'85 Chronology-Distant Replay

Event Date: March 20th, 1985

Event Description: Replay Rules

Source: UPI

The United States Football League announced Tuesday the expansion of its instant replay and voluntary-down rules.

Under the voluntary-down ruling, if a ballcarrier falls to the field intentionally, the defense need not touch him for him to be declared tackled.

Instant replays will be used to challenge calls when it must be determined if the ball has been fumbled, a pass 

completion or interception is in question, to determine penetration of the goal line or out of bounds, or whether a kicked ball has been touched by either team.

“I view these changes as part of the overall process of looking at ways to improve the game that is taking place both in the USFL and the NFL,” USFL commissioner Chet Simmons said. “The NFL has now decided to test the instant replay, and we are recognizing the validity of their recent move to further protect quarterbacks and other ballcarriers.”

In Monday night's game between the Denver Gold and the Houston Gamblers, an official's call was changed for the first time after viewing a replay.

Modification of the rules regarding a downed ballcarrier calls for the ball to be blown dead when a runner voluntarily slides or dives to the ground. The ball will be spotted at the point where the ballcarrier initially makes contact with the surface, and defenders who hit the ballcarrier will be called for an unnecessary roughness penalty.

Story-(UPI Modified)