seen the Wisconsin v. Penn St. a few years back where Wisconsin went offsides for about 4 or more kickoffs, just to run the time out at the end of the half so Penn St. couldn't get a last chance before half.

I understand that is the reason. But isn't that part of the game? Part of gamesmanship? And what about a left tackle "tackling" a defensive end because he is beat? What about a corner who is burned by a reciever grabbing jersey to slow him down? Aren't these the same kind of penalty since the player is trying to prevent a consequence they do not want?
Plus it is not fair to a team when a player just does something wrong.

I can see it now.... 8 seconds left, down by four on the 7. Time for two plays, oh wait accidental false start game over.
Imagine if that were to happen say in the National Championship?

 

[JughedJones]

"Penalties called after the player crosses the goal line still will be assessed on those plays, but live-ball fouls will be assessed at the spot of the foul and eliminate the score"

Whoa.....

That's gonna go over well. Imagine that changing the outcome of a game.

There could seriously be a riot.

 

[IrishLax]

"Penalties called after the player crosses the goal line still will be assessed on those plays, but live-ball fouls will be assessed at the spot of the foul and eliminate the score"

Whoa.....

That's gonna go over well. Imagine that changing the outcome of a game.

There could seriously be a riot.

Yeah, it's a short sighted and dumb change by the NCAA. Way too subjective of a rule. There have already been a large number of "interesting" excessive celebration calls that a lot of people thought might be point shaving.... this gives the refs sooooo much power.

 

[BGIF]

NCAA News Release

NCAA News Release

Publish date: Apr 15, 2011
PROP approves football rules changes for 2011
By Greg Johnson
NCAA.org

The Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved changes in football to better manage blocking below the waist and enhance player safety for the upcoming 2011 season.

The panel, which met via conference call Thursday, agreed with NCAA Football Rules Committee recommendations that attempt to eliminate unsuspecting players from absorbing low blocks. The rules committee made its recommendations in February. All rules changes proposed by NCAA playing-rules committees must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel before being implemented.

Beginning this coming season, blocking below the waist will be illegal except on scrimmage plays in the following instances:


•Wide receivers more than seven yards from the center at the snap of the ball can block below the waist only against a player facing him or toward the nearest sideline.
•Running backs/receivers in the backfield and outside the tackle box (the area five yards on either side of the center) or players in motion can block below the waist only on players facing them or toward the nearest sideline.
Players on the line of scrimmage within seven yards of the center are still allowed to block below the waist anywhere on the field.

Previously, officials had to determine where a player started at the snap or, in the case of wide receivers, how far down the field the receiver was to determine whether the block below the waist was legal.

Also in the player-safety vein, the panel approved penalizing instances in which three defensive players line up shoulder-to-shoulder and move forward on place kicks. Coaches on the NCAA Football Rules Committee cited examples of where one offensive lineman is overpowered by three defensive players in an attempt to penetrate the line of scrimmage to block a kick.

Another new football rule that will be enforced is a 10-second rundown of the game clock if a team commits a foul that stops the clock in the final minute of both halves.

The opponent has three options in these instances:


•Take the yardage penalty and the 10-second rundown.
•Take the yardage penalty without the 10-second rundown.
•Decline both the 10-second rundown and the penalty yardage.
Taunting rule takes effect this fall
This will be the first year of the rule change regarding unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, which will be treated as either live-ball or dead-ball fouls. Previously, all fouls of this kind were treated as dead-ball fouls.

The change means, for example, that if a player makes a taunting gesture to an opponent on the way to scoring a touchdown, the flag would nullify the score and penalize the offending team 15 yards from the spot of the foul.

Penalties for dead-ball misconduct fouls (for example, unsportsmanlike behavior after the player crosses the goal line) continue to be assessed on the ensuing kickoff or the extra point/two point conversion attempt.

Another rule that goes into effect this season is video monitors being allowed in the coaches’ booth for the purpose of determining whether a team should request an instant-replay challenge. Only a live broadcast of the game will be allowed (that is, no editing/rewinding capabilities). If monitors are installed, the home team must provide the same equipment in both coaching booths.

 

[irish1958]

"Penalties called after the player crosses the goal line still will be assessed on those plays, but live-ball fouls will be assessed at the spot of the foul and eliminate the score"

Whoa.....

That's gonna go over well. Imagine that changing the outcome of a game.

There could seriously be a riot.

I think it is a great rule. Screw those hot dogging SOBs. It would be great if they lost a National Championship doing it.
After all, if it weren't for the other ten guys, they would be lying flat on their *** five yards behind the line of scrimmage. They act like they did it alone.It reminds me of what a bull leaves behind him.

 

[BGIF]

Yeah, it's a short sighted and dumb change by the NCAA. Way too subjective of a rule. There have already been a large number of "interesting" excessive celebration calls that a lot of people thought might be point shaving.... this gives the refs sooooo much power.

More than The Clip on Rocket's KO return TD versus Colorado?

The Bush Push No Call?

The Spot on the fumble that set up the Push?

Phantom penalties in the Coliseum calling back ND TDs?

Is there anything more subjective than "Holding", "Clipping", "Pass Interference", ... ?

 

[irish1958]

More than The Clip on Rocket's KO return TD versus Colorado?

The Bush Push No Call?

The Spot on the fumble that set up the Push?

Phantom penalties in the Coliseum calling back ND TDs?

Is there anything more subjective than "Holding", "Clipping", "Pass Interference", ... ?

Why did you have to bring those up. My Internist just got my blood pressure back to normal and now you got it sky high again.

 

[IrishLax]

More than The Clip on Rocket's KO return TD versus Colorado?

The Bush Push No Call?

The Spot on the fumble that set up the Push?

Phantom penalties in the Coliseum calling back ND TDs?

Is there anything more subjective than "Holding", "Clipping", "Pass Interference", ... ?

The Clip on Rocket's TD lives in infamy with the Miami Pass Interference, 5th Down, etc.... but to answer your question squarely... YES excessive celebration is more subjective. You can look at those calls, look at the letter of the rule and say "they got it wrong" but excessive celebration is a very murky sliding scale of gray.

There is no penalty in the game more subjective than excessive celebration, taunting, etc... the fact that it can now negate a score crosses a line. Is a fist pump running down the sideline excessive celebration? What about point to the sky in a "thank you God" kind of way? What about going down on one knee in prayer?

 

[NDinFL]

The Clip on Rocket's TD lives in infamy with the Miami Pass Interference, 5th Down, etc.... but to answer your question squarely... YES excessive celebration is more subjective. You can look at those calls, look at the letter of the rule and say "they got it wrong" but excessive celebration is a very murky sliding scale of gray.

There is no penalty in the game more subjective than excessive celebration, taunting, etc... the fact that it can now negate a score crosses a line. Is a fist pump running down the sideline excessive celebration? What about point to the sky in a "thank you God" kind of way? What about going down on one knee in prayer?

In regards to the excessive celebration.... doesn't the NFL rule mainly deal with things like using props, having teammates participate in the celebration itself... (Chad Ochocinco/Johnson/Whatever the hell his name is, using the pylon to play putt putt)

I'm not sure of the exact nature of the college one, but I'm pretty sure that the NFL put theirs in place to cut down on the shenanigans of T.O. and Chad's usage of props...

 

[military_irish]

I understand that is the reason. But isn't that part of the game? Part of gamesmanship? And what about a left tackle "tackling" a defensive end because he is beat? What about a corner who is burned by a reciever grabbing jersey to slow him down? Aren't these the same kind of penalty since the player is trying to prevent a consequence they do not want?
Plus it is not fair to a team when a player just does something wrong.

I can see it now.... 8 seconds left, down by four on the 7. Time for two plays, oh wait accidental false start game over.
Imagine if that were to happen say in the National Championship?

I agree it does suck, but just like the recent Cal v. Oregon a guy falls down with a false injury just to slow down the Oregon offense, and many thought it was wrong and looked down upon Cal.

So imagine if ND is in the National Championship and who ever they are playing is down by 2 but just hit a pass to make it to the 7 yard line. The other team then hustles to the line and before the whole team gets to the line the center snaps it just to have a dead ball penalty. They get a whole new clock and time to run the FG team on, with just 5 yards tacked on. So now they have a chance to kick a FG from the 12 yard line, they kick and win. Game over, all because the other team purposely caused a penalty.

Agreed accidental penalties happen, but teams can abuse it too.

 

[GowerND11]

Well see I discussed this with a friend of mine. He offered this solution as that kind of scenario was brought up. What if after the penalty, within a minute, there is no stoppage. Once the ball is placed after the yards are assessed the clock runs again as it were to prior to the penalty? I believe that may be a better compromise than the 10 second runoff

 

[ND_HAS_RISEN]

I agree it does suck, but just like the recent Cal v. Oregon a guy falls down with a false injury just to slow down the Oregon offense, and many thought it was wrong and looked down upon Cal.

So imagine if ND is in the National Championship and who ever they are playing is down by 2 but just hit a pass to make it to the 7 yard line. The other team then hustles to the line and before the whole team gets to the line the center snaps it just to have a dead ball penalty. They get a whole new clock and time to run the FG team on, with just 5 yards tacked on. So now they have a chance to kick a FG from the 12 yard line, they kick and win. Game over, all because the other team purposely caused a penalty.

Agreed accidental penalties happen, but teams can abuse it too.

Does anyone remmber the NC/Tenn Bowl game....

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Tennessee Volunteers - Recap - December 30, 2010 - ESPN

 

[military_irish]

Well see I discussed this with a friend of mine. He offered this solution as that kind of scenario was brought up. What if after the penalty, within a minute, there is no stoppage. Once the ball is placed after the yards are assessed the clock runs again as it were to prior to the penalty? I believe that may be a better compromise than the 10 second runoff

That actually is a good way to compromise for the accidentaly penalties, but then again if they cause that penality it will still allow the team to run the FG team out as quickly as possible and still hit a FG.

Teams have run a FG team out with 2 seconds left and barely got it off to win a game, so if they cause a penalty it gives them more time, while the refs spot the ball, to run a FG team out and actually set up a good FG attempt.

I agree it can be bad if teams do it by accident, but then again their are always pros and cons to everything.

 

[GowerND11]

That actually is a good way to compromise for the accidentaly penalties, but then again if they cause that penality it will still allow the team to run the FG team out as quickly as possible and still hit a FG.

Teams have run a FG team out with 2 seconds left and barely got it off to win a game, so if they cause a penalty it gives them more time, while the refs spot the ball, to run a FG team out and actually set up a good FG attempt.

I agree it can be bad if teams do it by accident, but then again their are always pros and cons to everything.

Understandable. Again I just feel that taking time off the clock is a terrible idea. I feel that id it can be the case with a minute left in the half, it should be done all through the game. Hence why I do dislike that new rule.

 

[TDHeysus]

Yeah, it's a short sighted and dumb change by the NCAA. Way too subjective of a rule. There have already been a large number of "interesting" excessive celebration calls that a lot of people thought might be point shaving.... this gives the refs sooooo much power.

interesting point....I think with regards to point-shaving it also empowers a player too.

Consider:
A WR who is on the take, and his number is called in the huddle...he catches a pass and has a wide open field for the TD. Since he is on the take, and doesnt want to score, he purposely high-steps from the 20yard line, negating the TD. Then he can act all upset about the penalty, and still shave points, and get off scott-free.

I think the rules committee out-thunk themselves on this one.....horrible rule

 

[BGIF]

... Is a fist pump running down the sideline excessive celebration? What about point to the sky in a "thank you God" kind of way? What about going down on one knee in prayer?

A fist pump running down the sideline is prima facie. Do you pump a fist on 3rd and 1, or student body right? Your focus is the goal or in this case goal line. You're not going to pump a fist with a Safety between you and the endzone. It's done when you've broken into the clear and chose to taunt the opponent.

Show me the ball carrier on the 5 yd line that's going to point to the sky with Manti waiting on the 2 yd line. They only do that AFTER they're in the clear. "HEY LOOK AT ME!" "YOU SUCK!" Take your pick. They're both penalties.

No need for a penalty if you've take a knee on the way to the endzone, you're down. You just have to explain you religious moment to your coach as to why you didn't get in the endzone.

As for kneeling after the score that again is simply calling attention to one's self. Why didn't you make a dramatic kneel and give thanks after the one handed grab at the 20 or when you dragged 3 defenders an extra 4 yds to make the 1st down and keep a drive alive.

"Act like you've been there before" is a simple doctrine and doesn't give a ref the chance to make a make a call - one way or the other.

 

[BGIF]

I agree it does suck, but just like the recent Cal v. Oregon a guy falls down with a false injury just to slow down the Oregon offense, and many thought it was wrong and looked down upon Cal.

... .

Faking injuries isn't new. The NCAA took steps against that after the 1953 season. The undefeated Irish were trailing Iowa by a TD as time was expiring in the first half. With two seconds left in the half and no timeouts remaining an ND OL went down grabbing his back. Refs called an injury timeout. Guglielmi then threw a TD pass to tie as time expired in the half. Iowa took the lead with 2 minutes left in the game. ND got to Iowa's 9 with 6 seconds on the clock and no timeouts left. The same OL went down again. Only problem was 4 other ND OLs also went down with injuries. Refs called another injury timeout. On the last play of the game Guglielmi threw his second TD pass as time expired. ND remained undefeated and went undefeated for the season. There was a big uproar but the unethical Fainting or Feigning Irish. There was no rule against what they did but it wasn't considered good sportsmanship. ND dropped to #2 in the polls and lost a National Championship in the AP and UPI polls. During the offseason the NCAA adopted a rule that if a player that went down wiith an injury, he had to leave the game and could not return until the following quarter.

 

[BGIF]

interesting point....I think with regards to point-shaving it also empowers a player too.

Consider:
A WR who is on the take, and his number is called in the huddle...he catches a pass and has a wide open field for the TD. Since he is on the take, and doesnt want to score, he purposely high-steps from the 20yard line, negating the TD. Then he can act all upset about the penalty, and still shave points, and get off scott-free.

I think the rules committee out-thunk themselves on this one.....horrible rule

You're reaching, really reaching. How many times a season can a WR make the open field catch and high step to negate a TD? Think about it.

This summer every team will be showing videos explaining the new rules. Position coaches will reinforce it. It's a lot easier AND explainable for a WR to short arm the pass, stumble and have the pass bounce off his fingertips, chest, or shoulder pads, or slip in the open field while pulling in the ball, or drop it changing hands, OR drop it on the 2 yd line "thinking" he was in the endzone. There are highlight (or lowlight) films of that every sesason - in college and the NFL.

 

[JughedJones]

I think it is a great rule. Screw those hot dogging SOBs. It would be great if they lost a National Championship doing it.
After all, if it weren't for the other ten guys, they would be lying flat on their *** five yards behind the line of scrimmage. They act like they did it alone.It reminds me of what a bull leaves behind him.

YouTube - Get Off My Lawn

(An imbed would be great here!)

 

[phork]

My thing would be to score the TD, hand the ref the ball then run to the sideline and celebrate like crazy. These guys are kids for God's sake, let them have some fun.

 

[BGIF]

My thing would be to score the TD, hand the ref the ball then run to the sideline and celebrate like crazy. These guys are kids for God's sake, let them have some fun.

^

 

[IrishLax]

A fist pump running down the sideline is prima facie. Do you pump a fist on 3rd and 1, or student body right? Your focus is the goal or in this case goal line. You're not going to pump a fist with a Safety between you and the endzone. It's done when you've broken into the clear and chose to taunt the opponent.

Show me the ball carrier on the 5 yd line that's going to point to the sky with Manti waiting on the 2 yd line. They only do that AFTER they're in the clear. "HEY LOOK AT ME!" "YOU SUCK!" Take your pick. They're both penalties.

No need for a penalty if you've take a knee on the way to the endzone, you're down. You just have to explain you religious moment to your coach as to why you didn't get in the endzone.

As for kneeling after the score that again is simply calling attention to one's self. Why didn't you make a dramatic kneel and give thanks after the one handed grab at the 20 or when you dragged 3 defenders an extra 4 yds to make the 1st down and keep a drive alive.

"Act like you've been there before" is a simple doctrine and doesn't give a ref the chance to make a make a call - one way or the other.

*woosh*

My point was that any of those may or may not be deemed excessive celebration by a different official. I'm only talking about the subjectivity of an excessive celebration call versus other calls. I could care less what you personally think of any given action, or that you feel that people should "act like they've been there."

I care about there being a lack of granularity in the way the rule is written such that war too much is subjective and left up to interpretation.