[LightningRod]

A few Rule Points of Emphasis for 2005 in the NCAA handbook:

For no huddle offenses:

SUBSTITUTION RULES—The basic principle of intercollegiate football
is that all players have the right to compete on an equal basis. With this in
mind, it is obvious that offensive and defensive teams must maintain a balance
so that neither phase of the game gains an advantage when the ball is
snapped. The NCAA Football Rules Committee has received many comments
that the substitution of skilled offensive players is timed so closely
to the snap that the defense has little or no chance to place personnel in
proper positions.
The previous rule prohibiting ‘late substitution(s) and snapping the ball
with an obvious attempt to create a defensive disadvantage’ was changed
to allow the defense time to place its personnel without having to request
a charged team timeout or being penalized for having too many players on
the field.

Punt coverage emphasis - interference is now a 15 yard penalty. How many 15 yarders do we see against opponents this season?

UNIMPEDED OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH A KICK—Players positioned
to receive kicks who are concentrating on the downward flight of
the ball are in the most unprotected and defenseless position on the field.
These players are protected from being contacted by rules and should not
have to be concerned about getting hit while waiting to catch the kick.
Because of the deletion of the two-yard restricted area, the unimpeded
opportunity to catch a kick provided by Rule 6-4-1 must be carefully and
diligently observed. This gives players protection from dangerous contact
before the catch, and the opportunity to become a runner.
Once returners have signaled for a fair catch (Rule 6-5), using a valid signal,
neither team can advance the ball. The receiver cannot run with the
ball after a catch, and neither team can run with the ball after a muff or
recovery.
Consequently, kicking team members have no reason to consider violation
of the rule permitting unimpeded opportunity to catch a kick once a
receiving team member has made a valid signal.
The penalty for any interference with the opportunity to catch a kick is
15 yards from the spot of the foul.
Of course, the additional penalty of disqualification for flagrant fouls
while denying a player an unimpeded opportunity to catch a kick still
exists.
PROTECTION OF DEFENSELESS PLAYERS—Football players are wellconditioned,
skilled athletes involved in aggressive, contested competition.
Players also have responsibilities to their teams and their opponents to
play within the rules.
Due to the combative nature of the game, players usually are alert and
aware of legal contacts by opponents. Therefore, injuries are minimized.
However, certain aspects of play require a higher level of concentration.
The resulting vulnerability places players involved in these aspects in an
unprotected (defenseless) status.
The following are situations in which defenseless players are susceptible
to serious injury:
• The quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage who has handed
or pitched the ball to a teammate, and then makes no attempt to
participate further in the play;
• The kicker who is in the act of kicking the ball, or who has not had a
reasonable length of time to regain his balance following the kick;
• The passer who is in the act of throwing the ball, or who has not had
a reasonable length of time to participate in the play again after releasing
the ball;
• The pass receiver whose concentration is on the ball;
• The pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when the pass is no longer
catchable;
• The kick receiver whose attention is on the downward flight of the ball;
• The kick receiver who has just touched the ball;
• The player who has relaxed once the ball has become dead; and
• The player who is obviously out of the play.
These players are protected by rules that have been in place for many
years. It is of the utmost importance that participants, coaches and game
officials carefully and diligently observe safety rules.
Intentional helmet-to-helmet contact is never legal, nor is any other blow
directed toward an opponent’s head. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified.

Trashtalking:

SPORTSMANSHIP AND PENALTY ENFORCEMENT OF UNSPORTSMANLIKE
ACTS—For over 50 years after the introduction of
the Football Code, the only rule pertaining to unsportsmanlike conduct
was directed at penalizing “abusive or insulting language to opponents or
officials.� This statement was replaced 20 years ago by “obscene or vulgar
language or gestures, or acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to
opponents or game officials.�
It has been with great reluctance that subsequent rules committees have
had to add specific violations and severe penalties to these rules, but it has
been the result of changing attitudes of players and their negative actions
on the field. The rules committee remains steadfast to its goal of preserving
the integrity of one of our nation’s marvelous traditions and greatest
team games.
The committee has no intent to discourage spontaneous celebrations
with teammates or fans when done in good taste. Enthusiasm is one of
football’s great assets.

NCAA Div 1 Football Playing Rules