The Playing Rules and Oversight Panel approved rule-change recommendations from the NCAA Football Rules Committee during the panel’s April 2 teleconference.

PROP approved changes regarding helmet contact, players who target a defenseless opponent, horse collar tackling, and enhanced rules dealing with dangerous chop blocks. These rules were approved to help ensure student-athlete safety.

The committee did not forward a recommendation to the Panel regarding the fair catch rules that was initially proposed. After receiving a considerable amount of negative feedback and thoughtful questions, the committee decided to table action on this item until next year's meeting.

Recommendations dealing with pace-of-play issues were also approved by PROP. A 40/25-second play clock system will be used in 2008 in an effort to standardize the pace of play. Unless the game is stopped for administrative reasons (for example, change of possession, injury, etc.), the offensive team will have 40 seconds to snap the ball after it is declared dead.

Additionally, there will be a change in the way the game is timed when a runner goes out of bounds. The game clock will initially stop, as is the case currently. However, except in the last two minutes of each half, the game clock will now start on a signal from the referee, rather than on the snap.

Other changes that will go in effect next season include:

In the rules relating to instant replay, plays where a fumble leads to an immediate recovery may be reviewed.

In replay rules, a coach that challenges a play and is successful will retain the right to challenge one more time for a maximum of two.

When a kickoff goes out of bounds, the receiving team may accept the ball at the 40-yard line instead of the 35.

The incidental five-yard face mask foul was removed. All face mask fouls (pulling, twisting or turning) will be a 15-yard penalty.

A yardage penalty for sideline control will be instituted.