Proposed NCAA Rules Changes

[The Guru]

http://www.examiner.com/article/ncaa-proposes-changes-to-mat-side-video-review-other-rules-for-2013-14-season?CID=examiner_alerts_article

 

What do you think?

 

Mat area: The Committee is proposing that the actual mat apron around the actual wrestling area be extended at least 5 feet between out-of-bounds lines when two mats are side-by-side, and at least 5 feet from the out-of-bounds line and any obstruction such as a table, bleachers or wall. As of now, the 5-foot extension is merely a recommendation; the Committee wants to make the extension a requirement “to enhance student-athlete safety” (to quote the press statement).

 

Edge of wrestling area: In a progression of the rule that allows wrestlers to score takedowns on the edge of the wrestling area, committee members are also recommending that near-falls and pins can occur as long as any portion of either wrestler remains inbounds. In recent years, rules had been changed to allow takedowns to be scored at the edge of the wrestling area. According to the statement, “The Committee believes expanding the rule to include more ways to score points will enhance the sport.”

 

In addition, the Committee has asked referees to make stalemate calls quicker, when neither wrestler is improving position, regardless of where the competitors are on the mat.

 

Reaction-time takedowns: Committee members recommended a takedown be awarded from the neutral position when a wrestler gains control by taking his opponent down to the mat. If the defensive wrestler’s hand comes in contact with the mat, it is considered control and a takedown should be awarded. Prior to this proposed change, it was up to the referee to judge, as the NCAA put it, “whether there was a significant portion of the defensive wrestler’s weight borne on his hand/hands in order for control to be established. The recommendation makes this call clearer for the referee.”

 

Stalling: The Wrestling Rules Committee agreed to have a separate section in the penalty table that addresses stalling and to add the disqualification back in to the sequence. Under the proposal, the first stalling violation results in a warning; additional violations are 1 point, 1 point, 1 point, then disqualification.

 

Weight management: Committee members recommend the elimination of the Feb. 15 deadline for a wrestler to reach or descend to the lowest certified weight class. Wrestling Rules Committee members believe if a wrestler follows the current NCAA weight-loss plan throughout the season, there is no need for a deadline. This proposal would have to be approved by the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports.

 

These recommendations for changes to the video review process and other rules, which are the result of an April 9-11 meeting of NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee, must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel on June 18 before they are implemented.

[Barrq]

I love the you can be pinned or near fall anywhere I hope they do it. It will be hard for a single ref to watch the inbound body part and the shoulders at the same time..