If you love to yell at the refs for getting the call wrong, here’s an excellent opportunity for you to brush up on your knowledge of the NFL rulebook.
NFL rule changes: What you need to know for the Super Bowl
Here’s a quick refresher before you watch the big game.
Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Most people who will tune into the Super Bowl are already familiar with most of the NFL’s new rules. But for many, it’s nice to have a refresher before the big game, especially if they haven’t been watching the playoffs this year, which have been underwhelming.
So with that, here’s a rundown of what took place over the course of the 2016 offseason, courtesy of NFL Operations, and the changes that were made to improve the NFL rulebook. (Spoiler: We still don’t know what a catch is.)
Point after tries are now more difficult
The NFL permanently moved the line of scrimmage for extra point attempts to the 15-yard line. Defenses are also allowed to return any missed attempt the length of the field, for what would be a two-point safety. The owners approved a one-year trial of the rule change two seasons ago, and they adopted the rule for good prior to the 2016 season.
Play callers in the coaches’ box can now communicate with players via headset
The NFL now permits offensive and defensive play callers on each team’s coaching staff to use the coach-to-player communication system, whether the coaches happen to be on the field or upstairs in the coaching booth. Previously, only coaches standing on the sideline had been able to communicate with players through this system.
This rule probably won’t make a difference in the Super Bowl — both Josh McDaniels and Kyle Shanahan will probably be on the field in this matchup.
The NFL is cracking down on player safety
- All chop blocks are now illegal. Certain types of cut blocks are still legal, and there are more nuances to the rule. Be sure to check out our full explanation of the rule here, if you’re interested.
- The horse collar rule is now expanded to include when a defender grabs an opponent’s jersey at or above the nameplate and pulls a runner toward the ground.
Teams are punished for calling timeouts they don’t have
If a team calls a timeout when it is not permitted to do so (usually when the team has no timeouts remaining), it is now a delay-of-game foul. If the team on offense is the team in violation, opposing defenses have the choice to accept a 10-second clock runoff.
The type of penalty enforcement changes when a certain type of ineligible receiver catches a pass
Rather than enforce a 5-yard penalty for when a receiver illegally touches a forward pass after being out of bounds and re-establishing himself inbounds, officials will now enforce a loss of down for the same offense.
Players will not be able to advance the ball after a change of possession and penalties on both teams
When both teams commit a foul after a change of possession, the spot of enforcement now changes. According to the new rule, the team last in possession shall retain the ball at the spot where it gained possession.
The league office can now get involved
The replay official and designated members of the officiating department at the NFL league office are now allowed to consult with on-field officials to provide information on the correct application of playing rules, including assessment of penalty yardage, proper down, and status of the game clock.
The “two strikes and you’re out” rule
This rule is currently in a one-year trial stage, but it still applies to the Super Bowl. A player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls will be thrown out of the game. The types of fouls include the following:
(a) Throwing a punch or forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even if no contact is made
(b) Using abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures toward opponents, teammates, officials or league representatives
(c) Using baiting or taunting acts or words that engender ill will between teams
The ball spot has changed on touchbacks
The football will now be spotted on the 25-yard-line after a free kick (generally on a kickoff) results in a touchback. Previously, the ball was spotted at the 20-yard line.
That’s about it. Sure you’ve got it all? For a more comprehensive look at the new rules, make sure to check out our expansive look at the rule changes.
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