The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has tabled a proposed football rule that would have adjusted the ineligible receiver downfield rule from 3 yards to 1 yard on Thursday.

Panel members, who met on a teleconference Thursday, felt more discussion about the rule should take place within the college football community before a final decision is made. Additionally, the panel was concerned about the lack of participation in the rules process by head coaches, both in the survey process and comment period. Specifically, while 57 percent of Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches supported this proposed change in the initial survey, only 65 FBS head coaches participated in the survey. Also, while 54 percent of FBS head coaches were supportive of the rule change in the comment period, only 46 FBS head coaches offered comments.

The proposal from the NCAA Football Rules Committee would have allowed ineligible receivers not engaged with an opponent to advance only 1 yard past the line of scrimmage at the time a pass is released. It is the same rule used in the NFL.

Additionally, ineligible receivers (usually offensive linemen) could have legally engaged with defenders within 1 yard of the line of scrimmage and stayed in contact with opponents up to 3 yards on passing plays.

The NCAA Football Rules Committee, which passed the proposed rule in February, believed the change would encourage more consistent officiating of those plays.

Now that the proposal is tabled, the current rule of 3 yards will stay in effect for the 2015 season. However, the current rule will be a point of emphasis for coaches and officials during the 2015 season.

Rules changes approved for the 2015 season by the panel include: