NCAA Football Rules Committee Proposes Key Changes to Improve Game Integrity and Efficiency
Tackling the Issue of Feigned Injuries in College Football
The NCAA Football Rules Committee has announced a significant proposal to address the growing concern of players feigning injuries as a tactical ploy to disrupt the flow of the game. The proposed rule would charge a team with a timeout if one of its players falls to the ground due to an apparent injury after the ball is spotted for the next play. This move aims to curb the practice of faking injuries, which has become a controversial strategy used by defenses to slow down tempo offenses or by offenses to avoid delay-of-game penalties. While the proposal stops short of requiring players who receive medical attention to sit out the remainder of the possession—a suggestion made by the American Football Coaches Association—it introduces stricter penalties for teams that exploit injury stoppages. If a team has no timeouts remaining, a 5-yard delay-of-game penalty would be assessed.
The committee emphasized its reluctance to force injured players to sit out an entire possession, as this could lead to players attempting to play through legitimate injuries. National coordinator of officials Steve Shaw explained that most feigned injuries occur after the ball is spotted, and eliminating these instances would "clean up" the game. Since 2021, the NCAA has allowed schools or conferences to request postgame video reviews of suspected injury manipulation, with potential disciplinary action for offending teams. This new proposal builds on those efforts, reinforcing the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.
Limiting Timeouts in Overtime to Keep the Game Moving
In another effort to improve game flow, the committee proposed a rule change regarding timeouts in overtime periods. Under the new proposal, if a game reaches a third overtime, each team would be limited to one timeout for the remainder of the game. Currently, teams are allotted one timeout per overtime period. The rationale behind this change is to prevent unnecessary stoppages when the game is in its final stages. With teams alternating 2-point conversion attempts in the third overtime, the committee believes it is essential to minimize interruptions and keep the game moving. This change reflects the NCAA’s broader goal of enhancing the pace of play while maintaining excitement in high-stakes situations.
Simplifying Replay Decision Terminology for Clarity
The committee also recommended simplifying the terminology used by referees when announcing decisions made through instant replay. moving forward, referees will only use the terms "upheld" or "overturned" to describe replay decisions, eliminating the use of "confirmed" and "stands." Shaw explained that the previous terms led to unnecessary delays during reviews, as officials often struggled to decide between "confirmed" and "stands." By streamlining the language, the NCAA aims to reduce confusion and speed up the replay process, ensuring that games remain efficient and fan-friendly.
Addressing the Issue of 12 Men on the Field in Critical Situations
In response to a high-profile incident involving Oregon and Ohio State during the 2023 season, the committee proposed a formal rule to address the issue of defensive teams having 12 players on the field. The proposed rule states that after the two-minute timeout in either half, if the defense commits a foul with 12 or more players on the field and they participate in the play, a 5-yard penalty will be administered. The offensive team will also have the option to reset the game clock to the time at the start of the play. However, if the 12th player is deemed to be leaving the field and not influencing the play, the defensive team will still receive a 5-yard penalty, but the game clock will not be adjusted. This rule formalizes guidance issued by the committee in October 2023 and aims to prevent teams from exploiting substitution rules to gain an unfair advantage.
Other Notable Proposals Aimed at Enhancing Fairness and Sportsmanship
The committee also introduced several other proposals to enhance the game’s fairness and sportsmanship. One such proposal would immediately whistle a kick return play dead if any player on the kick return team makes a "T" signal, a gesture often used to mock injured players. Additionally, the committee sought to address "disconcerting signals" by prohibiting defensive players from using terms that mimic the cadence or signals of the offense. Terms like "move" and "stem" would be reserved exclusively for defensive players. Finally, in a move to improve communication, coach-to-player communication would now be permitted in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). These changes collectively aim to promote a more respectful and competitive environment for all players.
The Road Ahead for Rule Changes
All proposed rule changes must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to discuss football rules on April 16. If approved, the new rules will go into effect for the 2024 season. The committee’s efforts reflect a balance between maintaining player safety, ensuring competitive integrity, and addressing concerns raised by coaches and fans alike. By addressing issues such as feigned injuries, overtime timeouts, and substitution penalties, the NCAA continues to evolve the game while preserving its core values. As college football remains one of the most popular sports in the United States, these changes aim to enhance the fan experience and ensure that the game remains fair, exciting, and respectful for all involved.
