In Phoenix, NFL owners considered a multitude of rule changes today for the upcoming 2017-18 season. The league released the following approved rules proposal:
Here are all the new @NFL rules for 2017. Quiz later. pic.twitter.com/933NotWSEF
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 28, 2017
The changes disqualifies a player penalized twice for specific unsportsmanlike conduct, bans the leaping blocks over opposing lineman during the field goal kick and grants receiver running pass routes defenseless player protection. Surprisingly absent are any ramifications to the overtime rules or player celebration corrections; shorter extra periods were reportedly shelved by one vote.
The benefits of the new rule implementation are as follows:
-Automatic ejection was previously on a per-year trial basis. With player safety a paramount objective in the NFL, athletes will be kicked off the field in order to crack down on illegal hits. Referees also now have the power to eject if they see targeting, a similar rule to the NCAA.
-Receivers are protected on run routes, even within five yards of the line of scrimmage. Owners hope this boosts points and therefore provides more offensive excitement.
-In the past, teams have used multiple purposeful penalties to expire the clock – a strategic move that is incorporated prior to the half or the end of the game. Holding penalties to burn the clock are now illegal, and will be disciplined with a 15-yard penalty and a clock reset prior to the snap.
-The NFL is at the forefront of using technology in unison with the game. Therefore, hoods will be extinct, replaced by tablets for referees to examine instant replays.
-The field goal leap was a beautiful addition to any highlight reel. However, it’s a defensive move that can now only be found on vintage football film. Hopping over the lineman towards a helpless snapper and punter is now banned.
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