The NCAA gave the green light to a few significant rule changes, one that will impact targeting calls and another dealing with the use of electronic devices.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel met on Tuesday in a conference call and approved the ability for instant replay officials to stop a game and create a targeting foul if one was missed by on-field officials. For those that are flagged by on-field officials, instant replay officials must review all aspects of them.

The use of electronic devices, such as tablets and laptops, was also approved for coaching purposes in the press box and locker room. However, they still won’t be allowed on the sidelines, in the team areas or on the field.

There were three more rule tweaks intended to improve the safety of the players:

• The rules dealing with low blocks were adjusted to prohibit a player who leaves the tackle box from blocking below the waist toward the initial position of the ball.
• The rules pertaining to a defenseless player will include a ball carrier who has clearly given himself up by sliding feet first.
• The deliberate tripping of the ball carrier (with the leg) was approved as a foul.

Also, officials will be instructed to strictly enforce the 3-yard limit for ineligible receivers downfield.

There was also a proposal to allow teams to turn one of its timeouts (which are 60 seconds) into a 90-second timeout, extending it by 30 seconds. That was tabled by the panel as it will seek feedback from the Division I Football Oversight Committee. However, the NCAA has said it will be reviewed before the 2016 season.