The NFL this preseason tweaked the placement of the umpire on the field. Previously, the umpire was placed on the defensive side of the ball near the linebackers but several times last season an umpire was hit during the play so in an effort to protect the their safety they moved them behind the offense.
After Colts Complain, NFL Tweaks New Rules On Umpires
NFL teams like the Colts quickly learned that this would slow down their hurry-up offense because the umpire had to place the ball then run behind the quarterback and signal the play ready.
Because of some complaints around the league, the NFL has tweaked the new rules.
Per Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, here are a few of the key changes:
- The umpire will be 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage instead of 15.
- The umpire just has to be beyond the deepest offensive player for the ball to be snapped. Previously he had to be set.
- Umpires will move back to the defensive side of the ball with two minutes remaining in the second quarter and five remaining in the fourth quarter.
- The umpire will move back to the defensive side of the ball inside the five-yard line.
The NFL wanted to make the game safer for the umpires while the Colts just wanted to be able to effectively run their hurry-up offense. NFL officials will meet following Thursday night’s regular season opener to discuss the changes.
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