NCAA Adopts New FB Rules for 2000

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The NCAA has adopted football rule changes designed to protect defensive

players from possibly harmful blocks and prevent offenses from gaining an advantage with quick

substitutions.

The Football Rules Committee met Monday and Tuesday and approved the changes for the 2000

season.

The committee expanded the definition of an illegal block to include any high-low block by two

offensive players when the initial contact clearly occurs beyond the neutral zone. Previously, such a

block could have been considered legal if the contacts were simultaneous.

Another rule change involved the so-called ``crack-back'' block.

Previously, offensive players positioned more than seven yards in any direction from the middle

offensive lineman at the snap, or in motion toward the ball at the snap, were prohibited from blocking

below the waist toward the original position of the ball behind or within five yards beyond the neutral

zone.

Now, the ban, which carries a 15-yard penalty, applies to offensive players in motion in any direction,

including the neutral zone and 10 yards beyond.

The committee also approved a rule prohibiting the offense, while making substitutions or simulated

substitutions, from rushing quickly to the line of scrimmage and snapping the ball before the defense

can make necessary adjustments.

The first infraction will carry a 5-yard penalty. After that, each infraction will be penalized 15 yards for

unsportsmanlike conduct.

In another change, the committee eliminated the penalty for an illegal fair-catch signal. Now, the ball

becomes dead on possession.