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College Football/Overtime rules

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Expert: Vic Winnek - 12/4/2006


Question
Is there a limit to the  number of overtimes that can be played in a collegiate game?  Can  you explain the overtime rules.

Answer
Lynne,

Sure no problem. First, there is no limit to the number of overtime periods in a game.

When the game ends in a tie in  regulation (following 4th qtr) there will be an over time period until a team is declared the winner.  First, following the 4th qtr.  there shall be a 3 minute intermission.  Then the captains and head coaches shall come to the middle of the field for a coin toss. The visitors shall have the first choice of the coin toss.  Each team is given 1 time out with no carry over time outs.

The winner of the toss shall choose: 1, to be on offense, 2. defense or 3. the goal they wish to defend.  The play shall be untimed.  Each team gets one opportunity to score or execute their series of downs.

The ball will be put into play at the 25 yardline barring any carry over penalties.  It will be regular football from that point forward with four downs to get a first down or score.

Once the offensive team scores or the defensive team gains possession the offensive team's Opportunity ends and the defensive team then gains possession and becomes the offensive team and gets their opportunity to score.  Beginning the 3rd OT period each team must attempt a 2 point conversion follow a touch down if they want the extra points.  A "field goal for PAT" in the 3rd OT or Subsequent OT periods will not count as points by rule.  

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Vic Winnek

Expertise

Will Answer all queries RE: Rules of Football - NCAA & Federation; Officiating; Instruction on Football; Mechanics & application of rules; Setting up Instructional programs and clinics for: Officials, coaches and media; Liability Issues (Legal & Insurance questions)arising from coaching, playing, refereeing, product liability. Serve as an Consultant and Expert Witness in Football Related Matters in Tort and Contract (Standard of Care for: officials, coaches, players, assignors, BOD; Player, equipment, field & stadium Safety; Fee issues, independant contractor workers compensation. History of the College football game -its evolution. MY PURPOSE IS TO INFORM & EDUCATE FANS, MEDIA, THOSE INTERESTED IN FOOTBALL ABOUT: THE RULES, THEIR APPLICATION, PHILOSOPHIES; OFFICIATING; LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVING FOOTBALL. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO BASHING OF TEAMS, COACHES OR OFFICIALS. I will not dignify rude or disparaging comments with a response, nor entertain questions that use profanity or questions that suggest Football officials are corupt, such an insinuation is ridiculous and ludicrous.

Experience

24 years officiating High School & College football, NCAA Referee, Umpire, Back Judge & Line Judge 2 years Arena Football-substitution official Instructor of NCAA & Federation Officials, Played prep and college football; coached High School football; Athletic trainer; 23 years of instruction in Officiating Football

Organizations
Past President of Calif. Football Officials Assoc; Western Collegiate Football Officials Assoc.; CFOA-Long Beach Unit Board of Directors CFOA-South Bay Unit & Long Beach Unit, Pres. Executive Council of Calif. Football Officials Assoc.; CIF Presidents' Council on Officiating; Chairman Ethics Committee

Publications
Referee Magazine; California Football Officials Assoc. Instructor's Guide; NACC Div. 1-AA football officials' clinic; CFOA instrutional materials; Articles written: Line of Scrimmage mechanics, Forward Progress, Side Line Warnings, 2006 NCAA New Timing Rules; various instructional materials, UWLA Law Review

Education/Credentials
BA USC 1987
JD UWLA School of Law 1996
3 Years Reno Football Officials Clinic
4 Years UCLA Football Officials Camp Big 12 Mini Clinic NFL Grass Roots Clinic Aloha Clinic, Honolulu, HI West Coast Alliance Clinic

Awards and Honors
NCAA Div. 1 FCS & Div. III, 9 post season Bowl Games, play-offs, CIF Div. 1,2,3,5,8,9,10,12 Final, 10 years CIF Semi-finals, 19 years of CIF play-offs, California State High School Football Div. 1 Championship, Southern California Jr. College Championship, NCAA Div. III Semi-Final

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