SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There are a few rule changes to watch on Thursday evening when the Hutchinson Community College football team opens the season. The Blue Dragons host New Mexico Military Institute at Gowans Stadium at 6 p.m.
The first rule change to keep an eye on will be the two-minute timeout. Most people are familiar with the Two-Minute Warning at the NFL level, that occurs when the clock strikes 2:00, or any stoppage of play under the two-minute mark.
This past April, the NCAA rules panel approved the addition of the two-minute timeout at the collegiate level. The panel voted in favor of the two-minute stoppage in the second and fourth quarters.
Per the NCAA release, this rule change synchronizes all timing rules, such as 10-second runoffs and stopping the clock when a first down is gained in bounds, which coincides with the two-minute timeout.
HutchCC head coach Drew Dallas on the two-minute timeout and how that will change the game at the junior college level.
"Yeah, I mean obviously it's going to be a huge change for us," Dallas said. "It will change how us coaches call timeouts and manage end of the half and end of the game situations."
The other change you may notice is the use of tablets for players on the sidelines.
The NCAA rules panel approved the option for teams to use tables to view in-game video. The video can include the broadcast feed and camera angles from the coach's sideline and coach's end zone.
Although the NCAA is allowing teams to have up to 18 active tables for use in the coaching booth, sideline and locker room, the KJCCC has established that up to four tablets will be permitted to use.
"I think that's a great rule change for us," KJCCC supervisor of officials Craig Helser said. "It will let our coaches be able to show their players film during the game, so that's a nice rule change."
Dallas also thinks it will be a great addition to the conference this season.
"We'll have a couple in the press box and a couple down on the field for our guys," Dallas said. "Obviously that's going to play a big part in games to identify what teams are doing offensively, defensively and on special teams. I think it will give us a chance to make better in-game adjustments if we use it properly."