Enforcing all players' health and safety rules continues to be the top point of emphasis from the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel. The Targeting rule will remain the same in 2023 as the committee feels the rule continues to drive positive player behavior in terms of the use of the helmet. The committee also noted last year's change to the blocking below the waist rule resulted in data showing fewer player injuries.
The most significant 2023 football rules changes involve adjustments to the timing and clock rules. The rules committee made these changes to drive three strategic initiatives:
The most significant 2023 football rules changes involve adjustments to the timing and clock rules. The rules committee made these changes to drive three strategic initiatives:
- Keep the game moving in terms of pace of play.
- Moderately reduce the number of plays per game.
- Ensure consistency in officiating mechanics managing the game clock.
