Rules application (2005)

Amendments to Chapter 3 of the BAFRA/EFAF Manual of Football Officiating (2004 edition).

January 2005

In order to ensure that all crews consistently interpret rules the same way, the following fouls shall be called only as stipulated.

Players removing their helmets on the field of play (new §3.4.13)

Players who inadvertently (unthinkingly) remove their helmets on the field of play should not be penalised unless they are (i) directing anger or criticism at an opponent or official; or (ii) celebrating. Remind them to keep their helmets on. A player removing their helmet in the vicinity of the sideline just prior to entering the team area should be ignored.

Head coaches calling timeouts (new §3.7.5)

Officials should not be distracted from their game duties by the possibility that the head coach may request a timeout. When a snap or free kick is imminent (i.e. when Team A is in its formation), wing officials must not turn their eyes away from the field of play. In these circumstances, the head coach may need to attract the attention of one of the officials in the middle of the field (referee, umpire, back judge), or even the wing official on the opposite sideline, who is facing him. A "T" hand signal (like signal S4) and verbalising the word "timeout" are both necessary under these circumstances. When the ball is dead and there is no threat of action on the field, a verbal request to the nearest official will be sufficient. Under no circumstances shall an official stop the clock unless he is certain that the request comes from the head coach. If the official is unsure whose voice requested the timeout, and is unable to turn round to find out, no timeout will be granted.

Substitutions that create a defensive disadvantage (new §3.3.12)

The Referee should verbally inform Team A that they may not snap the ball until Team B has had an opportunity to complete substitutions it is making. The Umpire may stand over the ball momentarily. If the 25-second clock expires during the hold-up, Team A is penalised for delay of game.

False start (revised §3.3.3)

False start: Movement by an offensive player is not a false start unless either (i) he moves one or both feet; (ii) it is sudden; or (iii) it causes a defensive player to react by entering the neutral zone. If a running back misses the snap count and makes a sudden movement, it is a false start.

Previously, the running back would have been allowed to reset without penalty, which often looked as though the officials blew the call.