truebluefan

Reading Express GM/Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski with permission from the AIFA League Owners announced today several rule changes for the 2008 season.

This past weekend myself along with Head Coaches from Erie, Baltimore, Mississippi, Augusta, Columbus and Wyoming along with Jim Corpora, the AIFA Head Official met and discussed several rule changes that we believe will result in the game being even more fan friendly. The owners were presented with these rule change requests. The following rule changes were voted on and agreed to by the League and Team Owners.

- Overtime - will be run in the style of the NCAA. The ball will be placed on the 25 and both teams will have an opportunity to score. If the score is still tied after two rounds, a team that scores must then go for two or attempt a drop kick.

- Removal of face guarding, pass interference requires contact

- Removal of 5 yard defensive "chuck". A Defensive back may make contact with a receiver any where on the field as long as the receiver is in front of the defensive back and the ball is not in the air.

- A fumble that hits the side dasher board is a live ball.

- In the final minute of the half and the final minute of the game. If the team that is winning has the ball, they must gain positive yardage or the clock stops.

- There will be no Red flag Challenges. However a coach may use a time out to have an official conference and this can only be done once a half.

- On 4th downs, the ball will be placed automatically on the inside hash mark of the side of the field that 3rd down was run to.

- Linebacker alignment on the field at anytime must have daylight between them and the Defensive Line.

- Field goal and extra point attempts can be faked.

- Placement of the football after kick offs. A missed "uno" and yes we said "uno" will be placed on the 20. A made "uno" the ball will be placed on the 5. A kick that hits a building obstruction, the ball will be placed on the 20. A kick that hits the turf first and goes over the side dasher boards, the ball will be placed at the point of exit.

- On extra points and field goals, players do not have to report if they are not wearing an eligible receiver number.

These rules of course will be written formally and placed in the AIFA 2008 rule book. Jim Corpora will also be releasing some exciting news about our AIFA officials.