SignGuyDino
08-16-2006, 04:11 PM
Since there's a blog on this subject on their site, thought I'd raise the topic here. Here's the posts I made there, which I post here because I'm a postwhore. :)
I would like to make some comments on the rules.
Feel free to contact me at (828) 681-0391 or wncsport@aol.com anytime.
There should be different rules, although mostly similar to NFL.
The point of the rule change is not just to be different, but because it’s the right thing to do.
For example, it’s easy to pile on the XFL, but the biggest problem was the management (great idea, bad execution). The most questionable rule changes were actually implemented late in the season. Also, all games should have been on cable from the start.
1. CONVERSIONS. The XFL rule about the extra point was the RIGHT HEART, but wrong idea. It IS way too easy to score a conversion in football. The XFL tried to fix it but requiring them to run it in from the 2 yard line. It worked too well, conversion was about 50% instead of 95%.
It should be REALISTIC that the conversion could be missed. If you watch rugby, after a try (their version of a touchdown), based on where it was in the end zone, you have to kick from that area. You are permitted to kick from further back in rugby due to angles.
This is how to do the conversion: Spot the ball at the 20. It’s a 37 yard kick for one point. It’s REALISTIC the kicker could miss. The game is called FOOTBALL so the kicker should have a greater role in the game. Conversion should still be about 70-75% but it’s sure a lot more interesting. (If a team has to go for 2, spot the ball at the 20 as well.) (I jokingly call this the “Dino Rule” because my mascot nickname was “Sign Guy Dino” and my jersey number matches the yards for the kick, 37.)
Again, the rule change is proposed because it’s the right thing to do. This should be the rule in college and NFL football right now.
2. PUNTS. The XFL had a rule that after 15 yards past the line of scrimmage, if the ball hits the ground it’s live. Love this rule concept. In rugby, all forwards kicks are live balls.
What I’d do different is the ball is live if it’s a kick and it passes the line of scrimmage. If it’s in the air, the receiver gets a 5 yard halo and first crack at the ball. If it hits the ground it’s live. If it bounces out the receiving team gets it.
Again, the game is called FOOTBALL for a reason.
3. ONSIDE KICKS. Let’s make it more interesting. The receiving team has to be 15 yards away from the place of kick, but the ball only has to go 10 yards then it goes live. Make both teams run for it. Make it somewhat more possible that the kicking team can win the onside kick.
4. COINFLIP. Not as high on getting rid of the coin flip for the XFL run for the ball. If you think about it the result really didn’t determine anything, the “loser” in that still gets the ball first in the second half. I’d suggest either way the winner gets the ball first in BOTH halves, or they also get the ball first in overtime if there is one. If you did that with the XFL version, it really would make the opening exciting.
5. OVERTIME. Should have a full 15 minute overtime. Both teams guaranteed the ball once.
6. INSTANT REPLAY. Unless you can cover every game on TV the first year, don’t consider it. For playoffs only second year.
7. CELEBRATIONS. Even though I was then a Cowboy fan at the time (Go Panthers!), I didn’t object to celebrations by the Redskins when they would all high-five each other. Emphasis should be on team-based celebrations after a score, as long as it doesn’t show up the other team.
8. FANS. Fans can’t be told to sit unless they are unruly. “Fan” is short for “fanatic.” I suppose no alcohol at these games since they’re at college venues, but fans should be encouraged to be on their feet the whole game.
9. New one: TIMING. The college rule that supposedly speeds up the game doesn't make sense. They run the clock too much. I do think in the first and third quarter, after the ball is spotted on incomplete passes, the clock should start. That would make more sense and speed the game up. Don't kill drama at the end of the game when it really counts.
I’ll be honest with you, this concept would work better (or with?) a similar concept with former college basketball players. I’m concerned with wear and tear on grass fields. I’m sure you’ve heard these concerns before.
And I wouldn’t rule out colleges like Appalachain State or my old school Western Carolina University. Nor any decent size cities with artificial turf at a decent size high school.
Please consider these rule changes.
Good luck to you.
Dennis Justice
wncsport.com- The Independent Voice of Sports in Western North Carolina
Oh, and have the XFL “Pay to play, pay more to win” concept. I don’t care if the winning team gets $10 more each, the concept is it’s a team game, you win or lose as a team.
I would like to make some comments on the rules.
Feel free to contact me at (828) 681-0391 or wncsport@aol.com anytime.
There should be different rules, although mostly similar to NFL.
The point of the rule change is not just to be different, but because it’s the right thing to do.
For example, it’s easy to pile on the XFL, but the biggest problem was the management (great idea, bad execution). The most questionable rule changes were actually implemented late in the season. Also, all games should have been on cable from the start.
1. CONVERSIONS. The XFL rule about the extra point was the RIGHT HEART, but wrong idea. It IS way too easy to score a conversion in football. The XFL tried to fix it but requiring them to run it in from the 2 yard line. It worked too well, conversion was about 50% instead of 95%.
It should be REALISTIC that the conversion could be missed. If you watch rugby, after a try (their version of a touchdown), based on where it was in the end zone, you have to kick from that area. You are permitted to kick from further back in rugby due to angles.
This is how to do the conversion: Spot the ball at the 20. It’s a 37 yard kick for one point. It’s REALISTIC the kicker could miss. The game is called FOOTBALL so the kicker should have a greater role in the game. Conversion should still be about 70-75% but it’s sure a lot more interesting. (If a team has to go for 2, spot the ball at the 20 as well.) (I jokingly call this the “Dino Rule” because my mascot nickname was “Sign Guy Dino” and my jersey number matches the yards for the kick, 37.)
Again, the rule change is proposed because it’s the right thing to do. This should be the rule in college and NFL football right now.
2. PUNTS. The XFL had a rule that after 15 yards past the line of scrimmage, if the ball hits the ground it’s live. Love this rule concept. In rugby, all forwards kicks are live balls.
What I’d do different is the ball is live if it’s a kick and it passes the line of scrimmage. If it’s in the air, the receiver gets a 5 yard halo and first crack at the ball. If it hits the ground it’s live. If it bounces out the receiving team gets it.
Again, the game is called FOOTBALL for a reason.
3. ONSIDE KICKS. Let’s make it more interesting. The receiving team has to be 15 yards away from the place of kick, but the ball only has to go 10 yards then it goes live. Make both teams run for it. Make it somewhat more possible that the kicking team can win the onside kick.
4. COINFLIP. Not as high on getting rid of the coin flip for the XFL run for the ball. If you think about it the result really didn’t determine anything, the “loser” in that still gets the ball first in the second half. I’d suggest either way the winner gets the ball first in BOTH halves, or they also get the ball first in overtime if there is one. If you did that with the XFL version, it really would make the opening exciting.
5. OVERTIME. Should have a full 15 minute overtime. Both teams guaranteed the ball once.
6. INSTANT REPLAY. Unless you can cover every game on TV the first year, don’t consider it. For playoffs only second year.
7. CELEBRATIONS. Even though I was then a Cowboy fan at the time (Go Panthers!), I didn’t object to celebrations by the Redskins when they would all high-five each other. Emphasis should be on team-based celebrations after a score, as long as it doesn’t show up the other team.
8. FANS. Fans can’t be told to sit unless they are unruly. “Fan” is short for “fanatic.” I suppose no alcohol at these games since they’re at college venues, but fans should be encouraged to be on their feet the whole game.
9. New one: TIMING. The college rule that supposedly speeds up the game doesn't make sense. They run the clock too much. I do think in the first and third quarter, after the ball is spotted on incomplete passes, the clock should start. That would make more sense and speed the game up. Don't kill drama at the end of the game when it really counts.
I’ll be honest with you, this concept would work better (or with?) a similar concept with former college basketball players. I’m concerned with wear and tear on grass fields. I’m sure you’ve heard these concerns before.
And I wouldn’t rule out colleges like Appalachain State or my old school Western Carolina University. Nor any decent size cities with artificial turf at a decent size high school.
Please consider these rule changes.
Good luck to you.
Dennis Justice
wncsport.com- The Independent Voice of Sports in Western North Carolina
Oh, and have the XFL “Pay to play, pay more to win” concept. I don’t care if the winning team gets $10 more each, the concept is it’s a team game, you win or lose as a team.