A Couple Of Rule Changes For The Coming Season

Now we will be replaying every turnover. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

the competition committee is voting over a few rule changes today and here are a couple that have passed and we will see this coming season.

The overtime rule that was used in the playoffs, which we saw a preview with the Broncos and Steelers playoff game, will be used in the regular season now. So, if you score a touchdown on the first possession, the game ends. If the first possession results in a field goal, then the other team gets a chance to get the ball and try to match or win the game with a touchdown.

Here are the rules from NFL.com:

The modified sudden death system of determining the winner shall prevail when the score is tied at the end of regulation playing time of postseason NFL games. The system guarantees each team a possession or the opportunity to possess, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession.

» At the end of regulation time, the Referee will immediately toss a coin at the center of the field in accordance with rules pertaining to the usual pregame toss. The captain of the visiting team will call the toss prior to the coin being flipped.

» Following a three-minute intermission after the end of the regulation game, play will be continued in 15-minute periods until a winner is declared. Each team must possess or have the opportunity to possess the ball unless the team that has the ball first scores a touchdown on its initial possession. Play continues in sudden death until a winner is determined, and the game automatically ends upon any score (by safety, field goal, or touchdown) or when a score is awarded by the Referee for a palpably unfair act. Each team has three time-outs per half and all general timing provisions apply as during a regular game. The try is not attempted if a touchdown is scored. Disqualified players are not allowed to return.

» Instant Replay: No challenges. Reviews to be initiated by the replay assistant.

Another rule that has changed: Instant replay will now include all turnovers. No coaches challenges are necessary. Now all touchdowns, all plays within the last 2 minutes and all turnovers will be automatically replayed.

And here are a few more changes on penalties:

• Too many men in formation will now be a dead-ball foul.
• Recipient of crackback block is regarded as a defenseless player
• Loss of down penalty added for illegally kicking loose football.

A few items were pushed back to May as they want more discussion with the NFLPA. They will be discussing pushing the trade deadline from week 6 to week 8. They will also be talking about roster size changes and some changes that they want to do with the Injured Reserve list.