NCAA committee tables ineligible receiver change, approves new rules for 2015

NCAA headquarters

Feeling more discussion is needed, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has tabled a proposal that would have adjusted the ineligible receiver downfield rule.

The proposed rule would have adjusted the distance offensive linemen can be downfield at the time a pass is released from 3 yards to 1 yard past the line of scrimmage. The change would have affected "pop" passes that are becoming more popular in the college game.

MORE: Spring football storylines to watch | 10 crazy stats from the 2014 season

The current rule of 3 yards will stay in effect for the 2015 season.

According to the NCAA, just 65 FBS head coaches participated in the survey, with only 46 coaches expressing their opinion beyond the yes or no vote.

Of the FBS coaches surveyed, approximately 54 percent were supportive of the rule change, while 57 percent of FCS head coaches supported this proposed change.

Several head coaches known for their spread offenses — including Ole Miss' Hugh Freeze, Arizona State's Todd Graham and Auburn's Gus Malzahn — voiced their opposition to the proposed change last month.

"I just want 'em to enforce the rule they have," Graham told USA Today's George Schroeder. "You're not supposed to be more than 3 yards downfield. They need to enforce that."

A number of new rules approved by the panel for the 2015 season include:

  • An eight-person officiating system will be allowed if a conference or school chooses.

  • A 15-yard unsportsmanlike foul will be called on players who push or pull opponents off piles.

  • Officials will treat illegal equipment issues – such as jerseys tucked under the shoulder pads or exposed back pads – by making the player leave the field for at least one play.

  • ​Instant replay reviews will be allowed to see if a kicking team player blocked the receiving team before the ball traveled 10 yards on onside-kick plays.

  • Non-standard/overbuilt facemasks will be prohibited.

Author(s)