2005 NCAA Division I-AA Football Season - Rule Changes For 2005

Rule Changes For 2005

There are several rules that have changed for the 2005 season. Following are some highlights:

• In an effort to bring spearing under control, the word "intentional" was removed from the rules.
• A listing of examples for unsportsmanlike acts was developed in order to encourage more consistent application of the rule:
• Examples of such acts include, but are not limited to:
  • Imitating a slash of the throat;
  • Resembling the firing of a weapon;
  • Bowing at the waist;
  • Punching one’s own chest excessively;
  • Crossing one’s arms in front of the chest;
  • Placing one’s hand by the ear as if to indicate that the player cannot hear the spectators;
  • Diving into the end zone when unchallenged by an opponent;
  • Entering the end zone with an unnatural stride (e.g., high stepping);
  • Going significantly beyond the end line to interact with spectators;
  • Standing over a prone player in a taunting manner;
  • Attempting to make the ball spin as it were a top;
  • Performing a choreographed act with a teammate(s) (e.g., pretending to take a photo, falling down in unison); and
  • Entering the field of play by coaches or substitutes in protest of officials' calls."
• Additionally, the committee added language to the rule that reads: "Spontaneous celebrating with teammates on the field of play, provided it is not prolonged, taunting or intended to bring attention to the individual player, is allowed."