Question from Fan re new NCAA rules
 

I read the transcript of Rogers Redding's speech at SEC Media Days about the new rules, which can be found here if you're interested (Scroll WAY down) http://secsports.com/index.php?chang...ticle_id=11302

He mentions that there will NOT be a ready for play; the umpire will simply put the ball down. However, he later mentions that after a player goes out of bounds (other than the last 2:00 of each half), the game clock starts on the ready. How will the referee signal to start the game clock on these plays (as well as 1st down plays) when there will be no ready for play?

Thanks in advance.

Visiting http://web1.ncaa.org/web_video/football/2008FootballRules.html might be fun for some people out there.

Direct link to video: http://web1.ncaa.org/web_video/football/2008FootballRules.wmv

The referee will give the "wind the clock signal" (and blow his whistle at same time)

I'm not so sure about that. I've heard that they'll use the NFL system -- wind the clock, but with no whistle.

I am sure that is what we are going to do. When the info first came out in the Spring it was going to be a silent wind. In the subsequent months there were discussions which have now resulted in a decision (after the mechanics manual was published) to have a whistle on the wind.

You are correct Mike. I received an email that originated from Ty Halpin (NCAA) that confirmed this. When the referee winds he will also sound his whistle.

Is Mr. Redding prone to exaggeration? The history of college football extands back before our lifetimes, and it wasn't always administered as above.

Go back far enough, and the ref didn't even make the ball RFP!

Robert