New Kickoff Rule in the NFL

[silverscreenselect]

Kickoffs will look very different next year in a one-year experimental rule change designed to reduce injuries.

Teams will still kickoff from the 35 yard line. However, the other ten players on the kicking team will line up at the other team's 40 yard line. Nine or ten defensive players will line up on somewhere between their 30 and 35 yard line. The receiving team can have one or two returners between the goal line and the 20 yard line. No one besides the kicker and returners can move until the ball hits the ground or hits a defensive player past the 20 yard line. Touchbacks will be brought out to the 30 yard line, and there will be no fair catches. If a team wants to try an onside kick, it must notify the officials and the onside kick will proceed under the same rules as this year.

Other rule changes:

--The swivel hip drop tackle is illegal, with a 15-yard penalty and possible fines and/or suspensions.

--If a team is successful on either of its first two challenges, it will get a third challenge during the game.

--There will be two games played on Christmas Day (Wednesday) this season. There will also be a Black Friday game this season.

[jarnon]

No one besides the kicker and returners can move until the ball hits the ground or hits a defensive player past the 20 yard line.

So if an off-course ball is flying toward an immobile player, he has to stand there as it hits him. Not good for reducing injuries.

[Vandal]

Just eliminate it. Take the ball at the 20 and play on.

[Beebs52]

Just eliminate it. Take the ball at the 20 and play on.

No kidding.

[silverscreenselect]

A little more detail about the new rule.

Kickoffs that go into or through the end zone and are not returned will come out to the 35 yard line.

Kickoffs that land between the 20-yard line and the end zone and then bounce into the end zone and are not returned will come out to the 20 yard line.

Kickoffs that land between the 20 and the goal line must be returned. (No fair catches.)

Kickoffs that do not reach the 20 yard line or that go out of bounds will come out to the 40 yard line.

Onside kicks are permitted in the fourth quarter only.