NEW 2015 CFB RULES FANS NEED TO KNOW

-EIGHT-MAN OFFICIATING CREWS

After experimenting with this idea last season, the SEC has decided to install an extra member of the officiating crew this season.

-OVERBUILT FACEMASKS ARE NOW ILLEGAL

Remember when defensive linemen would wear masks that looked like they were some kind of robot warrior? Well, that won’t fly anymore. Citing too much weight of the front of the helmet, the rules committee has made these eyesores a thing of the past.

-ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT NOW REQUIRES A PLAYER TO LEAVE THE GAME

Remember when the rule requiring a player to leave the game for a play if their helmet comes off while on the field was implemented? This rule is very similar in nature, except it applies to lots of other things, like wearing all of the proper padding, having your shirt tucked in and really anything else an official might construe as illegal equipment.

-KICKER BLOCKS ON ONSIDE KICKS IS NOW A REVIEWABLE PLAY

Tired of seeing illegal blocks on onside kick reviews and the officials having no power to do anything about it?

-PULLING OTHER PLAYERS OFF A PILE IS NOW A PENALTY

Pulling a player off of a pile, whether it is done with peace-keeping intent or not, is now going to be an automatic 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

-INDEPENDENT MEDICAL OBSERVERS

There will be independent medical observers at each SEC venue this season, watching to make sure that proper protocol is being taken in regards to concussion safety.