NCAA Announces new rule changes

[ponyscott]

Much ado about nothing, although we did use the Wedge blocking scheme last year and saved us against several bigger teams like East Carolina and Marshall.

NCAA rule changes: Eye black messages, wedge blocking banned; major taunting changes for 2011
12:05 PM Thu, Apr 15, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Chuck Carlton/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


The NCAA's Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved three major football rule changes. Here's a quick read on the rules and the implications.

1. Wedge blocking banned on kickoffs. No longer will groups of three or more players be able to plow ahead of the returner, shoulder to shoulder. The wedge led to unnecessary injuries, especially concussions and seemed like a throwback to 1910. Verdict: Good riddance.

2. No eye black messages. Accurately or not, this will be viewed as the Tim Tebow rule. Players will not be able to feature a favorite Bible verse or a shoutout to an area code or simply make a statement. Verdict: Is this really a problem?

3. New taunting penalties. Players who are flagged for taunting while scoring a touchdown will be penalized from the spot of the foul, beginning in 2011. In other words, the points will come off the scoreboard. Verdict: Expect inconsistency and controversy. Imagine a player diving into the end zone between defenders for a go-ahead score. Taunting or valid play? The difference will be either a touchdown or the ball at the 16. Big difference. Remember, the penalty call on Georgia's A.J. Green after a touchdown against LSU last year?

[Eye In the Sky]

I'm glad the NCAA is doing something about the eye black messages. I don't have a problem with the Bible verses, but I don't need to see anymore area codes, zip codes, or anything else. Wear the eye for its intended purpose, not just to "represent."

[couch 'em]

1. Wedge blocking banned on kickoffs. No longer will groups of three or more players be able to plow ahead of the returner, shoulder to shoulder. The wedge led to unnecessary injuries, especially concussions and seemed like a throwback to 1910. Verdict: Good riddance.

How will this even be enforced? A certain distance between players?

3. New taunting penalties. Players who are flagged for taunting while scoring a touchdown will be penalized from the spot of the foul, beginning in 2011. In other words, the points will come off the scoreboard. Verdict: Expect inconsistency and controversy. Imagine a player diving into the end zone between defenders for a go-ahead score. Taunting or valid play? The difference will be either a touchdown or the ball at the 16. Big difference. Remember, the penalty call on Georgia's A.J. Green after a touchdown against LSU last year?

This is horrible. I'm sick of taunting too, but you can be sure this will screw someone over. If someone taunts in the endzone, will they take points off and consider the goal line the spot of foul?

[couch 'em]

I'm glad the NCAA is doing something about the eye black messages. I don't have a problem with the Bible verses, but I don't need to see anymore area codes, zip codes, or anything else. Wear the eye for its intended purpose, not just to "represent."

Are bible verses not "represent"ing personal religious views and commentary?

[ponyte]

I got a sick feeling that inconsistent application of these new rules is going to cost us a few games. The less than stellar officiating I have witnessed of late (primarily non SMU games) doesn’t instill in me any confidence that the NCAA can define and educate officials so that the rules are consistently applied.

[The PonyGrad]

Really seems like they are banning religious expression. If they said no commercial messages then I might, might, understand this rule.

[Mexmustang]

I don't like taunting, I do like celebrations--this is college football and spirit and emotion are what distinguish it from pro football. The problem is what is the difference? how do you distinguish? Rather than penalize the play, why not the player? Make him sit out the balance of the quarter? or similar to soccer gets a yellow card, if two occur sits out for the next game? At least the officials or league have time to make a proper judgement over the week. You all probably have some better ideas--but don't take points off the board.

I am far more concerned with the proposal that beginning next year, summer school cannot be used to correct grade deficiencies/eligibility and how SMU plans to handle it and when.

[couch 'em]

I just don't see the need for the harsher taunting penalties. It isn't like there is a huge issue with taunting as it is now.

[Stallion]

Mexmustang where did you see that proposal about summer school - does it apply to both incoming recruits and regular students? That would be a pretty important rule change.

[Mexmustang]

It is something we need to investigate in detail...

[Mestengo]

Ahhh don't we pray before every football game?
So why can't you paint your face with a bible.
One way or the other is the way I see it.

[ponyte]

I don't like taunting, I do like celebrations--this is college football and spirit and emotion are what distinguish it from pro football. The problem is what is the difference? how do you distinguish? Rather than penalize the play, why not the player? Make him sit out the balance of the quarter? or similar to soccer gets a yellow card, if two occur sits out for the next game? At least the officials or league have time to make a proper judgement over the week. You all probably have some better ideas--but don't take points off the board.

I am far more concerned with the proposal that beginning next year, summer school cannot be used to correct grade deficiencies/eligibility and how SMU plans to handle it and when.

Though I understand the concept to temper judgements about taunting with tangible consequences, I have to disagree on using the yellow card method. The last thing football needs is to start adapting a wussy sport like socoer's rules.

[Mexmustang]

It seems that they are bent on some form of harsher penalty, I just offered it up as an alternative to taking points off the board--I vote to leave it the way it is.

[Junior]

Really seems like they are banning religious expression. If they said no commercial messages then I might, might, understand this rule.

How is an area code (such as Reggie Bush made popular at USC and has been copied a thousand times) a religious expression?

[Junior]

Ahhh don't we pray before every football game?
So why can't you paint your face with a bible.
One way or the other is the way I see it.

Praying before a game is usually an organized group activity. I think the NCAA is trying to cut out all the "hey, look how cool of an individual I am" BS that seems to be in the game.