Rule Day - I Love to Be the Underdog!

Let me start out by saying I will be the first to admit that I don't like Michigan.  I didn't grow up there.  I don't like Ohio State either.  I just think that Michigan is rated way too high every year (kind of like Notre Dame - you guessed it.  I don't like them either - especially now that they are transitioning to the ACC - sort of)... they fail to produce W's.  They are one of few teams who lose and move up in the ranks. 

Now, despite constantly cheering against certain teams, I do love a good close game.  What I don't love is a game where officiating significantly impacts a close game.  At the end of the day, a team can't blame a bad call on losing a game (if it's that close of a game).  But it's frustrating to watch, there is no doubt about it.

The officials did totally blow it on Saturday though.  After Michigan effing ran the ball down the field and tore my heart out scored in the 4th quarter, regaining the lead, Akron got the ball back.  They got down to Michigan's 1 yard line (or 2 yard line).  The officials called a review and failed to add 9 crucial seconds back on the clock.  NINE seconds is huge in football.  They went from 1st and goal on the 1 to 3rd and 1 on the 2, which isn't a big deal - it was the right call, but they were owed 9 seconds.  The game announcers questioned, the NCAA rulebook confirmed (see Section 12-5).  They ended up running out of downs, but it was unfortunate.

If I were a Michigan fan (and again, I am far from that), it's not a feel-good win.  It's not even really a W in my book... more of a L.  But congrats(?) for barely squeaking by Akron.  

Well the 2013 football season has finally kicked off!  It is truly the most wonderful time of the year!

With the new season we are designating a topic for each day. Tuesday will be know as play book Tuesday and we will highlight a rule and explanation for the game.  You will be able to impress others with your extensive knowledge of the game!

So the UNC/USC game on Thursday night was delayed during the time of play due to lighting.  This brought up the question what is the official ruling on this issue of inclement weather?  After investigating, we discovered a couple of very interesting things in regard to the ruling.

According to the NCAA 2013-2014 Football rules and interpretations book, college facilities are encouraged to have a inclement weather plan.   In regards to lighting, the NCAA suggests that the school designate a lighting/ weather monitor for the duration of the game. Schools are encouraged to monitor the weather through local and national weather services the week of the game and to be aware of any possible weather issues during the time of play.  The monitor is to watch and listen for lighting accompanied by thunder within 30 second rule (named "The 30 second rule" - pretty self explanatory).

This 30 second rule is based on the idea that the storm is around 6 miles away and giving around 30 minutes before arriving to the area of play.  This is to allow the fans to safely get to a covered  area.  The delay of game will terminate after the last sound of lightning followed by thunder has pasted the 30 minute mark and the storm is a safe distance away. This 30 minute rule can be can can be adjusted at night because lighting can be seen farther away in the evening. Once the monitor gives the go for the game to resume, the play clock is to start at the time of play when the game was called.  It is also stated that is up to the schools and it's facilities to have a plan and a policy in regards to weather.  This plan is different for every school.  We emailed our beloved schools and are eagerly awaiting their response in regards to their set policies :).

In September 2011, several games were delayed in regards to weather.  The Western Michigan at Michigan game was called to delay of the game due to weather in the third quarter.  After a long delay, it was agreed by both teams to call the game.  Michigan was the proclaimed winner of the game.

-Erin