The NFL Changes Rules Heading Into the 2016-2017 Season

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NFL owners met on Tuesday and Wednesday for their annual meetings and made the executive decisions to approve a few rule changes to the league that will affect games next season. Some received heavy protests from coaches, but were implemented anyway.

Among one of the rules that is drawing the most backlash thus far: the new unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that will result in an automatic ejection if a player draws two in the same game. This rule will only be applied on a trial basis for next season, but takes heed from soccer, being referred to as the “red card” rule that the sport uses.

Some coaches argued against the rule change because they said players could be provoked after drawing one unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, ultimately affecting the game if a player is kicked off. They also said this can lead to bogus flops that can seem like a penalty but weren’t.

You can take a look at the rules that are being changed below.

– PAT kicks permanently moved to 15-yard line
– All chop blocks now illegal
– Horse collar penalty now includes grabbing jersey at name plate or above
– Touchbacks after kickoff moved to 25-yard line
– Two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will result automatic ejection
– Delay of game foul will be called for impermissible timeout

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