The NCAA Released the 2009 rules changes on Friday and thankfully contained nothing as monumentally annoying as the clock changes that were in there last year. But there are a couple that I thought were interesting. On the NCAA Website you can find a complete listing as well as a page explaining each rules change. Here are the ones I found interesting.
1. The visiting team shall wear white jerseys; however, the home team may wear white jerseys if the teams have agreed in writing before the season.
2. If the home team wears colored jerseys, the visiting team may also wear colored jerseys, if and only if the following conditions have been satisfied:
a. The home team has agreed in writing prior to the game; and
b. The conference of the home team certifies that the jersey of the visiting team is of a contrasting color.
Chin Strap included
q. No player shall twist, turn or pull the face mask, chin strap or any helmet opening of an opponent. It is not a foul if the face mask, chin strap or helmet opening is not twisted, turned or pulled. When in question, it is a foul.
RATIONALE: Chin strap added as a safety measure.
5. Protection of the kicker ends (a) when he has had a reasonable time to regain his balance(A.R. 9-1-4-IV); or (b) when he carries the ball outside the tackle box (Rule 2-34) before kicking.
RATIONALE: Addresses the issue of the rugby-style kicker who runs for many steps before kicking the ball. Under this change, he would not receive roughing-the-kicker protection if he is outside the tackle box when he kicks.