Embed from Getty Images  2016 rule changes Every season there are several rule changes approved by the owners. In addition, many small changes or simple clarifications are also added to existing rules by the football operations division with the officiating department within it. These so-called language changes are not to circumvent the
2016 rule changes
Rule changes and points of emphasis that went into effect for the 2016 season.
New rules may help officials, but show lack of confidence in them
2016 rule changes Among the list of new rules passed this offseason, two of them stood out from the others: penalties for timeouts a team could not take and the use of replay for administrative corrections. First, on the issue of consecutive or supernumerary timeouts, we predicted here in November, "Look for
Simplifying enforcement when flags and fumbles fly
2016 rule changes The enforcement of penalties is a fairly routine matter during the game, as there are straightforward criteria with each type of rule. When you see prolonged conferences between officials, it is usually when there is the complicating factors of multiple fouls, changes of possession, and kicks -- each
FG rushes, crown hits, and coaches on the field are addressed in new points of emphasis
Embed from Getty Images  2016 points of emphasis Points of emphasis are issued by the Competition Committee when the existing rules address a competitive issue, but their enforcement and interpretation can be refined without writing new rules. Points of emphasis in 2016 include rushes on field goals, hits with the crown of
Presnap action is point of emphasis in 2016
Embed from Getty Images  2016 Points of Emphasis Within the six major points of emphasis for the 2016, there are focuses on player safety and competitiveness. Among the latter, presnap movement is a target area for officials to crack down on this season in order to limit potential advantages by offenses. As a result
Rule loophole closed on out-of-bounds receivers
Rule revision makes all chop blocks illegal
Low hits to the quarterback and sliding runner are points of emphasis
Embed from Getty Images  2016 points of emphasis As the 2016 preseason and season kicks off, new points of emphasis, including existing rules on player safety, will be given a closer look by officials. Low hits to the passer. As the rules stand now, defenders are prohibited from hitting a quarterback at the
