NFL head of officiating Dean Blandino on Thursday announced proposed rules changes for the 2017 season (via ProFootballTalk). The most surprising new rule would be that all penalties, including ones that were unreviewable in the past, could be challenged.
Here are the other proposed rules changes:
— Jumping over the line to block an extra point or field goal attempt would be outlawed.
— The rule moving touchbacks to the 25-yard line, which was passed on a temporary basis last season, would be made permanent.
— The automatic ejection for two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, which was also passed on a temporary basis last season, would be made permanent.
— Protection of defenseless players would be expanded to include receivers running routes, when they’re tracking the quarterback or looking back for the ball, even within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.
— The referee would be allowed to make replay announcements during commercial breaks, rather than waiting for the TV broadcast to resume.
— A 40-second clock after extra points would be instituted when going to a kickoff if there is not a commercial break.
— The length of halftime would be standardized to 13 minutes and 30 seconds, rather than allowing the referee to give teams additional time to get in and out of the locker rooms.
— The league office would be given final say over replay decisions, with input from the referee.
— Sideline replay monitoring would be eliminated, with a tablet being handed to the referee on the field to review replays in consultation with the league office.