I’ve begun my NCAA rules study and I have a few observations and questions. I’ve taken the advice of people here and I’m using the Reddings Guide to lead me through. I also purchased the Rulebook and the differences book.
The Reddings Guide starts with kicking, and then moves to scrimmage play. I read Rule 2, and then Rule 6. I came away feeling that the NCAA rules are significantly different from the Fed rules. I don’t know if it’s just the kicking rules that are significantly different, but they’re so different that it almost feels overwhelming. Nonetheless, I am beginning to understand those differences and I can get most kicking case-plays correct (not nearly good enough). I know it’s going to take time.
I have now also read Rules 4, 5, and part of 7. I’m getting ready to study scrimmage requirements in the Reddings book. I have a bunch of questions and all help is appreciated.
I’ve read that a kicking tee “may not elevate the balls lowest point more than one inch.” I’m pretty sure it’s 2” in NFHS rules. Does NCAA use different tees or am I missing something?
Is Illegal touch on a scrimmage or free kick a flag or a bean bag? I think I need to look at the mechanics manual for that one.
Is the term “expanded neutral zone” an accepted term?
I know that an invalid fair catch signal isn’t a foul, but is a flag thrown?
I have a question about this play… Reddings guide, kicking question #7 (page 27): Team A tries an onside kickoff from the A-30. Before the untouched kick has traveled 10 yards, A62 blocks B50 into the ball at the A-35. The block is above the waist from the front. A57 recovers the ball while downed at the A-41. RULING: By blocking before being eligible to touch the ball, A62 fouled. Also, since B50 was blocked into the ball, he is deemed not to have touched it.
Team B has three options: (a) accept the penalty for the blocking foul from the previous spot and have Team A rekick following the 5 yard penalty; (b) accept the penalty for the blocking foul from the succeeding spot; or (c) decline the penalty, accept the illegal touching privilege and put the ball in play at the spot of illegal touching, the A-41. The clock starts on the snap.
Is forced touching also illegal touching? I have read that forced touching is “no touching.” I also don’t see the rule that would make A62’s block and subsequent touching by B50 illegal touching.
The 3 and 1 principle doesn’t seem to be as obvious as “all but one.” It seems like the 3 and 1 is more of the exception than the rule. It only seems to come into play with a few types of fouls.
The names of fouls seem much different. They have long technical names like “advancing a dead ball” instead of “Delay of Game” or “Grabbing the inside back collar or inside collar of the shoulder pads or jersey” rather than “Horse-collar.” What is the accepted terminology for fouls and announcements? Are the short names used?
That’s pretty much it for now. I’m sure there will be more soon. Thanks for all your help!
