From staff reports
The NCAA Football Rules Committee has proposed changes to more strictly enforce rules related to players' safety and to speed up play. The committee addressed helmet contact, "horse collar" tackling and chop blocks, among other things.
After a year of consideration, the committee also has proposed a 40/25-second play clock to encourage a consistent pace of play, according to a statement released today by the NCAA.
The proposals will be sent for membership comment and considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel before taking effect.
One proposed rule would clarify the chop block. Another would prohibit any player from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the runner down -- the so-called horse-collar tackle.
Two other proposals deal with the pace of play. The rules committee proposed a 40/25-second play clock system in an effort to standardize the pace of play. Unless the game is stopped for administrative reasons, such as a change of possession or, injury, the offensive team will have 40 seconds to snap the ball after it is declared dead.
Additionally, the committee made a change in the timing of the game after a play in which a runner goes out of bounds. Except in the last two minutes of each half, the game clock will start on a signal from the referee, rather than on the snap.
The committee also made the following proposals:
* In the rules relating to instant replay, plays in which a fumble leads to an immediate recovery may be reviewed.
* In replay rules, a coach who challenges a play and is successful would retain the right to challenge one more time for a maximum of two.
* When a kickoff goes out of bounds, the receiving team may accept the ball at the 40-yard line instead of the 35.
* The incidental 5-yard face mask foul was removed. All face mask fouls (pulling, twisting or turning) would be 15-yard penalties.
* A yardage penalty for sideline control would be instituted.
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