Looks like the scoring team will have to have their KO team ready to go as so as the try is over. Officials will have to hustle to their KO positions. Would appear to speed up the game without taking playing time away.
I wonder if Texas high schools (UIL) will keep this if it passes?
I think JasonTx said it it, too, but the proposed rule applies only to the period between the scoring of a TD and the Try, and to the period after a kickoff and the next scrimmage play. The period after a Try and before the ensuing kickoff is not affected.
As for NCAA games, teams will need to make some adjustments to get their “extra point” teams on the field quickly following a TD. Sometimes those scores come abruptly, and those squad members may be ‘lounging around,’ not prepared to get on the field immediately. Coaches will have to fix that, probably by keeping their special teams together on the sideline, helmets at hand, etc., so they can jump on the field immediately following the score. As with many new rules, there will be some heartburn by some teams over this, but they’ll just have to adjust.
I don’t see as much issue following a kickoff. The incoming offense is usually gathered and getting instructions from the OC during the KO, anyway. They just need to be ready to hustle onto the field when the KO is over, and not wait until the opposing defense is on the field for their final instructions. Not a big deal, IMHO.
Now, if there is a turnover on the KO, there is a much greater chance of a having a problem getting the defense back on the field, as they may be scattered in the team area at that time.
As big of a problem may be getting the special teams from the Try/kickoff off the field. They won’t be able to dawdle getting off the field.
What we don’t know, yet, is when the 40 second play clock is to be started. To be purely consistent, the clock would start when the TD signal is given on a TD play, and when the clock is stopped on a kickoff. But, I’m thinking that should get stretched to after the R gives his score signal on a TD, and when the players unpile; get out of the opponents team area; get clear of each other after a KO. (Note: I know many Rs discontinued giving score signals some years ago. They may have to resume doing that.) Then, everyone, including the officials, will have to haul buns to get to their positions, get the ball ready for play, etc. I can see getting the ball spotted by 32 seconds for a Try. But that’s gonna be tough after a KO.
The real problem will be getting to practice this before the first game. At pre-season scrimmages, crews are simply going to have to ask teams to run some plays like that, to get some practice. Hopefully, they’ll oblige.
As for Texas (U.I.L.) high school, I’m guessing the U.I.L. will make this another of their multitude of “exceptions” to the NCAA rules.
Robert
