• To permit the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game.
• To eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.
• To modify the kickoff alignment requirements for the receiving team players in the setup zone. (Reduce the minimum number of receiving team players in the setup zone with their front foot on the setup line from six to five. Also bumping number of receiving team players in the setup zone without their front foot on the setup line from three to four, but never more than two players in each of the three areas within the setup zone bordered by the sidelines and inbounds lines.)
• For one year only, to allow the NFL Officiating Department to correct clear and obvious misses made by on-field officials that impact the game, in the event that there is a work stoppage involving the game officials represented by the NFL Referees Association.
• AMENDED: Allow league personnel to consult with on-field officials when considering disqualifications for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts without being called on the field and put a flag on the field, as well.
THE ASYLUM
Five rule changes approved by owners
NFL owners have approved five rule changes:
• To permit the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game.
• To eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.
• To modify the kickoff alignment requirements for the receiving team players in the setup zone. (Reduce the minimum number of receiving team players in the setup zone with their front foot on the setup line from six to five. Also bumping number of receiving team players in the setup zone without their front foot on the setup line from three to four, but never more than two players in each of the three areas within the setup zone bordered by the sidelines and inbounds lines.)
• For one year only, to allow the NFL Officiating Department to correct clear and obvious misses made by on-field officials that impact the game, in the event that there is a work stoppage involving the game officials represented by the NFL Referees Association.
• AMENDED: Allow league personnel to consult with on-field officials when considering disqualifications for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts without being called on the field and put a flag on the field, as well.
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