Rule Change? Refs can call back TD's for Celebrations?

[Wheels]

I missed that one, and that could be a messy rule, as it could change outcomes of games. This from an ESPN article today.

The NCAA Football Rule Book has one significant new rule. In an effort to tamp down player emotions even further, if a celebration occurs while the ball is live, the penalty will be marked off from the spot of the foul instead of at the end of the play. That means touchdowns can be taken off the scoreboard, in which case, coaches can be taken off the field in straitjackets.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/preview11/story/_/id/6841665/conferences-coaches-players-2011

 

[tlongII]

This is a ridiculous rule change. If my team gets screwed out of a score for celebrating a touchdown I will have a coniption fit.

 

[Wheels]

it does seem like a very "gray area" type rule. I mean "When the ball is live" so you cant celebrate if you are a lineman 40 yards behind the play when someone took it to the house? But as soon as the ball crosses the end zone its a dead ball so its ok? Yeah something we agree on Tlong

 

[Targus]

This isn't what it appears. The rule states any action deemed "very demonstrative" or "taunting" before a player crosses the goal line will result in no touchdown and a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. So, if someone say, dives across the end zone, summersaults, points the football at an opponent, a team could see a penalty that results in loss of TD and ball placed at 15. The rule has been around for a while and the only new addition is the removal of points. Basically, taunting an opponent on the way to scoring has become a live ball foul.

 

[Wheels]

ah so like DeSean Jackson vs NYG?

 

[Targus]

Haha, yah. I'm not too worried with the key word being before the TD. Actually, I think it leads to better sportsmanship to keep the live play free of taunting. Normal rules apply to post TD celebrations, so we still get to see the players reasonably celebrate. It's not a call I expect to see used a lot - especially for home teams.

 

[THE HCP]

BULLSHIT rule! As long as they are not taunting another player!

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

This is a ridiculous rule change. If my team gets screwed out of a score for celebrating a touchdown I will have a coniption fit.

Agreed 100%!!!