2022 Playing Rule Proposals Summary
- By Indianapolis and Philadelphia; amends Rule 16, to allow both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime.
- By Tennessee; amends Rule 16, Section 1, Article 3, to allow both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first possession scores a touchdown and a successful two-point Try.
- By Competition Committee; makes permanent the free kick formation change implemented during the 2021 season that established a maximum number of players in the setup zone.
2022 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL NO. 1
Amend Rule 16 (Overtime Procedures, pg. 69) (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
SECTION 1 OVERTIME PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 1. SCORE TIED. If the score is tied at the end of the regulation playing time of all regular season and postseason NFL games, a system of modified sudden-death overtime shall be in effect, pursuant to the following.
ARTICLE 2. END OF REGULATION. At the end of regulation playing time, the Referee shall immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, in accordance with rules pertaining to a usual pregame toss (4-2-2). The visiting team captain is to again call the toss.
ARTICLE 3. EXTRA PERIOD. Following an intermission of no more than three minutes after the end of the regular game, the extra period shall commence.
(a) Subject to Article 4(a), both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball at least once during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner, or if the team kicking off to start the overtime period scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession, in which case the team that kicked off is the winner. If a touchdown is scored, the game is over, and the Try is
not attempted.
(b) After each team has had an opportunity to possess the ball, if one team has more points than its opponent, then it is the winner. If the team that possesses the ball first does not score on its initial possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.
(c) If the team that possesses the ball first does not score scores a field goal on its initial possession, or if the score is tied after each team has had its opportunity to possess the ball, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner the other team (the second team) shall have the opportunity to possess the ball.
(1) If the second team scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner.
(2) If the second team scores a field goal on its possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.
(3) If the second team does not score on its possession, the game is over, and the first team is the winner, subject to (4) below.
(4) (1) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, the down will be permitted to run to its conclusion, and all rules of the game will be enforced as customary, including awarding points scored by either team during the down. If the second team, after regaining possession, scores a touchdown on has more points than the first team after the down and subsequent try after regaining possession, it is the winner. Only fouls that require the down to be replayed, fouls that negate a score, or palpably unfair acts will be enforced.
Notes:
(1) In such situations, if the player who intercepts the pass or recovers the fumble goes to the ground and makes no effort to advance, the covering official will blow his whistle to end the game.
(2) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, but the first team committed a foul prior to the change of possession, the second team’s possession has not legally ended, and the game cannot end on the down. However, in certain situations, the second team cannot decline the penalty and accept the result of the play, no matter how beneficial, because it would
create a second possession for itself. It must accept the penalty enforcement, which will extend its initial possession.
(3) The situation in (2) may also affect the team that receives the opening kickoff during its first possession. If there is a foul by the second team followed by a double change of possession, and the first team declines the penalty and accepts the result of the play, the second team has had its required possession, and the first team has possession of the ball for the second time
and needs only a field goal to win. However, if it accepts the penalty, it will extend its initial possession.
(d) A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (3-2-7).
The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
(e) The opportunity to possess applies only during kicking plays. A kickoff is the opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or field goal attempt that crosses the line of scrimmage and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an opportunity to possess for the receiving team. Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.
(f) All replay reviews will be initiated by the Replay Official. Coaches’ challenges will not be allowed.
ARTICLE 4. OVERTIME IN REGULAR SEASON. The following shall apply to overtime games in the regular season.
(a) There shall be a maximum of one 10-minute period, even if the second team has not had an opportunity to possess the ball or if its initial possession has not ended. If the score is tied at the end of the period, the game shall result in a tie.
(b) Each team shall be entitled to two timeouts, and if there is an excess timeout, the usual rules shall apply (4-5). The general provisions for the fourth quarter of a game, including timing, shall apply.
ARTICLE 5. OVERTIME IN POSTSEASON. The following shall apply to overtime games in the postseason:
(a) If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime period, or if the second team’s initial possession has not ended, another overtime period will begin, and play will continue, regardless of how many 15-minute periods are necessary.
(b) Between each overtime period, there shall be a two-minute intermission, but there shall be no halftime intermission after the second period. At the beginning of the third overtime period, the captain who lost the coin toss prior to the first overtime period shall have the first choice of the two privileges in 4-2-2, unless the team that won the coin toss deferred.
(c) At the end of the first and third extra periods, etc., teams must change goals in accordance with 4-2-3.
(d) Each team is entitled to three timeouts during a half. If there is an excess timeout, the usual rules shall apply (4-5).
(e) At the end of a second overtime period, timing rules shall apply as at the end of the first half. At the end of a fourth overtime period, timing rules shall apply as at the end of the fourth quarter.
(f) At the end of a fourth overtime period, there will be another coin toss pursuant to Section 1, Article 2, and play will continue until a winner is declared.
Submitted by Indianapolis and Philadelphia
Effect: Allows both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime.
Reason: Competitive Equity.
2022 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL NO. 2
Amend Rule 16, Section 1, Article 3 (Overtime Procedures, pg. 69) (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
SECTION 1 OVERTIME PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 1. SCORE TIED. If the score is tied at the end of the regulation playing time of all regular season and postseason NFL games, a system of modified sudden-death overtime shall be in effect, pursuant to the following.
ARTICLE 2. END OF REGULATION. At the end of regulation playing time, the Referee shall immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, in accordance with rules pertaining to a usual pregame toss (4-2-2). The visiting team captain is to again call the toss.
ARTICLE 3. EXTRA PERIOD. Following an intermission of no more than three minutes after the end of the regular game, the extra period shall commence.
(a) Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown and a two-point Try on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner, or if the team kicking off to start the overtime period scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession, in which case the team that kicked off is the winner. If a touchdown is scored, the game is over, and the Try is not attempted.
(b) If the team that possesses the ball first does not score a touchdown and a two-point Try on its initial possession, the second team next scoring by any method shall be the winner shall have the opportunity to possess the ball. After each team has had an opportunity to possess the ball, if one team has more points than the other it is the winner.
(c) If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal does not score on its initial possession, or if the score is tied after each team has had the opportunity to possess the ball, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner the other team (the second team) shall have the opportunity to possess the ball.
(1) If the second team scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner.
(2) If the second team scores a field goal on its possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.
(3) If the second team does not score on its possession, the game is over, and the first team is the winner, subject to (4) below.
(4)(1) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, the down will be permitted to run to its conclusion, and all rules of the game will be enforced as customary, including awarding points scored by either team during the down. If the second team scores a touchdown on the down after regaining possession, it is the winner. Only fouls that require the down to be replayed, fouls that negate a score, or palpably unfair acts will be enforced.
Notes:
(1) In such situations, if the player who intercepts the pass or recovers the fumble goes to the ground and makes no effort to advance, the covering official will blow his whistle to end the game.
(2) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, but the first team committed a foul prior to the change of possession, the second team’s possession has not legally ended, and the game cannot end on the down. However, in certain situations, the second team cannot decline the penalty and accept the result of the play, no matter how beneficial, because it would create a second possession for itself. It must accept the penalty enforcement, which will extend its initial possession.
(3) The situation in (2) may also affect the team that receives the opening kickoff during its first possession. If there is a foul by the second team followed by a double change of possession, and the first team declines the penalty and accepts the result of the play, the second team has had its required possession, and the first team has possession of the ball for the second time and needs only a field goal to win. However, if it accepts the penalty, it will extend its initial possession.
(d) A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (3-2-7). The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
(e) The opportunity to possess applies only during kicking plays. A kickoff is the opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or field goal attempt that crosses the line of scrimmage and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an opportunity to possess for the receiving team. Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.
(f) All replay reviews will be initiated by the Replay Official. Coaches’ challenges will not be allowed.
Submitted by Tennessee
Effect: Permits both teams to possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first possession scores a touchdown and a successful two-point Try.
Reason: Competitive equity; fan engagement.
2022 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL NO. 3
Amend Rule 6, Section 1, Article 3 (Free Kick Formation, pg. 24) (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
ARTICLE 3. FREE KICK FORMATION. When the ball is kicked on a free down:
(a) From the time the kicker begins his approach to the ball and until the ball is kicked,
(1) all kicking team players other than the kicker must be lined up with at least one foot on the yard line that is one yard behind their restraining line, and both feet must remain on the ground until the ball is kicked; and
(2) no more than five players of the kicking team may be on either side of the ball; and
(3) at least two players (other than a holder) must be lined up inbounds between the sideline and the bottom (outside) of the yard-line number, and at least two players (other than a holder) must be lined up between the top (inside) of the yard-line number and the inbounds lines.
Note: A holder for a free kick counts as one of the required five players on either side of the ball, regardless of where he is positioned. The holder is never counted as one of the required two players between the inbounds line and the top (inside) of the numbers, regardless of where he is positioned.
(b) All kicking team players must be inbounds and behind the ball when it is kicked, except:
(1) the holder of a placekick (3-18-1-Item 2) may be beyond the line, and
(2) the kicker may be beyond the line, provided that his kicking foot is not beyond the line.
(c) Until the ball is kicked, all receiving team (Team B) players must be inbounds and behind their restraining line, and at least eight, but no more than nine, players must be positioned between their restraining line and a spot 15 yards behind their restraining line (the “setup zone”). (See Section 2, Article 1, Item 2-b).
Penalty: For a player being beyond the restraining line when the ball is kicked (offside), a player being out of bounds when the ball is kicked, or either team being in an illegal formation when the ball is kicked: Loss of five yards.
(d) Prior to the ball being touched by the receiving team or the end of the kick, it is a foul if a kicking team player voluntarily goes out of bounds (without being contacted by a receiving team player) to avoid a block.
Penalty: For voluntarily going out of bounds without contact: Loss of 5 yards.
Submitted by Competition Committee
Effect: Makes permanent the free kick formation change implemented during the 2021 season that established a maximum number of players in the setup zone.
Reason: Provides excitement and competition.
2022 Bylaw Proposals Summary - By Competition Committee; prohibits clubs participating in the playoffs from signing players who have been terminated by clubs whose seasons have concluded.
2022 BYLAW PROPOSAL NO. 1
Amend Article XVIII, Section 18.1 of the Constitution and Bylaws to reflect the following (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
Claiming Period
18.1 (B) Clubs may claim a player placed on waivers by notifying the Commissioner within the claiming period. Clubs may file claims on players for whom waivers have been requested beginning at 4:01 p.m., New York time, on the day such waivers are
requested and ending at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on a subsequent date, pursuant to the following:
(1) For any waivers requested during the period commencing on the first business day after the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, whichever occurs later, through 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the Friday prior to the final regular season weekend, a 24-hour claiming period shall be in effect, except for waiver requests on Friday and
Saturday of each week, which shall expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the
following Monday. [Exception: During the two weekends preceding the first full
weekend of preseason games, waivers requested on Friday will expire at 4:00 p.m.,
New York time, on Saturday; waivers requested on Saturday will expire at 4:00
p.m., New York time, on Sunday; and waivers requested on Sunday will expire at
4:00 p.m., New York time, on Monday.]
If the claiming period is scheduled to expire on a holiday, or such other day when
the League office is not open for customary business, the claiming deadline shall
be extended until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the next League business day.
Waivers requested on the Friday preceding the final regular season weekend shall
expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on Saturday.
If any waiver request has been designated as Procedural Recall, the club requesting
such waivers shall have a right of Procedural Recall, which shall be exercised only
if no claims shall be registered for such player by other clubs. In the event there
are no claims, the club that requested waivers is required to exercise its Procedural
Recall and count the player on its Active List for at least one business day thereafter have an additional 24 hours to recall such waiver request.
(2) A claiming period of 24 hours shall be in effect for any waivers requested during the period from the Saturday of the final regular season weekend through the conclusion of the final postseason game, except for waiver requests on Friday and Saturday of each week, which shall expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the
following Monday.
a) Assignment of player contracts will be deferred until the first business day after
the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, whichever occurs later.
b) Terminations of player contracts of clubs not participating in the playoffs or
that have been eliminated from the playoffs will be deferred until the first
business day after the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, whichever occurs later.
c) Terminations of player contracts of clubs participating in the playoffs will occur
at the expiration of the claiming period.
i. A club that is participating in the playoffs may sign players whose
contracts have been terminated to its Active/Inactive List, Practice
Squad, or Reserve/Future List.
ii. A club that is not participating in the playoffs may sign players whose
contracts have been terminated to its Reserve/Future List only.
All waiver notices released by the Commissioner during the training or regular season shall be sent by NFLNet or facsimile.
The Commissioner shall notify each club in both conferences simultaneously of any
waiver request in the manner prescribed above. Any club within the League may, upon request, secure from the Commissioner all available salary information on any player for whom waivers have been requested, which information shall be supplied prior to the time for the filing of any claim on such player.
Submitted by Competition Committee
Effect: Prohibits clubs participating in the playoffs from signing players who have been terminated by clubs whose seasons have concluded.
Reason: Integrity of postseason games.
2022 Resolutions Proposals Summary
G-1. By Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay; amends the Anti-Tampering Policy, in regard to Secondary Football Executive positions, to allow the employer club the choice to retain its player personnel staff through the Annual Selection Meeting. After the selection meeting through June 30, the employer club is required to grant permission for another club to interview and hire a non-high-level executive or non-secondary football executive for a secondary football executive position.
2022 RESOLUTION G-1
Whereas, the NFL’s Anti-Tampering Policy provides to strike a balance between
protecting member clubs’ rights and investment in their employees, protecting the integrity of the game, preserving competitive balance among member clubs, promoting employee loyalty and maintaining the organizational stability of employer clubs during the playing season, while also providing realistic advancement opportunities for employees if other clubs desire their services;
and Whereas, the NFL’s Anti-Tampering Policy requires employer clubs to permit employees under contract to be interviewed and hired by another club for a Secondary Football Executive Position through March 1 of any year,
Be it Resolved, that the Anti-Tampering Policy (Section 4j(3)(ii)) will be amended to
reflect the following change pertaining to Secondary Football Executives:
c. Interview Restrictions. If a club wishes to discuss its Secondary Football Executive
position with a non-High-Level Club Employee or a non-Secondary Football Executive whose club’s playing season (excluding Pro Bowl) has concluded, and who is under contract to such club, the employer club is under no obligation to grant such permission through the day after the conclusion of the Annual Selection Meeting, but it may be voluntarily granted at the employer club’s discretion.is required to permit the employee to discuss and accept such employment through March 1 of any year. After March 1 through the day after the conclusion of the Annual Selection Meeting, the employer club is under no obligation to grant such permission, but it may be voluntarily granted at the employer club’s discretion during this period. Beginning the day after the conclusion of the Annual Selection Meeting through June 30, the employer club is required to permit the employee to discuss and accept such employment.
See Postseason Procedures in Section 4(j)(4) below
Submitted by Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay
Effect: Allows the employer club the choice to retain its player personnel staff through the Annual Selection Meeting. After the selection meeting through June 30, the employer club is required to grant permission for another club to interview and hire a non-high-level executive or non-secondary football executive for a secondary football executive position.
Reason: Promotes club organizational stability and inter-club fairness, while preserving legitimate opportunities for personnel to explore other positions
