Goodell Issues New Scoreboard Rules

The Dallas Cowboys played their first game in their new stadium last week.   While the Cowboys won the game and everyone seemed to love the stadium, the giant scoreboard hanging above the field seems to have caused some controversy, after it was hit by the Tennessee punter.

The down was replayed after it was realized the punt had hit the scoreboard, but it got some people worrying about punts hitting the scoreboard.   There were visions of scores of punts hitting the board, of punters aiming at the board, and even of quarterbacks aiming passes at the board.   Of course, this is all silly talk since no real advantage would be gained by doing this.   The play would just be done over from the same spot.   They also overlook the fact that only one punt out of fourteen hit the board during the game.

The NFL had mandated that the scoreboard should be at least 85 feet above the playing surface, and the Cowboys set it at 90 feet.   Even so, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decided he needed to head off any controversy.   So, Goodell clarified and tweaked the rules about a punt hitting the scoreboard.   Here are the new rules (that will be in effect until the end of the coming season):

*If a ball in play strikes a video board, sky cam, guide wire or any other object, the ball will be dead immediately, and the down will be replayed at the previous spot.

*If there is not an on-field ruling that the ball struck an object, the Replay Assistant is empowered to initiate a booth review, including if the event occurs prior to the two-minute warning.

*If, prior to the two-minute warning, no booth review is initiated by the Replay Assistant, a coach's challenge is permitted under the customary procedures for such a challenge.

*In the event the down is replayed -

(a)The game clock will be reset to the time remaining when the snap occurred.

(b)All penalties will be disregarded, except for personal fouls, which will be administered prior to replaying the down.

Goodell went on to say,   "We will continue to address the particular circumstances in Dallas, giving full consideration to the competitive, safety and fan experience issues involved.   The Cowboys have been fully cooperative as we have addressed this subject, and we will continue to work closely with the club on a longer term resolution."

Hopefully, this will settle this matter.   I doubt if many punts will hit the score board anyway, but if they do, the rules are pretty clear about how to handle it.   Now maybe we can get down to some real football.