In an attempt to prevent losing to Auburn University by a field goal late in the game, University of Florida coach Urban Meyer calculatingly called a timeout mere milliseconds prior to the snap of the football. Before the official could signal the timeout, the ball had already been kicked for a successful field goal. The ball was ruled dead and the kick could not be counted. Moments later the field goal was kicked a second time giving Auburn the win and leaving a lot of people scratching their heads.

This last second timeout tactic made its collegiate debut just a week after its use in the two preceding weeks by NFL teams. Consulting the 2007 NCAA Football Rule Book, I found Rule 3, Section 3, Article 1, Paragraphs A through C or as I like to call them, the timeout rules. Nothing currently prohibits this tactic. In fact, the only time an official can override a timeout request is when a team has none remaining and errantly attempts to call another.

So as of September 29, 2007, at the collegiate level, 6 field goals per game will need to be kicked twice. Or, we could just add the following new Paragraph D to Rule 3, Section 3, Article 1.

SECTION 3. Timeouts

How Charged

ARTICLE 1. a. The referee shall declare a timeout when he suspends play for any reason. Each timeout shall be charged to one of the teams or designated as a referee’s timeout.

b. When a team’s timeouts are exhausted and it requests a timeout, the official should not acknowledge the request.

c. During a timeout, players shall not practice with a ball on the field of play or the end zones (Exception: During the half-time intermission).

d. When a team’s timeout can not be signaled by the official prior to the snap, the official should not acknowledge the request.

I suggest sending an email to the NCAA at pmr@ncaa.org

Or write a letter to:
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
700 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222