Football first-down timing rules delayed for next season in Division III

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Thursday voted to delay implementation of football first-down timing rules for Division III competition until 2024, pending an impact study of the change. This rule was already approved for Division I and II games, starting next season.

The NCAA Football Rules Committee will conduct an impact study to monitor the effect this rule has on the game throughout the 2023 season and will consider any adjustments at its February/March 2024 annual meeting.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel referred this issue back to the rules committee in April after the Division III Management Council raised concerns about how the new first-down timing rule might affect Division III football teams.

Under the new rule in Division I and II games, the game clock will continue to run when a first down is gained. The game clock will be stopped when a first down is gained during the last two minutes of either half. However, Division III games will continue to have the game clock stopped when a first down is gained. The clock will restart when the offense is awarded a first down.