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“Do Over” Rule in Dallas

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified NFL clubs of a change in rules for the 2009 season relating to the video board over the field at the new Cowboys Stadium but that will also potentially apply in other situations.

Goodell consulted with the Competition Committee and NFL staff, coming up with the following set of rules which will be in effect starting this weekend when the 49ers travel to Dallas.

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.

“We will continue to address the particular circumstances in Dallas, giving full consideration to the competitive, safety and fan experience issues involved,” Commissioner Goodell said.

49ers punter Andy Lee will be the first kicker affected by the new rule change, but it shouldn’t have much of an impact on the way he approaches Saturday’s game.

“I’m not going to change anything,” Lee said.  “I’m going to put my best punt out there.  If it hits it, it hits it.  I’ll apologize to my guys and do it again.  We’re not going to have to play there again the rest of the year; it’s not something we’re going to have to worry about the rest of the year.  I’m going to go in there and try to hit my best ball and get ready for the season.”