The NFL formally has announced the rule that will apply to the Cowboys video board in 2009.
Here’s the official text of the new rule.
1. If a ball in play strikes a video board, guide wire, sky cam, or any other object, the ball will be dead immediately, and the down will be replayed at the previous spot.
2. 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.
3. 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.
So there you have it. The board won’t be moved during the 2009 season.
“We will continue to address the particular circumstances in Dallas, giving full consideration to the competitive, safety and fan experience issues involved,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the news release. “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.”
We’ll defer our opinions regarding this matter to the next set of PFTV segments, which we’ll be shooting later today. In the interim, we invite PFT Planet to sound off.
Actually, you already have been. We hope we haven’t interrupted your rhythm.