In football, changes are proposed to the timing rules

The NCAA Football Rules Committee has proposed several timing rule changes intended to continue efforts to control the flow of the game and encourage more consistent play management.

The committee expects the adjustments finalized Friday in Indianapolis to modestly reduce the number of games, something the committee plans to scrutinize during the 2023 season.

If approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on April 20, the game clock will resume running when a first down is achieved. Currently, the game clock stops when a first down is achieved and restarts when the offense is awarded a first down. The game clock is still stopped when a first down is achieved in the last two minutes of either half.

“This rule change is a small step to reduce overall playing time and give us time to evaluate the impact of the change,” said Kirby Smart, committee chairman and Georgia coach.

The committee recommends two other adjustments to further reduce game breaks:

• Teams would be prohibited from calling consecutive team timeouts.
• Penalties given at the end of the first and third quarters would carry over and be enforced on the first play of the next quarter.

The committee also assesses the possible effects of the rule changes on the general condition of the game and on the health and safety of the athletes.

In the area of ​​technology, the committee approved the use of optional instant replay in games where there is no official responsible for instant replay. Last season, the Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conducted a successful pilot program for the rule. This model allows the referee to use the available video to make decisions on reviewable plays after a coach’s challenge.

Other clarifications by the committee were, for example,

• Establishing guidelines for second-half warm-up activities, including requiring teams to wait until the field is available for return, and designating areas on the field for warm-ups.
• When the teams are on the field, drones may not be allowed over the playing surface or the team area.