DOCSLIB.ORG

Indiana Football Officials Association, July, 2012

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Indiana Football Officials Association, July, 2012 INDIANA FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION MECHANICS MANUAL FOR A CREW OF FIVE OFFICIALS Compiled by the Indiana Football Officials Association, July, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Subject Page 1 Introduction: The Role of Mechanics in Officiating 1 2 Proper Use of Officials’ Equipment 3 Use Of The Penalty Flag 3 Use Of The Whistle 4 Use Of The Beanbag 5 Use Of The Game Card 7 3 Pregame Responsibilities 9 Before Getting to the Game Site 9 In the Locker Room 10 Proper Wearing of the Uniform 11 Pregame Conference with Coaches 12 Field and Game Equipment Inspection 14 Auxiliary game personnel 15 Coin Toss 16 Mock Coin Toss 17 4 Free Kick Mechanics 19 Routine Free Kick 20 Obvious Short Free Kick 23 Free Kick Following Safety 26 Field Goal by Free Kick Following Fair Catch 27 5 Scrimmage Kick Mechanics 28 Punt Mechanics 28 Field Goal and Try Mechanics 32 6 Officiating the Running Game 37 Pre-Snap Responsibilities 37 Reading Keys at the Snap 39 Responsibilities On Running Plays 41 Option Play Mechanics 44 7 Officiating the Passing Game 46 Pass Coverage Responsibilities 48 i Intentional Grounding 50 Passes Thrown From Beyond The Zone 51 Forward and Backward Passes 51 Pass Interference 52 8 Goal Line Mechanics 56 Red Zone Mechanics 57 Reverse Goal Line Mechanics 59 9 Overtime 61 10 Dead Ball Officiating 63 After a Score 63 Timeouts 64 Injuries 65 Intermission Between Periods 66 Quarter Change Mechanics 66 Halftime Mechanics 68 11 Game Administration 70 Crew Communication 70 Getting the Ball Ready for Play 72 Measurements 73 Penalty Administration 76 Sideline Management 78 Controlling Altercations 80 Covering Fumbles 81 12 Philosophy 84 Calling Penalties 84 Officiate The Point Of Attack 84 Make It Be There 85 Get The Big One 85 And Now, A Word Or Two About Holding 86 When In Doubt … 86 ii Chapter 1: The Role of Mechanics in Officiating The essence of superior football officiating is often described as “good judgment.” Many non-officials believe that superior judgment skills are what differentiate “good” from “bad” officials. Experienced football officials know, however, that individuals with superior judgment skills are truly rare. Most of us have “average” judgment. After all, that’s why it’s described as “average.” But among those with average judgment skills are many truly great officials. That is because those officials utilize superior mechanics. Mechanics may be defined as “a set of practices designed to put the official in the right place, at the right time, looking at the right thing, in order to make the appropriate call or no- call.” Thus, those with superior mechanics can place themselves in a position where average judgment yields the right result almost all of the time. Conversely, even those with superior judgment skills, if they have poor mechanics, will not be where they are supposed to be, looking at what they are supposed to see. As a result, their superior judgment skills are often wasted. It is for this reason that the study and development of good mechanics is a co-equal branch of officiating proficiency, on a par with rules knowledge. One is of little use without the other. This publication is devoted to explaining the mechanics of officiating so that all officials can put themselves in position to make the right call or no-call without needing superhuman judgment skills. Many officiating crews have adopted a “cafeteria” approach to mechanics. As they go through a mechanics publication, they pick and choose those mechanics they like, and disregard the rest. That approach ignores the fact that the mechanics described in this Manual are the product of serious consideration and much discussion by very experienced officials. They have been in use for many years and have stood the test of time. 1 Equally importantly, to the extent evaluation of officiating performance in Indiana is becoming “observer directed,” rather than “coach directed,” this Manual comes at an opportune time. One of the advantages of using uniform mechanics is that it makes it easier to accurately assess officiating proficiency, and thereby to evaluate crews and provide feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. It is no longer sufficient to “get it right.” Getting a call right can depend on many factors, several of which are beyond the control of the official. It has now become important to not only get the call right, but to get it right by doing the right thing. That’s what this Manual is for. 2 Chapter 2: Proper Use of Officials’ Equipment Each item of equipment in your bag is necessary to properly carry out the various tasks associated with working a ball game. Using the equipment properly will make your task much easier. Using it improperly can get you, and your crewmates, in trouble. Use of the Penalty Flag The penalty flag should be worn inconspicuously, with no yellow showing if at all possible. One flag is all that is necessary. Where you carry the flag is a matter of personal preference. Many experienced officials prefer a ball-type flag, worn in front in the belt. There are several reasons for this. Ball-type flags are more accurate when thrown. Wearing the flag in front prevents people on the sidelines from noticing on those occasions when you reach for the flag and then think the better of it. Some officials believe that having the flag sticking out of the back pocket while standing on the sideline in front of a coach sends a bad message. Many officials put athletic tape over the ball of the flag so as to render the flag essentially invisible when tucked away. Make sure if you are wearing black long pants that you use black tape on the ball. Use white tape if you’re wearing white knickers. The penalty flag has two uses: to indicate a foul has been committed, and to mark the spot of certain types of fouls. If the foul occurs prior to or simultaneous with the snap, throw the flag high in the air, straight up. For dead ball fouls such as unsportsmanlike conduct or a late hit, also throw the flag high. On those fouls where an enforcement spot needs to be marked, however, get the flag on the spot, whether by throwing it or simply dropping it on the yardline. The flag should be thrown in a decisive manner, not tentatively. A tentative throw signifies a tentative call. When thrown, the flag should be thrown overhand. But while the throw should be decisive, it should not demonstrate emotion, such as anger or hostility. Don’t hit 3 players with flags if you can help it. For one thing, that takes the flag off the right spot. If the flag does not get on the right spot, for whatever reason, unobtrusively move it to the correct spot before reporting the foul to R. Use of the Whistle Proper use of the whistle mainly involves adopting habits that prevent its inadvertent use. Few things on a football field are more embarrassing than an inadvertent whistle. The most important preventive measure is also the most simple: begin each play with the whistle in your hand, not your mouth. Keep the whistle in your hand until you intend to blow it. That extra ½ second it takes to get the whistle from your hand to your mouth can save you from a bad situation. Even if you are an umpire or a line of scrimmage official, and feel you have to be ready to blow a false start or snap infraction, that is not a good enough reason to start each play with the whistle in your mouth. The potential harm of an inadvertent whistle outweighs any benefit gained from being able to blow the whistle a split second sooner. If you absolutely have to have the whistle in your mouth at the start of the play, spit it out as soon as the ball is snapped. The other technique used to prevent premature whistles sounds simple, but in practice requires tremendous discipline: don’t blow the whistle without seeing the ball. There are going to be those times when the runner goes into a pileup. Everyone stops moving. You know the runner is down. However, you simply cannot blow the whistle unless you see the ball. This is especially important with a team that runs the option or otherwise hides the ball well. There may be plays where it seems to take forever to blow the whistle, but that is okay. There may be plays where no one blows the whistle at all. Although it is tough to get that point across to coaches, that is perfectly acceptable officiating mechanics. Remember, the whistle doesn’t make the ball dead, it only confirms it. So there is no reason to be in a hurry to blow the whistle. 4 The last technique to prevent inadvertent whistles also requires discipline. Don’t blow the whistle when it’s not your job. If the play goes to the other side of the field, even though you see the runner go down, don’t blow the whistle. Let the covering official do so. If you notice a game where there are three or four whistles blown on every play, then you have a crew that’s not doing a good job. More people are watching the ball than should be. If the ball does not become dead in your area of responsibility, don’t blow the whistle. When it’s time to sound the whistle, do it loudly and confidently. One or two sustained blasts is preferable to “tooting” repeatedly.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Football Officiating Manual
    FOOTBALL OFFICIATING MANUAL 2020 HIGH SCHOOL SEASON TABLE OF CONTENTS PART ONE: OFFICIATING OVERVIEW .............................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 2 NATIONAL FEDERATION OFFICIALS CODE OF ETHICS ........................................... 3 PREREQUISITES AND PRINCIPLES OF GOOD OFFICIATING ................................. 4 PART TWO: OFFICIATING PHILOSOPHY ......................................................................... 6 WHEN IN QUESTION ............................................................................................................... 7 PHILOSOPHIES AND GUIDANCE ........................................................................................ 8 BLOCKING .................................................................................................................................... 8 A. Holding (OH / DH) ............................................................................................................. 8 B. Blocking Below the Waist (BBW) ..................................................................................... 8 CATCH / RECOVERY ................................................................................................................... 9 CLOCK MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................. 9 A. Heat and Humidity Timeout ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 11-Player Youth Tackle Rules Guide Table of Contents
    FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MODEL usafootball.com/fdm 11-PLAYER YOUTH TACKLE RULES GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .....................................................................................................2 1 Youth Specific Rules ..........................................................................3 2 Points of Emphasis ............................................................................4 3 Timing and Quarter Length ...........................................................5 4 Different Rules, Different Levels ..................................................7 5 Penalties ..................................................................................................7 THANK YOU ESPN USA Football sincerely appreciates ESPN for their support of the Football Development Model Pilot Program INTRODUCTION Tackle football is a sport enjoyed by millions of young athletes across the United States. This USA Football Rules Guide is designed to take existing, commonly used rule books by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA and adapt them to the youth game. In most states, the NFHS rule book serves as the foundational rules system for the youth game. Some states, however, use the NCAA rule book for high school football and youth leagues. 2 2 / YOUTH-SPECIFIC RULES USA Football recommends the following rules be adopted by youth football leagues, replacing the current rules within the NFHS and NCAA books. Feel free to print this chart and provide it to your officials to take to the game field. NFHS RULE NFHS PENALTY YARDAGE USA FOOTBALL RULE EXPLANATION 9-4-5: Roughing/Running Into the Roughing = 15; Running Into = 5 All contact fouls on the kicker/holder Kicker/Holder result in a 15-yard penalty (there is no 5-yard option for running into the kicker or holder). 9-4-3-h: Grasping the Face Mask Grasping, pulling, twisting, turning = 15; All facemask fouls result in a 15-yard incidental grasping = 5 penalty (there is no 5-yard option for grasping but not twisting or pulling the facemask).
    [Show full text]
  • 2016 Playing Rules Proposals
    March 17, 2016 2016 Playing Rules Proposals 1. By Competition Committee; Permanently moves the line of scrimmage for Try kicks to the defensive team’s 15-yard line, and allows the defense to return any missed Try. 2. By Competition Committee; Permits the offensive and defensive play callers on the coaching staffs to use the coach-to-player communication system regardless of whether they are on the field or in the coaches’ booth. 3. By Competition Committee; Makes all chop blocks illegal. 4. By Competition Committee; Disqualifies a player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. 5. By Competition Committee; Changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line. 6. By Baltimore; to amend Rule 5, Sections 3, Articles 1 and 2 (Changes in Position) to require players to wear jersey vests with numbers appropriate for their positions. 7. By Baltimore; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Articles 1, 4, and 5 (Instant Replay) to provide each team with three challenges and expand reviewable plays. 8. By Buffalo; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, Articles 1, 4, and 5 (Instant Replay) to permit a coach to challenge any official's decision except scoring plays and turnovers. 9. By Carolina; to amend Rule 8, Section 2, Article 1 (Intentional Grounding) to expand the definition of intentional grounding. 10. By Kansas City; to amend Rule 14, Section 2, Article 1 (Half-distance Penalty) to add penalty yards to the distance needed to gain a First Down.
    [Show full text]
  • OSAA Proposed NFHS Football Rules Experiment for Fall 2021 Allowing the Passer to Throw the Ball Away (Experimental Wording Is Underlined in Blue)
    OSAA Proposed NFHS Football Rules Experiment for Fall 2021 Allowing the passer to throw the ball away (Experimental wording is underlined in Blue) 7-5-2…An illegal forward pass is a foul. Illegal forward passes include: a) A pass after team possession has changed during the down. b) A pass from beyond the neutral zone. c) A second or subsequent forward pass(es) thrown during a down. d) A pass intentionally thrown into an area not occupied by an eligible offensive receiver. e) A pass intentionally thrown incomplete to save loss of yardage or to consume time. 7.5.2 SITUATION C: COMMENT: Some factors to look for in making an intentional grounding decision are absence of eligible offensive receivers in the area and the “dumping” to avoid loss of distance. The ability and skill of the passer and the pressure of the defense are also factors to consider. INTERPRETATION: Officials need to be aware of these situations and remember this is a crew call. In order to make the correct call under NFHS football Rules, this foul may be a delayed call after the game officials have gathered and discussed the play. The discussion should include whether the pass was intentionally thrown incomplete or whether the passer was simply unable to throw the ball close to an eligible receiver. When a foul does occur, the penalty flag needs to be thrown by the referee as this is a spot foul. EXCEPTION 1: It is legal for a player positioned directly behind the snapper to conserve time by intentionally throwing the ball forward to the ground immediately after receiving the snap that has neither been muffed nor touched the ground.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Intentional Grounding Experiment
    Oregon School Activities Association 25200 SW Parkway Avenue, Suite 1 Wilsonville, OR 97070 503.682.6722 http://www.osaa.org 2021 OSAA Football Experiment - Intentional Grounding 7-5-2…An illegal forward pass is a foul. Illegal forward passes include: a) A pass after team possession has changed during the down. b) A pass from beyond the neutral zone. c) A second or subsequent forward pass(es) thrown during a down. d) A pass intentionally thrown into an area not occupied by an eligible offensive receiver. e) A pass intentionally thrown incomplete to save loss of yardage or to consume time. COMMENT: Some factors to look for in making an intentional grounding decision are absence of eligible offensive receivers in the area and the “dumping” to avoid loss of distance. The ability and skill of the passer and the pressure of the defense are also factors to consider. Officials need to be aware of these situations and remember this is a crew call. In order to make the correct call under NFHS football Rules, this foul may be a delayed call after the game officials have gathered and discussed the play. The discussion should include whether the pass was intentionally thrown incomplete or whether the passer was simply unable to throw the ball close to an eligible receiver. When a foul does occur, the penalty flag needs to be thrown by the referee as this is a spot foul. The penalty is 5-yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down. EXCEPTION 1: It is legal for a player positioned directly behind the snapper to conserve time by intentionally throwing the ball forward to the ground immediately after receiving the snap that has neither been muffed nor touched the ground.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 NFHS Football Points of Emphasis
    2020 FOOTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS Sportsmanship When considering sportsmanship, many may first think only of the game participants (athletes and coaches) within the timeframe of the game. However, proper sportsmanship also includes the pregame warm-up period, postgame handshake activity, spectator behavior (both students and adults), parents of athletes, public-address announcements and announcers, and bands. All of the above constituents have a role in promoting good sportsmanship. Players and coaches are the most visible in their displays of sportsmanship. Their behavior sets the tone for fans, game officials and others. As recognizable personalities, it is an expectation that coaches model good behavior. Players must represent their schools and communities as ambassadors of good sporting behavior beginning with pregame activities and concluding with end-of-game activities. Game officials generally do not assume control until taking the field approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff. Therefore, coaching staffs and game administrators must be vigilant and responsible for ensuring proper sportsmanship during this time. Once the contest begins, school administrators are responsible for the proper conduct of all spectators. This may take the form of reading a sportsmanship public-address announcement prior to the contest and remaining vigilant for possible issues during the contest. Student bodies and spectators in general should be reminded that any behaviors conducted at the expense of the opponents is unacceptable and will be addressed accordingly. Public-address announcers are responsible for delivering pertinent game-related information – not to be a play-by-play person or cheerleader. Taking liberties with biased and/or inflammatory announcements must not be tolerated.
    [Show full text]
  • NCAA Rules Review - 2018 a Quick Look at Common Rules That We Often Forget
    NCAA Rules Review - 2018 A quick look at common rules that we often forget By T. Adrian Hill Updated by Dominique Pender ([email protected]) & Patrick Holt ([email protected]) 7/1/2018 Table of Contents • 1 Title •24 Chop Block • 2 Table of Contents •25-26 Illegal Substitution • 3-5 Free Kick •27 Batting/Kicking • 6-7 Scrimmage Kick •28 Try Exceptions • 8 Field Goal & Try Kick •29 Extra Period Exceptions • 9 At the Snap •30 Sideline Interference • 10 Forward Pass •31 Roughing the Passer / Kicker •11 Catch •32 Unsportsmanlike vs. Personal Foul • 12 Impetus •33 Defenseless Player / Targeting • 13 Penalty Enforcement - Basics •34 Leaping/Hurdling • 14 Post Scrimmage Kick Enforcement •35 Horse Collar Tackle • 15 Penalty Enforcement - Touchback •36 Loss of Helmet • 16 Fouls on Scoring Plays •37 Illegal Player Equipment • 17-19 Non-Standard Penalty Enforcements •38 Game Clock Considerations • 20-21 Blocking Below Waist •39 40/25 Second Play Clock • 22 Blocking Out of Bounds •40 10 Second Subtraction • 23 Clipping •41 Inadvertent Whistle 6/19/2018 T. Adrian Hill 2 Free Kick • Team A will kickoff from the 35 yard line • All team A players, except the player that kicks the ball, must be no more than 5 yards behind A’s restraining line from the Ready For Play until the ball is kicked • Team A can keep the ball if they recover kick – beyond B’s restraining line –OR– – after B touches kick –OR– – after ball touches ground, official or player beyond B’s restraining line (even if it subsequently bounces back) • Team A must have at least 4 players on either side of kicker when kicked • Team A player that goes out of bounds and returns (unless forced out) – 5 yard penalty from Previous Spot or Succeeding Spot where ball belongs to B • Team A may not block until eligible to touch kick – 5 yard penalty from Previous Spot or Succeeding Spot where ball belongs to B – Blocking before eligible is reviewable 6/19/2018 T.
    [Show full text]
  • Flex Football Rule Book – ½ Field
    Flex Football Rule Book – ½ Field This rule book outlines the playing rules for Flex Football, a limited-contact 9-on-9 football game that incorporates soft-shelled helmets and shoulder pads. For any rules not specifically addressed below, refer to either the NFHS rule book or the NCAA rule book based on what serves as the official high school-level rule book in your state. Flex 1/2 Field Setup ● The standard football field is divided in half with the direction of play going from the mid field out towards the end zone. ● 2 Flex Football games are to be run at the same going in opposing directions towards the end zones on their respective field. ● The ball will start play at the 45-yard line - game start and turnovers. ● The direction of offensive play will go towards the existing end zones. ● If a ball is intercepted: the defender needs to only return the interception to the 45-yard line to be considered a Defensive touchdown. Team Size and Groupings ● Each team has nine players on the field (9 on 9). ● A team can play with eight if it chooses, losing an eligible receiver on offense and non line-men on defense. ● If a team is two players short, it will automatically forfeit the game. However, the opposing coach may lend players in order to allow the game to be played as a scrimmage. The officials will call the game as if it were a regular game. ● Age ranges can be defined as common age groupings (9-and-under, 12-and under) or school grades (K-2, junior high), based on the decision of each organization.
    [Show full text]
  • Rule 14 Penalty Enforcement
    Rule 14 Penalty Enforcement (Governing all cases not otherwise specifically provided for) Section 1 Spot From Which Penalty in Foul is Enforced SPOTS OF ENFORCEMENT Article 1 The general provisions of Rule 14 govern all spots of enforcement. Note: The spot of enforcement for fouls by players or the actual distance penalty or both, when not specific, are subordinate to the specific rules governing a foul during a fumble, pass or kick. These in turn are both subordinate to Rule 14. A.R. 14.1 Second-and-15 on A4. Quarterback A1 throws a legal pass which is incomplete. A2 held in end zone. Ruling: Safety or A’s ball third-and-15 on A4. FOULS BETWEEN DOWNS Article 2 When a foul by a player occurs between downs, enforcement is from the succeeding spot (14-5- S.N. 3). FOULS BY NON-PLAYERS Article 3 Penalties for fouls committed by non-players shall be enforced as specifically provided under Rule 13. ENFORCEMENT SPOT NOT GOVERNED Article 4 When the spot of enforcement is not governed by a general or specific rule, it is the spot of the foul. BASIC SPOTS OF ENFORCEMENT Article 5 The basic spots of enforcement (3-11-1) are: (a) The previous spot for a forward pass (8-6-11); a scrimmage kick (9-5-1); or a free kick (6-3-1) (b) The dead ball spot on a running play (14-1-12). (c) The spot of snap, backward pass, or fumble (8-7). (d) The spot of the foul (14-1-4 and 14-1-13).
    [Show full text]
  • College Football Officiating, Llc 2014 Cfo Bi-Weekly Rules
    COLLEGE FOOTBALL OFFICIATING, LLC 2014 CFO BI-WEEKLY RULES QUIZ 4--SOLUTIONS For each of the following select the correct answer. There is only ONE correct choice for each question. For any fouls that are not offset, assume that the penalty is accepted unless it is declined by rule. Note: References are to the 2014 rulebook posted in pdf form on the CFO/Arbiter web site. ************************************************************************ 1. Second and seven at the B-30. Defensive tackle B77 is in the neutral zone (no contact) at the snap. Ball carrier A22 breaks free and is at the B-5 when he begins a “goose-step” into the end zone, drawing a flag from the officials. This is the second time in the game that A22 has been charged with unsportsmanlike conduct. a. The offside penalty is declined by rule and the touchdown counts. b. The fouls offset and the down is repeated. c. Both penalties are enforced in the order of their occurrence. d. A22 is allowed to remain in the game since the fouls offset. REFERENCES: 9-2-1, 9-2-6-a, 10-1-4 COMMENTS: The unsportsmanlike conduct foul occurs while the ball is alive, so it is offset by the offside foul. A22 must be ejected because of committing his second UNS foul during the game, regardless of offsetting fouls. 2. Third and 20 at the A-40. B77 sacks quarterback A11 at the A-35. After the ball is dead B77 stands over A11 and curses him, which draws a flag from the referee. a. First and 10 at the 50.
    [Show full text]
  • College Football Officiating, Llc
    COLLEGE FOOTBALL OFFICIATING, LLC TEN-SECOND SUBTRACTION FROM THE GAME CLOCK The making of the rules can be a fascinating process, illustrated perfectly by this new rule. Often one game can grab the attention of the country in such a way that a consensus quickly forms around the need for a rules change. And that’s what happened. The story of one of the 2010 bowl games was that the offensive team apparently created an unfair clock advantage that allowed them to kick a game-tying field goal and subsequently win the game in overtime. Largely as a result of that game, the rules committee in 2011 approved a rule that deals with a team gaining a clock advantage by committing a foul late in the game. Here’s the new rule: Rule 3-4-4 (New Article) 10-Second Subtraction from Game Clock ARTICLE 4. a. With the game clock running and less than one minute remaining in either half, if a player of either team commits a foul that causes the clock to stop, the officials may subtract 10 seconds from the game clock at the option of the offended team. The fouls that fall in this category include but are not limited to: (1) Any foul that prevents the snap (e.g., false start, encroachment, defensive offside by contact in the neutral zone, etc.); (2) Intentional grounding to stop the clock; (3) Incomplete illegal forward pass; (4) Backward pass thrown out of bounds to stop the clock; (5) Any other foul committed with the intent of stopping the clock.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Official Playing Rules of the National Football League
    2019 OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Roger Goodell, Commissioner 2019 Rules Changes Rule-Section-Article 6-1-3, 6-2-1 Modifies rules for a free kick formation and for blocking on a free kick. 11-4-2 Modifies applicability of special rules for missed field goals. 12-2-7 Expands definition of a blindside block. 12-3-1(r) Modifies requirements for player to leap across line of scrimmage. 14-2-3 Modifies enforcement options for fouls during a touchdown. 14-5-2 Modifies enforcement of double fouls after a change of possession. 15-1-2 Modifies plays that are subject to Replay Official request for review. 15-3-10 Adds pass interference as a reviewable ruling. PREFACE This edition of the Official Playing Rules of the National Football League contains all current rules governing the playing of professional football that are in effect for the 2019 NFL season. Member clubs of the League may amend the rules from time to time, pursuant to the applicable voting procedures of the NFL Constitution and Bylaws. Any intra-League dispute or call for interpretation in connection with these rules will be decided by the Commissioner of the League, whose ruling will be final. Because inter-conference games are played throughout the preseason, regular season, and postseason in the NFL, all rules contained in this book apply uniformly to both the American and National Football Conferences. Where the word “illegal” appears in this rule book, it is an institutional term of art pertaining strictly to actions that violate NFL playing rules.
    [Show full text]