The list of the amounts for players’ fines has been established for the 2018 season. Typically, fines are subject to an automatic 5% increase from the previous season, which is a provision of the collective bargaining agreement between the players union and the league. In 2017, the league and the union agreed to suspend the 5% increase. Based on certain fines assessed in the preseason, it’s been determined that the 2018 fines have been elevated 10% from their 2016 levels. (This actually has saved a few dollars in the long run, since a 5% increase would have compounded the previous year’s 5% increase.)
Offenses against game officials
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-3-1 (g) | Physical contact with official | $33,426 | $66,853 |
| 12-3-1 (b) | Verbal or other non-physical offense against official | $26,740 | $53,482 |
Player safety rules and/or flagrant personal fouls
Including the following, without limitation. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation (fines listed are minimums).
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-2-12 | Striking/kicking/kneeing | $10,026 | $20,054 |
| 12-2-6 (j), 12-2-14 | Face mask | ||
| 12-2-6 (b-g) | Late hit | ||
| 8-4-5, 12-2-5 | Low block | ||
| 12-2-3 | Chop block | ||
| 12-2-15 | Horse-collar tackle | $20,054 | $40,110 |
| 12-2-6 (a) | Leg whip | ||
| 12-2-9 (a-e) | Roughing the passer* | ||
| 12-2-6 (i) | Spearing | $26,740 | $53,482 |
| 12-2-6 (i), 12-2-8, 12-2-16 |
Impermissible use of the helmet (including illegal launching) | ||
| 12-2-7 | Hit on defenseless player | ||
| 12-2-7 (a) (10) | Blindside block |
*Under a 2018 point of emphasis, this can include landing on the quarterback with full weight even if he’s not in a passing posture.
Fighting
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-2-12 | Fighting | $33,426 | $66,853 |
| Conduct policy | Unnecessarily entering fight area (active involvement) | $6,684 | $13,369 |
| Conduct policy | Unnecessarily entering fight area (no active involvement) | $3,341 | $10,026 |
Sportsmanship
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-3-1 | Excessive profanity; other unsportsmanlike conduct†| $13,369 | $26,740 |
| 12-3-1 (b) | Taunting | $10,026 | $13,369 |
| Conduct policy | Football into stands‡ | $6,684 | $13,369 |
†Conduct directed toward opponents, game personnel, fans, etc.
‡Fines assessed when a player deliberately throws or kicks a ball into the stands. If the player hands the ball to a specific fan or a designated person, this is not a fine, as it does not create a fan-safety issue.
Uniform
Additional fines may be imposed on team management and coaching staffs for condoning or permitting violations in this area.
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-4-4 (1, 8) | Foreign substances on body/uniform | $10,026 | $20,054 |
| 5-4-3 (1) | Chin strap violations | $10,026 | $13,369 |
| 5-4-8 | Personal messages § | $6,684 | $13,369 |
| 5-4-9 | Other uniform/equipment violations |
§Except those that are advertising, which is an on-field commercial logo violation.
On-field commercial logo violation
[5-4-7] Considered violation of official league licensing agreements. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation.
Gang signing
[12-3-1 (b, d)] Considered conduct detrimental to the league licensing agreements. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation.
