Football 2012

[IAA Fan]

Well:  As we approach the end of 2011-12, let's look at what we know about 2012-13. Here are some of the new football rules for next season. Two of these are awaiting the officials to add specifics:


• The committee voted to move the kickoff to the 35-yard line (currently set at the 30-yard line), and to require that kicking team players must be no further than five yards from the 35 at the kick. The most important part of this is the part that no-one pays attention to. That is the players cannot be any more than 5-yards from the kick. The intent is to eliminate the running start that only favors the kicking team.
• If a player loses his helmet (other than as the result of a foul by the opponent, like a face-mask), it will be treated like an injury. Two very important things to note here: 1) After any injury, a player must leave the field. 2) A player is not allowed to participate after the helmet is lost. If you lose it ...you cannot forward the ball, or make a tackle. This is so HUGE. I do not see how they are going to enforce the rule. With these new helmets, they are falling off all the time.
• A player cannot stop to encourage his opponent to block below the Waist. Also, players that are not classified as "in-motion" will once again be allowed to block below the waist.
• Shield Blocking Scheme on Punting Plays is now a foul. The officials still need to discuss the penalty phase of this. It looks like it will be kicking team's choice to re-kick or a spot-foul.
• The zone of kick-off interference will now become the entire distance that a returner needs to fully secure the kicked ball. So, if you try to come in close on coverage and the returner makes contact with you...15-yards on you. There has been a great deal of discussion on this, as they fear that a return man will intentionally make contact. We will have to wait and see how this is enforced. So those SoCon boys that like to 'slam' the return person as soon as the fingers touch the ball will be penalized


Any thoughts or opinions?

[Wick250]

You mean 2012.   Or will these changes really not be implemented immediately?  The change in the kickoff rule should help us.  Gives our kicker a better chance to reach the end zone; our defenders will be moving somewhat slower and perhaps will not overrun the ball carrier as much as we have done in recent years.

Those other rules will be a nightmare for officials to interpret in the heat of battle.

[IAA Fan]

You mean 2012.   Or will these changes really not be implemented immediately?  The change in the kickoff rule should help us.  Gives our kicker a better chance to reach the end zone; our defenders will be moving somewhat slower and perhaps will not overrun the ball carrier as much as we have done in recent years.

Those other rules will be a nightmare for officials to interpret in the heat of battle.

Good catch ..this is the upcoming season, 2012 ...NOT 2013.