|
Rule number
|
Rule difference
|
Notes
|
|
1-4-5-q
|
Eye shields that are not clear are illegal
|
This is part of the prohibited
equipment rule. The operative words here are "not clear". Last year, the rule
said "not transparent", and this change makes it absolutely clear what is
required. Also, last year's procedure to allow exceptions has been removed.
There is now no exception to the rule.
Note to all players with tinted
visors - buy a clear one!
|
|
2-15-4-c
|
Kicking tee may not elevate the ball more than 1 inch
|
This change is to reduce the height of
the tee so that the ball's lowest point is now no more than one inch above
the ground instead of two. The NFL made this change a few years ago, and it
is designed to reduce the number of touchbacks in the game and thus keep the
clock moving (as well as creating a more exciting game).
Note to all teams - buy a new tee!
|
|
3-2-5
|
When the ball is free kicked, the game clock will start
|
This change again alters the point at
which the clock starts on the kickoff. Now, the clock starts when the ball is
kicked without exception. This is a rule which has changed a couple of times
since 1997.
|
|
3-2-5-e
|
Game clock starts on ready-for-play when Team B is
awarded a first down
|
This change has generated a large amount
of controversy about shortening games. We don't believe it will significantly
affect British games as referees will be advised to make sure both teams have
made their substitutions before starting the clock.
|
|
7-1-3 Penalty & 7-1-4 Penalty
|
Fouls on snap on scrimmage kick plays may be enforced
from succeeding spot
|
This change introduces to the NCAA a
change the NFL made last year. It only occurs during a scrimmage-kick play
that is not a field goal attempt, and only applies to illegal shift, illegal
motion, illegal substitution and illegal formation fouls. It allows Team B to
choose enforcement from the subsequent dead ball spot (if the ball belongs to
Team B) or from the proceeding spot. If Team A remain in possession at the
end of the down, then the penalty must be enforced from the previous spot.
Last year in the NFL, most teams chose enforcement from the dead ball spot,
thus avoiding replaying the down and saving time.
|
|
12
|
Instant replay procedures adopted
|
Although we don't expect it to be used
in the near future (for lack of televised games), we have adopted the NCAA
instant replay provisions. They differ from the NFL ones in that coaches only
have one challenge per game, but the replay official can instigate a review
at any time. The review is conducted by the replay official in the booth, not
by the referee at the sideline.
|
|
13-6
|
Sanctions
|
This change formalises the present
arrangement whereby leagues have the power to punish (or not) teams that fail
to meet mandatory game management provisions. Leagues must publish a list of
sanctions before the season starts, and we expect will not want to apply them
to all possible breaches. Extreme sanctions can only be used where there is
evidence that the integrity of the game has been compromised (i.e. cheating).
|
|
14-3
|
New 5 on 5 flag rules
|
BAFA has now included the rules for
5-a-side flag football in the rulebook.
|
Acknowledgements: BAFA thanks Stephen Bowness of the NZGOA
for his notes on the NCAA rule changes.
