Forums » In the PIT » Indoor Rule Changes/Rule Clarification
Messages for Indoor Rule Changes/Rule Clarification
Posted by jon
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Nov 10, 2015 12:28 AM |
A few minor rule changes that were enacted for the Fall season, plus a clarification on a rule.
1. There will no longer be a choice for side, teams will remain on the side in which their bench is set up. This rule was enacted to speed up game play and an ensure teams can maximize their game time. This rule shouldn't really affect most teams at 99.9% of teams don't request to change sides - since wind and sun don't affect the indoor game!
2. Time outs can be called from the sideline. This rule was put in place to make the game more like the pros, plus that is the rule that is place out East. Teams should consider that if they call a time out from the sidelines and the referee stops play and that team has no time outs remaining it is a delay of game penalty!
3. Referees may now set up in back of the end zone when teams are in the red zone. Referees should start at the goal line at the beginning of the play but may move with the play. Referee's have requested the ability to move with the play to help ensure that players aren't illegally reentering play if they step out of bounds at the back of the end zone and to have a better perspective when ruling a catch. This does take away some of the referee's ability to see what is happening at the goal line but the PIT is deferring to the expertise of the referees who previously had to stay at the goal line.
4. RULE CLARIFICATION: If a center moves the ball it is not offside on the offense. Instead moving the ball signals the start of a play which means the rusher may now rush the quarterback. Moving the ball means lifting the ball off the ground once the ball has been placed in a position to snap. Rushers however must ensure that the ball is lifted before moving...and if the referee does not see it then the rusher could be called for offside! If a rusher notices a center lifting the ball it is probably best to notify the head referee to watch for the ball being picked off the ground before rushing. I have seen many a rusher assume the ball has been put in play only to be called offside themselves!
The PIT Crew
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