Committee tables proposal to change illegal man downfield rule

Published Mar. 6, 2015 2:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

The NCAA playing rules oversight panel has tabled a proposal to change the illegal man downfield rule from 3 yards to 1.

The football rules committee proposed last month to shorten the distance offensive linemen can move forward from the line of scrimmage before a pass is thrown to make it easier for officials to spot violations.

The proposed change drew complaints from offensive coaches who have become adept at deceiving defenses by using run blocking on plays that give quarterbacks the option to pass or run.

Defensive coaches have been frustrated by the lack of illegal man down field penalties on so-called packaged plays.

The NCAA says panel members felt more discussion about the rule was needed, because of a lack of participation by head coaches.