Find out the rule changes in effect for 2018 from uniform modifications to the new fair catch rule.
Big Impacts
- If a kick is ruled a fair catch behind the team’s 25 yrd line, it will result in a touchback. Meaning after a TD/FG or at the beginning of every half, if the receiving team calls fair catch (lets say on the 5 yrd line), instead of starting the drive on the 5yrd line, they will start at the 25 yd line.
- #GFHint: This new fair catch rule is going to be used a lot. It was implemented to cut down on those hard hits on the receiver that can result in injury.
- If a TD is scored during the final play of the 4th quarter where the clock expires, the PAT will not be attempted unless those point(s) would affect the outcome of the game
- It is now illegal to leap forward over the frame of the body of an opponent
- In contrast, it is not a foul if player jumps straight up within 1 yrd of the line of scrimmage to block a FG or kick
- After TD, play clock will run on the PAT to speed up play
- Also following a kickoff, play clock will be set
- Offensive players cannot block below the waist if block occurs >5 yrds away from the line of scrimmage/neutral zone
- All blocks must be from the front with the exception of interior lineman
- In the last minute before half a replay review rules the call reversed to something that would not have stopped the clock, the clock will be reset to the time the ball was declared dead by the replay booth and ref will let the game clock run for 10 seconds
- Teams can use TO to not have play clock run
Smaller Impact
- Pants must cover knee and knee pads, stomach may not be showing, back plate not exposed and t-shirt cannot stick out of the bottom of the pads
- Player can miss a down if ref discovers violation and must not return until equipment is righted
- Jerseys can now have a graduate or academic recognition as part of logo or conference
- Can contain C for captain
- As a result for 2019: Can show 150th anniversary of college football mark
- Camera with no audio can be placed on cap of official with official’s consent
- On a successful FG, penalty can be accepted or declined similar to PAT
- All person foul and unsportsmanlike conduct fouls can be enforced on ensuing kickoff
These are not the only rule changes this year but these were the most pertinent.
