NFL: 2019 Rules Changes (and other stuff)
PASS INTERFERENCE REPLAY REVIEW
Beginning in 2019, both offensive and defensive pass interference calls are reviewable. Plays can be reviewed whether the penalty was called on the field or not. This rule change is subject to a one-year trial period.
A pass interference ruling will be changed in replay only when there is clear and obvious visual evidence that the on-field ruling was incorrect. To change the ruling on the field, there must be clear and obvious evidence that contact “significantly hindered” or “did not significantly hinder” an opponent.
BLINDSIDE BLOCK
Owners voted to expand protection of defenseless players by eliminating the blindside block. It is now prohibited for a blocker to initiate forcible contact with his head, shoulder or forearm when his path is toward or parallel to his own end line. The penalty for an illegal blindside block is a loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down.
KICKOFF
Owners voted to make permanent the kickoff rules changes that were implemented in 2018. The restrictions resulted in a 35% decrease in concussions on kickoff plays when compared to the 2017 season (complete rules at the link).
BOOTH REVIEWS
In addition to pass interference, owners voted to expand the number of plays subject to booth reviews to include:
• If a penalty flag is thrown that would negate a touchdown, the play will be reviewed first to determine if there was a score before the defense elects to enforce the foul.
• All two-point conversion reviews will now be initiated by the Replay Official. The plays are no longer challengeable by a coach. This is true regardless of the call on the field.
CELEBRATIONS
Beginning in 2019, only players in uniform may enter the field to celebrate. If anyone other than a player in uniform enters the field, it is a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct — loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down.
PLAYER DISQUALIFICATIONS
Owners voted to expand the authority of game officials to disqualify players for acts committed during a game. In 2018, designated members of the officiating team could disqualify a player for non-football acts (such as unsportsmanlike conduct) if a flag was thrown related to that act. In 2019, this will be expanded to also include any football act.
PENALTY ENFORCEMENT ON TOUCHDOWN PLAYS
The offense may now apply any penalties committed by the defense to either the ensuing kickoff or to the succeeding extra point or two-point conversion plays.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
USE OF HELMET
The Officiating Department will continue to emphasize the Use of Helmet rule adopted in 2018 (more at the link).
OFFENSIVE HOLDING
Offensive holding will be more strictly enforced this season, particularly on the back side of the run play or line of scrimmage. Referees will closely monitor play at the line of scrimmage to ensure that offensive players do not materially restrict opponents or alter the defender’s path or angle of pursuit.
Material restrictions include but are not limited to:
• grabbing or tackling an opponent
• hooking, jerking, twisting, or turning him
• pulling him to the ground.
https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/2019-rules-changes-and-points-of-emphasis/
The blindside block ban is way overdue IMO.
= new reply since forum marked as read
especially tackling an opponent on the line of scrimmage...
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