Anyone following the NFL knows the league has recently made some big changes, especially with the new “dynamic kickoff” rule. While this is the most notable change of the season, it’s not the only one. The NFL often slips new rules into the mix without much fanfare, marked in red in the 2024 rulebook.
The NFL Competition Committee can tweak or clarify rules to maintain the game’s integrity. They rely on input from coaches, general managers, owners, current players, NFL Legends, the NFL Players Association, medical professionals, and the media. The committee spends weeks discussing and reviewing video footage before recommending any changes. After establishing new rules, the league reviews them with players, coaches, and officials during off-season meetings, training camps, and the NFL Officiating Clinic. The Officiating Department also sends training videos with specific examples to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Here’s A Look At The Key NFL New Rules
Rule 12-2-18: Outlawing the “Hip-Drop” Tackle
The “hip-drop” tackle, which led to frequent injuries last season, is now banned. The NFL reported that this type of tackle caused at least one injury per week and had an injury rate 20-25 times higher than a standard tackle. A hip-drop tackle occurs when a defender grabs a runner with both arms, swivels, and drops their hips, landing on the ball carrier’s legs. This motion often results in broken bones and torn ligaments. Under the new rule, executing a hip-drop tackle will result in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. Only two hip-drop tackles were identified during the preseason, and neither drew a flag. However, even if the play is not penalized on the field, players could face warnings, education, or fines to discourage using this dangerous technique.
Rule 15-3-2: Instant Replay for Determining a Quarterback’s Knee Down Before a Pass
This new rule allows instant replay to determine whether a quarterback’s knee was down before releasing a pass. If officials rule a quarterback down by contact but replay clearly shows he threw the ball before any body part touched the ground, they will place the ball at the spot of the completion or interception. They will not allow further advance, and the down will count if the pass is incomplete.
Rules 15-5-1 and 15-5-3: Instant Replay for Inbounds and Out of Bounds Determinations
These rules expand the use of instant replay to determine if a player stepped out of bounds. A ruling that a runner remained inbounds is now reviewable to see if he stepped out. If officials rule a quarterback ran out of bounds, but replay shows he released the ball while still inbounds, they will award the ball at the spot of the catch or interception without allowing an advance. This change aims to ensure more accurate rulings on critical plays that could impact the outcome of a game.
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Rule 3-25: Clarification for Quarterbacks Throwing the Ball Away
The NFL has clarified the conditions under which quarterbacks can throw the ball away without facing an intentional grounding penalty. The rule has always allowed quarterbacks to throw the ball out of bounds without penalty if they are outside the pocket, defined as the area outside the edges of the regular tackle positions. The new wording specifies that officials consider a quarterback outside the pocket if any part of his body or the ball extends beyond the pocket area. This clarification ensures that quarterbacks clearly understand the boundaries when avoiding a sack.
Rule 15-9-j through l: Allowing Instant Replay Officials to Correct Penalties
Instant replay officials now have the authority to correct specific penalties if there is clear video evidence that the original call was wrong. This change applies to roughing the passer, intentional grounding, and unnecessary roughness penalties. If replay shows a player flagged for roughing the passer did not contact the quarterback’s head or neck if a player called for intentional grounding was actually outside the pocket, or if a player flagged for hitting an opponent out of bounds was inbounds when the hit occurred, officials could overturn the call using replay. This rule aims to improve the accuracy of penalty enforcement, reducing controversial calls that can affect game outcomes.
Rule 15-1-f: Awarding Teams an Extra Challenge
Previously, teams were granted a third challenge only if they succeeded with their first two. The new rule changes this requirement, allowing a team to receive a third challenge if it is successful on at least one of its first two challenges. This change provides teams with more opportunities to correct officiating errors, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Rule 6-6: Eliminating Surprise Onside Kicks with the New Dynamic Kickoff
The introduction of the “dynamic kickoff” eliminates surprise onside kicks by requiring both teams to line up on the return side of the field, making traditional onside kicks nearly impossible. Under the new rules, teams may only attempt an onside kick in the fourth quarter and must notify the officials before the play. Other restrictions remain in place, such as no more than five players on one side and no running starts. This rule aims to balance the element of surprise with safety and fair play.
Rule 15-2: More Expedited Reviews for Clear Errors
To streamline the officiating process, the NFL now allows for more expedited reviews when a ruling on the field is incorrect. Officials can conduct an expedited review without consulting the referee and will not share the video with the referee on the field. Mark Butterworth, a 25-year veteran of instant replay booths, will now make all instant replay decisions, whether traditional or expedited, taking over from Walt Anderson. This change aims to reduce game delays while ensuring accuracy in officiating.
Rule 7-4-2: Emphasizing the “Cheat Motion” as a Point of Focus
This rule emphasizes the enforcement of false start penalties when a receiver moves upfield before the snap. Last season, the Miami Dolphins exploited a gray area by using a motion technique where receivers like Tyreek Hill turned upfield just as the ball snapped or slightly before. The updated rule clarifies that any eligible backfield player who changes his stance does not need to come to a complete stop before the snap as long as the action is neither abrupt (false start) nor forward (illegal motion). This clarification helps officials monitor and prevent receivers from gaining an unfair advantage.
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