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NFL Rule changes for 2006
NFL Draft.scout.com ^ | 8/12/06 | scout

Posted on 08/12/2006 7:36:24 PM PDT by foreverfree

NFL Rule changes for 2006

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Scout.com

TheNFLexperts.com Aug 12, 2006

There are several new rules in the NFL in 2006. The NFL Competition Committee spends the early part of the offseason examining existing rules, and suggesting possible changes to the rules.

Rules changes are then voted upon by the teams at the NFL Annual Meeting in the spring. No matter what the changes, NFL players and coaches know they have to be cognizant of them.

“Our approach to the game is the same as it always is: to know the rules and to play within them,” says New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

New NFL rules for 2006:

• Down by contact calls may be reviewed by instant replay. Previously, a fumble was not reviewable if the ball carrier was ruled down by contact. If the ruling of down by contact is changed, the ball belongs to the recovering player at the spot of the recovery of the fumble.

Reason for the change: Provides a mechanism for correcting an obvious on-field officiating error.

• Each instant replay review will be a maximum of 60 seconds in length. Previously, instant replay could last up to 90 seconds.

Reason for the change: Shortens game length.

• Individual players are prohibited from using foreign objects or the football while celebrating. They are also prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground. A celebration shall be deemed excessive or prolonged if a player continues to celebrate after a warning from an official. Previously, players were not prohibited from using props or celebrating on the ground.

Reason for the change: Promotes sportsmanship.

• If possible, rushing defenders must make a conscious effort to avoid low hits on the quarterback. Previously, defenders were not compelled to make a conscious effort to avoid low hits if momentum was a factor. Penalty: Roughing the passer, loss of 15 yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

• The prohibition against blocking in the back above the waist applies to a player of the kicking team while the ball is in flight during a scrimmage kick. Previously, this was not a foul. Penalty: Loss of 10 yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

• All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside collar of the back of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling down the runner. This does not apply to a runner who is in the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket. Previously, the “horse-collar” tackle rule did not include the back of the shoulder pads or jersey. This increases the scope of the rule. Penalty: Loss of 15 yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

• During a field goal attempt or a PAT, any defensive player within one yard of the line of scrimmage at the snap must have his helmet outside the snapper’s shoulder pad. This will provide protection to the snapper, who is in a defenseless position. Penalty: Illegal formation, loss of five yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

• No more than six players can line up on the same side of a formation on a kickoff. Previously, teams could “load up” one side with more players for onside kicks.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

• If there is a personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct foul that is (a) not in the continuing action immediately after the end of a down and (b) occurs between the end of the second period and the beginning of the third period (or between the end of the fourth and beginning of OT), the penalty shall be enforced on ensuing kickoff. Previously, these penalties were not carried over.

Reason for the change: Provides uniform enforcement for personal or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls throughout the game.

• If there is a foul during a scrimmage kick or a free kick prior to a player of the receiving team securing possession of the ball, the offended team will have the option of taking the penalty at the previous spot and replaying the down or adding the penalty yardage on to the end of the play. Previously, the offended team could either take the penalty and replay the down or decline the penalty and take the result of the play.

Reason for the change: Eliminates re-kicks.

• If an offensive foul is a foul by the kicking team prior to a player of the receiving team securing possession of the ball during a down in which there is a safety kick, scrimmage kick, or free kick, the period may be extended by an untimed down, if the defense accepts the penalty. This provides the option for a receiving team to extend a period if a kicking team commits a foul prior to a change of possession.

Reason for change: Eliminates fouling to obtain an unfair advantage.

• Teams can now opt to take the result of the play OR replay the down when there is an inadvertent whistle. Previously, an inadvertent whistle would force the down to be replayed without exception.

Reason for the change: Current rule too punitive.

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Story URL: http://nfldraft.scout.com/2/556118.html


TOPICS: Religion
KEYWORDS: chatwardbound; nfl; sports
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To: Richard Kimball
Sorry you can't see the game...Romo(started) looks outstanding as does a rookie FA wr named Sam Hurd. Defense looks great, especially Greg Ellis at lb.

Dallas 10 Seattle 3
21 posted on 08/12/2006 8:17:17 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: foreverfree
Each instant replay review will be a maximum of 60 seconds in length. Previously, instant replay could last up to 90 seconds.

I expect that the new maximum time limit will be adhered to about as strictly as the old maximum. It's a nice thought, though.

22 posted on 08/12/2006 8:22:57 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: Dysart

Oh, I'm watching it. Spanish commentary. I'm surprised at how much I understand, but I have to get used to them calling the Cowboys the Vaqueros. I thought the Pokes looked good, especially considering they didn't play Bledsoe or Owens, and the Seahawks went with their starting lineup. Agree about Ellis. I didn't know he had that kind of speed.


23 posted on 08/12/2006 8:24:44 PM PDT by Richard Kimball (The most important thing is sincerity. Once you can fake that, everything else is easy.)
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To: Pyro7480
Does this belong in the Religion forum?

I'm a Deacon with the Cowboys Parish.

24 posted on 08/12/2006 8:25:52 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: Richard Kimball
I must of misread your post... kinda distracted. Yeah, I think the defense can dominate this year judging by the training camp reports and from the little I've seen tonight. And it appears that the offense will be heavy on passing this year; I'm okay with that scenario.
25 posted on 08/12/2006 8:29:27 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: Dog Gone

Well, if America is to have a pagan religion, this is it.


26 posted on 08/12/2006 8:31:07 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican (Everyone that doesn't like what America and President Bush has done for Iraq can all go to HELL)
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To: Dysart

Is Seattle's pass defense that bad or are the Cowboys playing some solid offense? Romo's stacking up some pretty good numbers for the first preseason game.


27 posted on 08/12/2006 8:50:19 PM PDT by Richard Kimball (The most important thing is sincerity. Once you can fake that, everything else is easy.)
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To: Richard Kimball
They were missing several starters on defense, and now of course, all backups, but Romo is indeed passing very well and making solid decisions.
28 posted on 08/12/2006 8:55:17 PM PDT by Dysart
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Comment #29 Removed by Moderator

To: y'all
Just for fun: Saints QB hurt by collision with mascot
30 posted on 08/12/2006 9:36:10 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: HuntsvilleTxVeteran

I took the Cowboy bumper sticker off my pickup, and already it runs and passes better.


31 posted on 08/12/2006 9:49:32 PM PDT by rock58seg (A minority of Republican RINO's are making a majority of Republicans look like fools.)
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To: foreverfree; Religion Moderator

Why is this in the religion forum?


32 posted on 08/12/2006 10:07:00 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: Salvation

It's America's major religion. :>)


33 posted on 08/12/2006 10:08:22 PM PDT by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain and Proud of It! Supporting the troops means praying for them to WIN!)
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To: foreverfree
• Individual players are prohibited from using foreign objects or the football while celebrating. They are also prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground. A celebration shall be deemed excessive or prolonged if a player continues to celebrate after a warning from an official. Previously, players were not prohibited from using props or celebrating on the ground.

Reason for the change: Promotes sportsmanship.

Good.

34 posted on 08/12/2006 10:11:42 PM PDT by pax_et_bonum
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To: Mr_Moonlight
They are also prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground.
There goes dancing "The Worm"

And no more snow angels?

35 posted on 08/13/2006 3:38:26 AM PDT by FDNYRHEROES (Always bring a liberal to a gunfight)
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To: Dog Gone

Yes, I would think fewer will be successful recoveries now.
How many onside kicks have resulted in (severe) injury?


36 posted on 08/13/2006 4:46:15 AM PDT by scrabblehack
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To: Alberta's Child; All

Not sure I agree with your interpretation. It does not say say that when a whistle is blown will be overruled, just that the call "down by contact" can be reviewed.

Now what happens if the ball is then determined to have not been recovered when the whistle has blown, then what? I imagine the offense retains possession. This should happen during the pre-season, has anyone seen it happen yet?

This rule is as well explained as the inadvertant whistle rule where they state teams may decide now to accept play... Teams plural? How do they decide which team ultimately gets to decide? They should state which.

Perhaps in the above example the result of the review is that the player was not down by contact. Then the play is also changed to have ended by "inadvertant whistle" as a result of the review. Now the new inadvertant whistle rule (last one in this new list) take effect and the Defense is given the option to either accept the play as "down by contact" as originally called, or void the down and have it replayed.

The NFL just wants the play to decide the outcome and not the officials. Well that and higher scoring games. And if the hitting the QB rules weren't silly enough, now they want to make sure the defense doesn't make eye contact with them either. Geesh.


37 posted on 08/13/2006 12:14:59 PM PDT by Diplomat
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To: Diplomat
And if the hitting the QB rules weren't silly enough, now they want to make sure the defense doesn't make eye contact with them either. Geesh.

LOL!!!

ff

38 posted on 08/13/2006 7:28:25 PM PDT by foreverfree
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To: foreverfree
New NFL rules for 2006:

• Down by contact calls may be reviewed by instant replay. Previously, a fumble was not reviewable if the ball carrier was ruled down by contact. If the ruling of down by contact is changed, the ball belongs to the recovering player at the spot of the recovery of the fumble.

Reason for the change: Provides a mechanism for correcting an obvious on-field officiating error.

Since the NFL allows instant replay, this change makes sense.

• Each instant replay review will be a maximum of 60 seconds in length. Previously, instant replay could last up to 90 seconds.

Reason for the change: Shortens game length.

Since the NFL allows instant replay, this change makes sense.

• Individual players are prohibited from using foreign objects or the football while celebrating. They are also prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground. A celebration shall be deemed excessive or prolonged if a player continues to celebrate after a warning from an official. Previously, players were not prohibited from using props or celebrating on the ground.

Reason for the change: Promotes sportsmanship.

Good.  Brings some of these ego maniacs back to earth.  Also, it's a players job to score, it should not be the exception.  Excessive celebration does nothing for the game.

• If possible, rushing defenders must make a conscious effort to avoid low hits on the quarterback. Previously, defenders were not compelled to make a conscious effort to avoid low hits if momentum was a factor. Penalty: Roughing the passer, loss of 15 yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

Subjective enough to allow an official to make a judgment call.  If the official sees it as a punishment, it should be penalized.  In reality, it is not necessary to put it in writing in my opinion.  If the official thinks it's a personal foul, he should call it as such.

• The prohibition against blocking in the back above the waist applies to a player of the kicking team while the ball is in flight during a scrimmage kick. Previously, this was not a foul. Penalty: Loss of 10 yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

Blocking in the back should be a foul at all times, except in the free blocking zone.  The player blocked has no idea it is coming and no way to defend himself against it.

• All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside collar of the back of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling down the runner. This does not apply to a runner who is in the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket. Previously, the “horse-collar” tackle rule did not include the back of the shoulder pads or jersey. This increases the scope of the rule. Penalty: Loss of 15 yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

Not good.  Player safety should always be a concern though this rule is way too restrictive.  A runner should be able to be tackled by any means, including being tripped,  other than grabbing the face mask or helmet opening.

• During a field goal attempt or a PAT, any defensive player within one yard of the line of scrimmage at the snap must have his helmet outside the snapper’s shoulder pad. This will provide protection to the snapper, who is in a defenseless position. Penalty: Illegal formation, loss of five yards.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

Good.  A snapper that has to snap to a player who is greater than 7 yards deep needs protection until he is in a position to protect himself.

• No more than six players can line up on the same side of a formation on a kickoff. Previously, teams could “load up” one side with more players for onside kicks.

Reason for the change: Player safety.

Neither good nor bad.  Seems kind of a waste of ink.  Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.  Who cares where they line up and when they do for the onside kick, the other side know what's coming and the onsides kick is risky enough and difficult to execute effectively.

• If there is a personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct foul that is (a) not in the continuing action immediately after the end of a down and (b) occurs between the end of the second period and the beginning of the third period (or between the end of the fourth and beginning of OT), the penalty shall be enforced on ensuing kickoff. Previously, these penalties were not carried over.

Reason for the change: Provides uniform enforcement for personal or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls throughout the game.

Good.  Carry them over.  Eliminates the free cheap shot.

• If there is a foul during a scrimmage kick or a free kick prior to a player of the receiving team securing possession of the ball, the offended team will have the option of taking the penalty at the previous spot and replaying the down or adding the penalty yardage on to the end of the play. Previously, the offended team could either take the penalty and replay the down or decline the penalty and take the result of the play.

Reason for the change: Eliminates re-kicks.

PSK in high school rule.  Good idea.

• If an offensive foul is a foul by the kicking team prior to a player of the receiving team securing possession of the ball during a down in which there is a safety kick, scrimmage kick, or free kick, the period may be extended by an untimed down, if the defense accepts the penalty. This provides the option for a receiving team to extend a period if a kicking team commits a foul prior to a change of possession.

Reason for change: Eliminates fouling to obtain an unfair advantage.

Makes sense.

• Teams can now opt to take the result of the play OR replay the down when there is an inadvertent whistle. Previously, an inadvertent whistle would force the down to be replayed without exception.

Reason for the change: Current rule too punitive.

I am assuming that this inadvertent whistle occurs during a run, which would be the same as high school rules, which if it is, this is good.  I am also assuming that an inadvertent whistle which occurs during a loose ball play is replayed, since most of the players during the loose ball play would stop running if a whistle is sounded.

NFL Rule changes for 2006

39 posted on 08/14/2006 11:16:15 AM PDT by b4its2late (There are good terrorists - dead ones.)
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