report atatched. Lots of info.
Rule changes (this was just a discussion as teh actual rules committee meeting comes Feb 8-11)
Rules Changes the Coordinators Recommended include:
Scrimmage Kick Formation. This should require that if a potential kicker is alone
deep in the backfield, he must be at least 10 yards deep rather than seven, and
that a kicker and holder at seven yards would be the requirement for more than
one player. The rule should reflect the requirement be that “it is obvious that a
scrimmage kick will be attempted.”
Defenseless Player. Add “sliding ball carrier” to the list of defenseless players.
Charged Team Timeouts. All timeouts are recommended to be one minute
(plus the 25-second count) unless the head coach requests a 30-second timeout,
which would restore the previous rule. Another option is to allow a coach one
full timeout with the other two being for 30 seconds. (Media timeouts
accompanying team timeouts supersede this rule.)
Game Clock. Rule 3-4-3 (Referee’s broad clock authority) would be enhanced by
mandating that, at the option of the offended team, the game clock start on the
snap after a foul by the team ahead in the score. The 10-second-runoff rule
would not be affected by such a change.
Ineligible receiver downfield The committee last year changed the rule to allow
ineligible receivers to roam only one yard downfield rather than three, but this
was reversed at a higher level. The coordinators recommend that the
committee again approve this change.
Tripping. The coordinators recommend that tripping be made illegal for all
players—that is, the exception for ball carrier needs to be eliminated.
Targeting. In the area of targeting, the coordinators support giving the replay official more
latitude and flexibility to examine the entire targeting call, as distinct from only ruling on
where the forcible contact occurs, which is the current rule. There is also support for the
replay official to “create” a targeting foul, but only in the rare case where the officials on
the field miss a blatantly clear and obvious instance of targeting. The replay officials
would be admonished to take such action only if they are presented with an
undoubtedly egregious targeting play that was not so ruled by the officials.
Blocking Below the Waist. Coordinators recommend that it be disallowed except
in close line play immediately after the snap.
Low Hits on the Passer. The exception to allow for a wrap-up tackle should
include language that prohibits forcible contact with the head or shoulder.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Two UNS fouls by the coach should result in
disqualification, which is the rule for players.
Medical Observer. The experiment has been successful and should be made a
rule change.
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