2025 Club Playing Rule Proposals Summary
By Detroit; amends Rule 8, Section 4, to eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty
imposed for defensive holding and illegal contact.
By Green Bay; amends Rule 12, Section 1, to prohibit an offensive player from pushing a
teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately
at the snap.
By Philadelphia; amends Rule 16, Section 1, to align the postseason and regular season
overtime rules by granting both teams an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the
outcome of the first possession, subject to a 15-minute overtime period in the regular season.
2025 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL
Amend Rule 8, Section 4 (Legal and Illegal Contact with Eligible Receivers, pg. 32) (new
language underlined, deleted language struck through):
SECTION 4 LEGAL AND ILLEGAL CONTACT WITH ELIGIBLE RECEIVERS
ARTICLE 1. LEGAL CONTACT WITHIN FIVE YARDS. Within the area five yards
beyond the line of scrimmage, a defensive player may chuck an eligible receiver in front of him.
The defender is allowed to maintain continuous and unbroken contact within the five-yard zone,
so long as the receiver has not moved beyond a point that is even with the defender.
ARTICLE 2. ILLEGAL CONTACT WITHIN FIVE YARDS. Within the five-yard zone, if
the player who receives the snap remains in the pocket area with the ball, a defender may not
make initial contact in the back of a receiver, nor may he maintain contact after the receiver has
moved beyond a point that is even with the defender. If a defender contacts a receiver within the
five-yard zone, loses contact, and then contacts him again within the five-yard zone, it is a foul
for illegal contact.
ARTICLE 3. ILLEGAL CONTACT BEYOND FIVE-YARD ZONE. Beyond the five-yard
zone, if the player who receives the snap remains in the pocket area with the ball, a defender
cannot initiate contact with a receiver who is attempting to evade him. A defender may use his
hands or arms only to defend or protect himself against impending contact caused by a
receiver. If a defender contacts a receiver within the five-yard zone and maintains contact with
him, he must release the receiver as they exit the five-yard zone.
ARTICLE 4. INCIDENTAL CONTACT BEYOND FIVE-YARD ZONE. Beyond the five
yard zone, incidental contact may exist between receiver and defender.
Penalty: For illegal contact by the defense: Loss of five yards and automatic first down.
ARTICLE 5. ILLEGAL CUT BLOCK. It is an illegal cut block if:
(a) an eligible receiver who takes a position more than two yards outside of his own tackle (flexed
receiver) is blocked below the waist at, behind, or beyond the line of scrimmage; or
(b) an eligible receiver who is lined up within two yards of the tackle, whether on or behind the
line, is blocked below the waist after he goes beyond the line of scrimmage (such players may
be blocked below the waist at or behind the line of scrimmage).
Penalty: For illegal cut block: Loss of 15 yards and automatic first down.
ARTICLE 6. DEFENSIVE HOLDING. It is defensive holding if a player grasps an eligible
offensive player (or his jersey) with his hands, or extends an arm or arms to cut off or encircle
him. See 12-1-6. Any offensive player who pretends to possess the ball, and/or one to whom a
teammate pretends to give the ball, may be tackled until he leaves the pocket area.
Penalty: For holding by the defense: Loss of five yards and automatic first down.
ARTICLE 7. END OF RESTRICTIONS. If the quarterback or the receiver of the snap
demonstrates no further intention to pass the ball (i.e., hands off or pitches the ball to another
player, throws a forward or backward pass, loses possession of the ball by a muff that touches
the ground or a fumble, or if he is tackled) the restrictions on the defensive team prohibiting
illegal contact, or an illegal cut block, against an eligible receiver will end, and a defensive
player is permitted to use his hands, arms, or body to push, pull, or ward off an offensive
receiver, pursuant to Rule 12, Section 1, Article 5. If the quarterback leaves the pocket area with
the ball in his possession, the restrictions on illegal contact and an illegal cut block both end, but
the restriction on defensive holding remains in effect.
If a team presents a punt formation (3-17-7), defensive acts that normally constitute illegal contact
(chuck beyond five yards, etc.) are permitted, provided that the acts do not constitute defensive
holding.
Submitted by Detroit
Effect:
Reason:
Eliminates an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding
and illegal contact.
Competitive equity. Current penalty enforcement is too punitive for the
defense.
2025 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL
Amend Rule 12, Section 1, Article 4 (Blocking, Use of Hands and Arms pg. 46) (new language
underlined, deleted language struck through):
ARTICLE 4. ASSISTING THE RUNNER AND INTERLOCKING INTERFERENCE. No
offensive player may:
(a)
pull a runner in any direction at any time;
(b) use interlocking interference, by grasping a teammate or by using his hands or arms to
encircle the body of a teammate in an effort to block an opponent; or
(c) push or throw his body against a teammate to aid him in an attempt to obstruct an opponent
or to recover a loose ball; or
(d) immediately at the snap, push or throw his body against a teammate, who was lined up
directly behind the snapper and received the snap, to aid him in an attempt to gain yardage.
Penalty: For assisting the runner, interlocking interference, or illegal use of hands, arms, or
body by the offense: Loss of 10 yards.
Submitted by Green Bay
Effect:
Reason:
Prohibits an offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined
up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the
snap.
Player safety; pace of play
2025 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL
Amend Rule 16 (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
RULE 16
OVERTIME PROCEDURES
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. OVERTIME IN REGULAR SEASON. Following an intermission of no more
than three minutes after the end of a regular game, an extra period of 10 15 minutes shall
commence. The following shall apply:
(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 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, it is the winner, subject to Article 5(a) below.
(b) (c) If the team that possesses the ball first does not score 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.
(c) If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal on its initial possession, 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 Article 5(a) below.
(d) There shall be a maximum of one 15 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
(e) Each team shall be entitled to two timeouts, and if there is an excess timeout, the usual rules
shall apply (see 4-5). The general provisions for the fourth quarter of a game, including timing,
shall apply.
ARTICLE 4. OVERTIME IN POSTSEASON. Following an intermission of no more than three
minutes after the end of the regular game, an extra period of 15 minutes shall commence. The
following shall apply:
(a) Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball at least once during the extra period,
unless 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.
(b) After each team has had an opportunity to possess the ball, if one team has more points than
its opponent, it is the winner, subject to Article 5(a) below.
(c) If the team that possesses the ball first does not score 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
(f) At the end of the first and third extra periods, etc., teams must change goals in accordance
with 4-2-3.
(g) Each team is entitled to three timeouts during a half. If there is an excess timeout, the usual
rules shall apply (see 4-5).
(h) 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
period.
(i) 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.
ARTICLE 5. GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO OVERTIME. The following applies in
both the regular season and postseason.
(a) If the first team to possess the ball scores a field goal or touchdown, after which 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. 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 opponent
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, or accept
a penalty enforcement, if it would create a second possession for itself. In that situation,
it can only accept an enforcement that extends 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 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.
However, if it accepts the penalty, it will extend its initial possession.
(b) A player is in possession when he has a firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (3-2-7).
The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
(c) 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.
(d) All replay reviews will be initiated by the Replay Official. Coaches’ challenges will not be
allowed.
(e) Disqualified player(s) shall not re-enter during any extra period or periods.
(f) Except as provided for above, all other general and specific rules shall apply.
Submitted by Philadelphia
Effect:
Reason:
Aligns the postseason and regular season overtime rules by granting both
teams an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the
first possession, subject to a 15-minute overtime period in the regular
season.
Competitive Equity.
2025 Club Bylaw Proposals Summary
By Detroit; amends Article XX, Section 20.2 of the Constitution & Bylaws, to amend the
current playoff seeding format to allow Wild Card teams to be seeded higher than Division
Champions if the Wild Card team has a better regular season record.
By Detroit; Article XVII, Section 17.1 of the Constitution and Bylaws, to exclude from the
90-player limit a player placed on Reserve/Injured before or on the day of the roster
reduction to 53 players, unless such player is Designated for Return.
2025 BYLAW PROPOSAL
Amend Article XX (Divisional Playoff Games), Section 20.2 of the Constitution and Bylaws to
reflect the following (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
Pairings and Priority
20.1 The four division champions and three Wild Card clubs (the three clubs with the best
records other than the division champions) from each conference will participate in the
postseason. Tie games are calculated as one-half game won and one-half game lost. All
three Wild Cards may come from the same division. Clubs eliminated in Divisional
Championship tie-breakers are eligible to be Wild Cards if their records qualify them.
20.2 Pairings for the playoffs will be as follows:
The seven postseason participants from each Conference will be seeded as follows:
- The division champion with the best record.
- The division champion or Wild Card with the second-best record.
- The division champion or Wild Card with the third-best record.
- The division champion or Wild Card with the fourth-best record.
- The division champion or Wild Card with the fifth-best record.
- The division champion or Wild Card with the sixth-best record.
- The Wild Card with the third-best record.
The playoff participant with the second-best record.- The playoff participant with the third-best record.
- The playoff participant with the fourth-best record.
- The Playoff participant with the fifth-best record.
- The playoff participant with the sixth-best record.
- The playoff participant with the seventh-best record.
Note: Tie games shall be included in the calculation as a half win and a half loss.
If two or more division champions finish with the best won-lost-tied percentage at the end
of the regular season, ties will be broken pursuant to Section 20.4(B).
After the above procedure has been applied to determine the #1 seed, if two or more teams
playoff participants finish with the same won-lost-tied percentage at the end of the regular
season, priority shall be given to a team or teams that are division champions. Ties that
involve division champions with the same won-lost-tied percentage shall be broken
pursuant to 20.4(B). Ties that involve Wild Card playoff teams from the same division
shall be broken pursuant to 20.4(A). Ties that involve Wild Card playoff teams from
different divisions shall be broken pursuant to 20.4(B).
In the first round, the #2 seed will play the #7 seed, the #3 seed will play the #6 seed, and
the #4 seed will play the #5 seed. The three highest seeded teams will host the games.
In the second round, the #1 seed will play the lowest remaining seed and the next highest
remaining seed will play the second lowest remaining seed. winner of the game between
the #4 seed and the #5 seed, unless the #6 seed wins its first round game, in which case the
1 seed will play the #6 seed. In either case, the #2 seed will play the winner of the other
First Round game. The two highest seeded teams will host the games.
None of the above will be affected by the fact that a Wild Card and division champion
are from the same division.
Submitted by Detroit Lions
Effect:
Seeds non-division champion teams higher than division champion teams in the
playoffs if they have a better regular season record.
Reason: Competitive equity. Provides excitement and competition in late season games.
Rewards the best-performing teams from the regular season.
2025 BYLAW PROPOSAL
Amend Article XVII, Section 17.1 of the Constitution and Bylaws (Player Limits and Eligibility)
to reflect the following (new language underlined, deleted language struck through):
Cutdowns and Player Limits
17.1
(A)
Subject to paragraphs (B) through (D) of this Section 17.1, clubs will be limited
to a year-round roster limit of 90 players on the following combined lists: Active,
Inactive, Practice Squad, and Exempt, and the following Reserve Lists: Injured,
Physically Unable to Perform, Non-Football Illness, Non-Football Injury,
Suspended (for less than one year), Future, Drafted-Unsigned, Exclusive Rights,
First Refusal Rights, Unrestricted Free Agents with an individually negotiated
right of first refusal, Franchise, and Transition.
The 90-player limit will not include any players on the following lists:
Reserve/Retired,
Reserve/Did
Not
Report,
Reserve/Left
Squad,
Reserve/Military, Reserve/Unrestricted Free Agents, unsigned Veteran Free
Agents, and players who have been declared ineligible to participate (suspended)
by the Commissioner (for more than one year). The 90-player limit will exclude
players placed on Reserve/Injured prior to or on the day of the roster reduction to
53 players, unless such player is Designated for Return.
Submitted by Detroit Lions
Effect:
Allows clubs to better manage their 90-man rosters late in the season in the event of
an unusually high number of players being placed on the Reserve/Injured list.
Reason: Roster flexibility.
2025 Club Resolution Proposals Summary
By Pittsburgh; to permit clubs during the two-day negotiation period to: (i) have one video or
phone call with a prospective unrestricted free agent and his player agent; and (ii) permits
clubs to arrange for the player’s travel upon agreeing to terms with a prospective unrestricted
free agent. Travel cannot occur until the beginning of the new league year.
By Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, Las Vegas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Washington; to
permit clubs to prepare kicking footballs (“K-Balls”) before game day, similar to the process
permitted for game footballs.
By Washington; to permit clubs that may qualify for the postseason to obtain scouting
credentials for two consecutive games (Weeks 17 and 18) played by a potential postseason
opponent. Also requires clubs hosting Wild Card games to provide scouting credentials to all
teams within the same conference who are participating in the postseason.
2025 RESOLUTION
Whereas, the Two-Day Negotiation Period permits clubs to contact the certified agents of
players who will be Unrestricted Free Agents at the end of the current League Year and enter into
contract negotiations with them, and
Whereas, all clubs may negotiate all aspects of an NFL Player Contract with the certified
agent of any prospective Unrestricted Free Agent, and
Whereas, a prospective Unrestricted Free Agent cannot visit a club (other than his current
club) at its permanent facility or at any other location, and no direct contact is permitted between
the player and any employee or representative of a club (other than his current club), and
Whereas, a new club may not execute an NFL Player Contract with a prospective
Unrestricted Free Agent, or submit one to the League office, until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on
the first day of the new League Year, when the player’s current contract expires, and
Whereas, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract
Advisor (“Unrepresented Player”) is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front
office personnel regarding the player’s prospective employment with the new club upon expiration
of his current contract, and
Whereas, the Unrepresented Player and the new club may enter into contract negotiations
during this period, but may not execute a contract until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the first day
of the new League Year, when the player’s current contract expires, and
Whereas, the Unrepresented Player is not permitted to communicate directly or indirectly
with any member of the new club’s coaching staff, its player personnel department, or with any
club employee whose primary responsibilities do not include the negotiation of player contracts.
This prohibition applies regardless of which party attempts to initiate communication — whether
in person, by email, by text, or by any other means, and
Whereas, a club (other than the player’s current club) may not discuss or make any travel
arrangements with a prospective Unrestricted Free Agent, his certified agent, or anyone else
associated with the player until the expiration of the player’s contract at 4:00 p.m., New York time,
on the first day of the new League Year.
Be it Resolved, that the Two-Day Negotiation Period be revised as follows:
1) During the two-day negotiation period, a club may conduct one video or phone call
for no longer than one hour with a prospective unrestricted free agent. The player’s
agent must be a participant of the call.
2) During the one permitted video or phone call:
a. A Represented Player or Unrepresented Player is permitted to communicate
with any member of the club.
b. For any other contact with the club, an Unrepresented Player is not permitted
to communicate directly or indirectly with any member of the new club’s
coaching staff, its player personnel department, or with any club employee
whose primary responsibilities do not include the negotiation of player
contracts. This prohibition applies regardless of which party attempts to initiate
communication — whether in person, by email, by text, or by any other means.
3) Upon conclusion of a such a call, the club must report the following details of the
call to the NFL Player Personnel Department: Date, Start Time, End Time, Call
Type, Player Attended, Agent Name Attended, and Club Personnel Attended.
4) Although a contract has not been signed, a club (other than the player’s current
club) that has agreed to terms with a player, may discuss and make travel
arrangements for a prospective Unrestricted Free Agent to travel to its home city.
Travel arranged or paid for by the club cannot occur until the expiration of the
player’s contract at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the first day of the new League
Year.
Prior to making travel arrangements, the club must report to the NFL Player
Personnel Department that it has agreed to terms with the player and will begin
arranging travel.
Submitted by Pittsburgh
Effect:
Permits clubs to have one video or phone call with a prospective Unrestricted Free
Agent during the Two-Day Negotiation Period. Permits clubs to make travel
arrangements with such players upon agreeing to terms.
Reason: Competitively fairer.
2025 RESOLUTION
Whereas, the process to prepare K-Balls continues to put stress on NFL equipment
staffs during the critical pregame period on game days.
Whereas, since the 2020 season, clubs have been able to prepare their K-Balls on game
day without the supervision of an NFL game day assistant (K-Ball Coordinator) during the
sixty (60) minute allotted time permitted under League rules. Club personnel have prepared
the K-Balls within their designated locker room space at the stadium. There have been no
reported findings of manipulation of K-Balls since this new process was implemented in 2020.
Whereas, there have been advancements in technology and equipment to ensure that
all NFL game footballs, including K-Balls, meet the criteria set forth in the NFL’s Official
Playing Rules. The NFL’s long-standing use of the Haltec inflation equipment at all games
provides a uniform process to ensure all footballs meet that criteria. Any integrity of the game
concerns relating to the manipulation of the K-Balls can be addressed by the officiating crew:
(1) using the Haltec inflation device to confirm the PSI measurements; and (2) visually
inspecting the K-Balls for any abnormalities. This is the identical process they use to inspect
the game (“quarterback”) footballs.
Be it Resolved, that the Policy Manual for Member Clubs – Game Operations will be
modified to permit clubs to prepare K-Balls using the same process currently utilized for
quarterback balls. Sixty (60) K-Balls will be shipped to each club prior to the start of training
camp and each club can prepare those balls in accordance with the NFL rules for K-Ball
preparation. Each club will deliver their three (3) prepped K-Balls to the officiating crew along
with their twenty-four (24) quarterback balls at two hours and fifteen minutes prior to kickoff
for all games. The officiating crew will inspect the K-Balls from both clubs and they will use
the League-approved inspection equipment and their discretion to approve or disapprove any
or all of those for use in the game. If a club loses all of its approved K-Balls during the game
because the balls went into the crowd and were not able to be retrieved, then the club will be
required to use one of its opponent’s K-Balls that were approved for the game.
The NFL Football Operations department conducts annual random game ball
inspections to ensure clubs are not manipulating the quarterback balls prior to, or during NFL
games. This random ball inspection process should be expanded to include K-Balls so there is
a further deterrent to any potential club manipulation of those balls. Any club found to have
manipulated a K-Ball(s) will be subject to League accountability measures, including fines,
suspensions and/or the forfeiture of draft selections.
Submitted by Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia,
Las Vegas, Minnesota, and Washington
Effect:
Permits clubs to prepare K-Balls in advance of the game using a similar process
as game (“quarterback”) footballs.
Reason: To eliminate a burdensome and unnecessary process on game day.
2025 RESOLUTION
Whereas, the 2024 Policy Manual for Member Clubs: Game Operations sets forth
certain policies relating to scouting requests. There are specific procedures relating to late
season games involving clubs that may qualify for the postseason.
Whereas, the competitive balance in the NFL continues to be unparalleled. With two
weeks remaining in a typical NFL regular season, there are often more than 20 clubs in playoff
contention. As a result, it is often difficult for clubs to predict who will be their potential
opponent in the Wild Card round of the postseason. There are critical Week 17 games that
decide the postseason fate of many clubs. And in most NFL seasons, the divisional games in
Week 18 have a substantial impact on which clubs will make the postseason and where those
clubs will be seeded.
Whereas, there are many instances when clubs, who have clinched postseason berths,
rest some or all of their starters in Week 18 of the regular season. The decision to rest starters
is typically made following the Week 17 games. This adds to the unpredictability of advance
scouting in the last two weeks of the regular season.
Whereas, clubs should be able to request scouting credentials for potential postseason
opponents in Weeks 17 and/or 18 for the reasons set forth in the above whereas clauses.
Whereas, current NFL policy unfairly provides clubs hosting Wild Card games the
discretion to deny scouting credentials to certain potential opponents in later rounds of the
postseason.
Be it Resolved, that the Policy Manual for Member Clubs – Game Operations will be
modified to permit as follows:
If a club that may qualify for the playoffs requests a credential for the 17th and/or 18th
week of the 2024 regular season, for games involving any of its potential Wild Card or
Divisional playoff game opponents, the requests must be honored by the club that is the
home club in these games. It is suggested that, where possible, requests for more than
one credential be accommodated as long as it does not create a seating problem in a
working area. Visiting scouts should be limited to press level locations provided by the
Communications Director and should have no access to the field or locker rooms.
Requests should be granted only to those club personnel authorized to request and receive
credentials (listed in the Media and Communications Policy Manual). Clubs hosting a
Wild Card playoff game must honor a request for at least two scouting credentials from
all clubs the club in its conference that are participating in the postseason received a bye.
A club hosting a Wild Card playoff game is not required to grant any scouting credentials
to any other teams but may do so if it chooses.
Effect:
Submitted by Washington
Permits clubs that may qualify for the postseason to obtain scouting credentials
for two consecutive games (Weeks 17 and 18) played by a potential postseason
opponent. Also requires clubs hosting Wild Card games to provide scouting
credentials to all teams within the same conference who are participating in the
postseason.
Reason: To provide clubs with greater flexibility to scout potential postseason
opponents.
