2012 COMPETITION COMMITTEE POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Blows to the Head
After hearing the concerns of several players at the meeting in Indianapolis and the Player Safety Advisory Panel, the Committee reviewed video of blows to the head delivered by both offensive and defensive linemen in close-line play. Striking, swinging, or clubbing an opponent in the head or neck area is illegal. Game officials will be instructed to closely monitor these acts, and violations will result in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness and potential discipline.

Horse-Collar Tackle
The number of fouls and fines for this type of technique increased significantly in the 2011 season, and the Committee re-emphasizes that these acts are dangerous and could potentially lead to player injuries. Game officials will be instructed to pay close attention to this type of tackle, which is a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness and could lead to potential discipline. Examples of horse-collar tackles will be part of the video shown to players at training camp to emphasize the attention the league is directing toward it.

Sportsmanship/Taunting
The Committee strongly recommends that the areas of sportsmanship and taunting continue to be points of emphasis. Any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship has no place in our game. The use of abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures directed at an opponent or the opposing team’s bench is considered taunting. This is a foul under NFL playing rules, and a 15-yard penalty will be assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct. In addition, the taunting player may be fined. Abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures directed at officials is unsportsmanlike conduct, and violators are subject to fines.

Pre-Snap Movement
The Committee reviewed video of pre-snap movement by offensive players and agreed that special emphasis should be devoted to acts that are clearly in violation of the existing rule for false starts. Prior to a snap, any quick, abrupt movement by an offensive player, or several offensive players in unison, which simulates the start of a play, is a foul. These acts include (a) a quarterback in shotgun formation thrusting his hands forward in an exaggerated manner when there is not a simultaneous snap, (b) abrupt movement of the ball by the center, (c) abrupt movement of the center’s head or other body part, and (d) a quick abrupt shift by two or more players in unison. Non-abrupt movement that is part of normal pre-snap action will not be prohibited, including pointing and signaling among offensive players.

Players on Line of Scrimmage
The Committee addressed the issue of offensive players not lining up on the line of scrimmage in compliance with the rule. The rule presently states that, in order to be considered on the line of scrimmage, a lineman, other than the snapper, must have his helmet break the vertical plane that passes through the belt line of the snapper. Officials will continue to work with players to ensure they are on the line prior to the snap, but after an initial warning to both the player and the head coach, subsequent violations will be penalized five yards for an illegal formation. This will be a point of emphasis for the 2012 season.

Runner Declares Himself Down
Rule 7, Section 1, Article 1 states that the ball is dead and the down ended if, among other items, a runner “declares himself down by falling to the ground, or kneeling, and making no effort to advance.” This sometimes leads to confusion when a runner goes to the ground and is slow to rise to his feet. Has he “declared himself down,” in which case the covering official should blow his whistle and further defensive contact is prohibited? Or is he merely slow to get to his feet, for whatever reason, in which case a defender needs to touch him to end the down? The Committee does not believe that there should be any change in the rule itself, but believes that education of players, coaches, and officials should eliminate any ambiguity. The proper application of the rule, that a runner who goes to the ground untouched will be considered to have declared himself down if he does not make an immediate attempt to advance, will be emphasized to officials prior to the 2012 season.

Substitutions
The Committee addressed the concern that some teams are abusing established substitution rules in a deliberate attempt to confuse opponents. Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(k) of the Playing Rules clearly states that “using entering substitutes, legally returning players, substitutes on sidelines, or withdrawn players to confuse opponents” is unsportsmanlike conduct. The Committee reminds clubs that this practice has no part in our game, and officials will be instructed to closely watch for violations of the rule.
The Committee also reviewed the procedures for an offensive player who comes into the game wearing a number that does not qualify him for the position he takes. These players must report to the Referee, prior to entering the huddle. The Referee and Umpire will then report the same to the defensive team. This rule prevails whether a player is already in the game or is an entering substitute and whether it is a play from scrimmage, an attempted field goal, or a try after a touchdown. If a player fails to report his change in eligibility, it will result in a five-yard penalty for illegal substitution.