The NCAA Football Rules Committee has moved ahead with a proposal to get tough on taunting and also make it more difficult for players with concussions trying to tough it out. Both proposals must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel. Players who draw a flag for the taunting gesture on their way to a touchdown would have the penalty assessed from the spot of the foul, taking away the score. Penalties that occur in the end zone would continue to be assessed on the extra-point attempt, 2-point conversion try, or ensuing kickoff. The change would take effect in 2011 and a release posted on the NCAA’s web site, said the proposal seems to have received solid consent support. “Taunting and prolonged individual acts have no place in our game, and our officials have generally handled these rules well,” said former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti, the committee chair. “This is just another step in maintaining our game’s image and reflecting the ideals of the NCAA overall.” Taunting rules seem to have become a topic of debate among college football players, coaches and fans every season. The prevention and treatment of concussions has also seem to be a hot topic in recent years. Accordingly, it appears committee members show sign of supporting more stringent standards to keep players healthy. With approval, injured players – including those with concussion symptoms – would have to be cleared by a doctor before returning to any sports related activities. The new consideration comes after the playing rules panel instructed a review of current policies concerning the stoppage of play due to injuries and also to help prevent head injuries. Flags for taunting on touchdowns could wind up costing a team more than just field position. More Proposed Rule Changes: – Television monitors will be allowed in the coaches booths beginning in 2011. The home team will have the responsibility ensuring that coach’s for both teams have identical television capability. – Requiring players who wear solid “eye black” to display no words, logos, numbers or other symbols. That will be effective next season. – Ending the requirement that players pants always cover the knees. – Eliminating the intentional “wedge” on kickoffs and punts, a rule the NFL adopted last season. – Recommendation that all conferences that do not have a pregame warm-up policy; use a 10-yard “no-player” buffer zone between the 45-yard lines beginning 60 minutes before kickoff. Discuss Proposed Rule changes
