THUS SAYS THE NCAA!!

The NCAA has approved some new rules for the 2012 season.

1. Kickoffs will move from the 30-yard line to the 35.  This move is on the heals of the NFL implementing new kickoff rules that are to improve the injuries suffered on kick returns.

2.  Players on the kick coverage units cannot line up more than five yards off the ball.  This rule as well has been put in place to help negate the amount of injuries suffered on kick returns.

3.  Touchbacks on free kicks — i.e.: kickoffs — will bring the ball out to the 25-yard line rather than to the 20.  Again, this is to give players more incentive to remain in the end zone and choosing the field position.   Punts and other plays that go into the end zone — i.e.: fumbles through the end zone — will still be brought out to the 20.

4.   (MY FAVORITE NEW RULE AND IT IS ABOUT TIME) if a player loses his helmet, it will be treated as an injury and the player must leave the field for one play. A study showed that in the 2011 season that more than 2 players per game lost their helmets. I grew really tired of seeing helmets bouncing on the ground. I would think that this will make more players buckle the chin straps and tighten their helmets up. If not this should at least get them in trouble with the coach after he has to burn a timeout to get a new player on the field. (this rule does not apply if an opponent rips or “facemasks” a player’s helmet)

5.  Offensive players in the tackle box at the snap of the ball who are not in motion will be allowed to block below the waist legally and without restriction.  However, all other players are restricted from blocking below the waist with only a few exceptions (such as straight-ahead blocks). I would try to explain but let me just sum it up, chop blocks are an issue.

6.  Players will be prohibited from jumping over blockers in an attempt to block a punt. This is the same rule that is in place on field goals and extra points so it should not be a huge adjustment.

While it is rare that I agree with some of the rules that the NCAA puts in place, I do agree with what they are trying to achieve with these changes. The bad thing about new rules is listening to the “ignorant” sports fans that will be irate when the REF spots the ball wrong or makes a horrible call. Don’t try to explain it to them just shake your head and realize they probably support the team you dislike the most. That should put a smile on your face because of how stupid it makes that teams fan base look! No one ever said the Sports Jedi is politically correct!