Game Revisions: NFL’s New Rules for 2016

Throughout its history, the National Football League (NFL) has undergone several rule revisions—some intentional, others out of necessity. These changes were made in a systematic and consensus-based process. Some changes were implemented immediately while others took much longer time under careful studies.

 

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These rule changes are made for the purpose of improving (ideally) the game, making it more exciting for viewers but without the need to reduce its integrity. Since 1974, the kickoff line has been moved three times in response to emerging circumstances and trends. Majority of the changes are also focused on players’ health and safety, creating guidelines for reduced risk of injury. In 2009, there was a rule revision to prevent defensive players from forming a wedge to block for the return man on kickoff returns to prevent injuries.

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For NFL 2016, several game rules have also been made. They are as follows:

• Permanently moving the line of scrimmage for try kicks to the defensive team’s 15-yard line, and allowing the defense to return any missed try
• Permitting the offensive and defensive play callers on the coaching staff to use the coach-to-player communication system regardless of whether they are on the field or in the coaches’’ booth
• Making all chop blocks illegal
• Expanding the horse collar rule to include when a defender grabs the jersey at the name plate or above and pulls a runner toward the ground
• Making it a foul for delay of game when a team attempts to call a timeout when it is not permitted to be done so
  Eliminating the 5-yard penalty for an eligible receiver illegally touching a forward pass after being out of bounds and re-establishing himself inbounds, and making it a loss of down
• Eliminating multiple spots of enforcement for a double foul after a change of possession
• Changing the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line
• Disqualifying a player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls

My name is Jason Goldblatt, or Jace for short. I work as a freelance sports writer and sports blogger, with most of my posts revolving around football and the gridiron. See you on Twitter.

American Football and Psychology: Why We Can’t Get Enough of this Game

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Amid injuries, scandals, and other media-driven drama, the Super Bowl remains as the most-viewed television show in history. Every year, the NFL reports record-breaking profits from tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships.

We cannot explain, but we just know by heart and mind that American football is “the game.” However, some neuroscientists and psychologists have an explanation as to why American football reflects our culture and thoughts.

These specialists point out that your brain is mirroring the actions of these athletes, and this gives us self-esteem boosts. This sense of mix-up holds an alternative reality for those who are facing tough life decisions and relationships. They feel as if they are “not alone,” because their favorite athletes are facing these as well.

Football also gives a sense of bonding between men of different ages, religions, and political beliefs. Football allows men to talk to one another regardless of their differences. It does not require much emotional vulnerability, too. The game also provides intellectual and strategic discourse. Football is a controlled and calculated chaos that may or may not display favorable results.

 

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However, football also displays a dark side–great misogyny, violence, and corruption. Football is also about destruction. For the country as a whole, football displays America’s war ambitions. This war-like game helps us become self-aware of our past fights and victories. The rise of football over any other sport has changed America’s self-image.

I’m Jason Goldblatt, and I’m a freelance sports writer and football fanatic. Check out my blog for more updates.