NFL rules changes

BEFORE: SOME PROPOSALS FLOATED

CLUB PLAYING RULES PROPOSALS: https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-rules/2020-rules-proposals/

By Philadelphia; to amend Rule 6, Section 1, Article 1, to provide an alternative to the onside kick that would allow a team who is trailing in the game an opportunity to maintain possession of the ball after scoring (4th and 15 from the kicking team’s 25-yard line).

Tom Pelissero@TomPelissero
In last month’s Competition Committee report, the committee said it supports further analysis of on-field officials being assisted by officiating personnel who have access to a video feed. That is significant; where that personnel’s power would begin and end is a big question.

The two proposals involving a “sky judge” concept also remain on the docket for discussion at next Thursday’s virtual meeting. Regardless of whether either passes, some version likely will be tested in the preseason.

AFTER: SOME RESULTS

Albert Breer@AlbertBreer
NFL owners did pass rules to …

• Expand IR to allow 3 players to be designated for return.
• Prevent manipulation (see: Belichick/Vrabel) of the clock.
• Make permanent auto replay of scoring plays/turnovers.
• Expand defenseless player protections on kickoffs/punts.

Around The NFL@AroundTheNFL
Sky judge proposals withdrawn ahead of Thursday’s virtual meeting (via @TomPelissero)

Lindsay Jones@bylindsayhjones
Troy Vincent said the NFL and competition committee has learned “not to rush” when implementing new, dramatic rule changes. Vincent said the discussion about 4th and 15 was more robust than it was a year ago when Broncos proposed it.

The NFL won’t be using the Hawkeye officiating camera system the XFL used because the pandemic has prevented workers from getting into stadiums to install it.