Quote:
Originally posted by bluezebra
Thanks for the clarification. I haven'tofficiated since '91 and don't have the new book. Frankly, I like the old rule better. It made more sense.
Bob
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Actually, to most of us the NEW rule makes more sense. Under the old code, many new series' started with the line-to-gain more than ten yards downfield, often 1st-and-25. This created an unfair disadvantage to the offense coming onto the field. With the new rule, ALL new series' start at 1st-and-ten (or less, i.e. 1st-and-goal). The offending team is still penalized for the infraction by moving the succeeding spot back, but the line-to-gain is consistently set at ten yards. This provides the team a fair shot at making a first down.
Dead ball fouls that occur after the ready-for-play are still enforced after the chains are set, and will affect the distance to the line-to-gain.
Thom