2022 Club Playing Rule Proposals Summary
- By Indianapolis and Philadelphia; amends Rule 16, to allow both teams an opportunity to
possess the ball in overtime. - By Tennessee; amends Rule 16, Section 1, Article 3, to allow both teams an opportunity to
possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first possession scores a touchdown and
a successful two-point Try.
2022 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL NO. 1
Amend Rule 16 (Overtime Procedures, pg. 69) (new language underlined, deleted language
struck through):
SECTION 1 OVERTIME PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 1. SCORE TIED. If the score is tied at the end of the regulation playing time of
all regular season and postseason NFL games, a system of modified sudden-death overtime
shall be in effect, pursuant to the following.
ARTICLE 2. END OF REGULATION. At the end of regulation playing time, the Referee shall
immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, in accordance with rules pertaining to a usual
pregame toss (4-2-2). The visiting team captain is to again call the toss.
ARTICLE 3. EXTRA PERIOD. Following an intermission of no more than three minutes
after the end of the regular game, the extra period shall commence.
(a) Subject to Article 4(a), both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball at least once
during the extra period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown
on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner, or if the team kicking off to start the
overtime period scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession, in which case the
team that kicked off is the winner. If a touchdown is scored, the game is over, and the Try is
not attempted.
(b) After each team has had an opportunity to possess the ball, if one team has more points than
its opponent, then it is the winner. If the team that possesses the ball first does not score on
its initial possession, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner.
(c) If the team that possesses the ball first does not score scores a field goal on its initial
possession, or if the score is tied after each team has had its opportunity to possess the ball,
the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner the other team (the second team)
shall have the opportunity to possess the ball.
(1) If the second team scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner.
(2) If the second team scores a field goal on its possession, the team next scoring by any
method shall be the winner.
(3) If the second team does not score on its possession, the game is over, and the first team
is the winner, subject to (4) below.
(4) (1) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, the down will be
permitted to run to its conclusion, and all rules of the game will be enforced as customary,
including awarding points scored by either team during the down. If the second team,
after regaining possession, scores a touchdown on has more points than the first team
after the down and subsequent try after regaining possession, it is the winner. Only fouls
that require the down to be replayed, fouls that negate a score, or palpably unfair acts will
be enforced.
Notes:
(1) In such situations, if the player who intercepts the pass or recovers the fumble goes to the
ground and makes no effort to advance, the covering official will blow his whistle to end the
game.
(2) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, but the first team committed
a foul prior to the change of possession, the second team’s possession has not legally ended,
and the game cannot end on the down. However, in certain situations, the second team cannot
decline the penalty and accept the result of the play, no matter how beneficial, because it would
create a second possession for itself. It must accept the penalty enforcement, which will extend
its initial possession.
(3) The situation in (2) may also affect the team that receives the opening kickoff during its first
possession. If there is a foul by the second team followed by a double change of possession,
and the first team declines the penalty and accepts the result of the play, the second team has
had its required possession, and the first team has possession of the ball for the second time
and needs only a field goal to win. However, if it accepts the penalty, it will extend its initial
possession.
(d) A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (3-2-7).
The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
(e) The opportunity to possess applies only during kicking plays. A kickoff is the opportunity
to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving
team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or field goal attempt that crosses the
line of scrimmage and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an opportunity to
possess for the receiving team. Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.
(f) All replay reviews will be initiated by the Replay Official. Coaches’ challenges will not be
allowed.
ARTICLE 4. OVERTIME IN REGULAR SEASON. The following shall apply to overtime games
in the regular season.
(a) There shall be a maximum of one 10-minute period, even if the second team has not had an
opportunity to possess the ball or if its initial possession has not ended. If the score is tied at the
end of the period, the game shall result in a tie.
(b) Each team shall be entitled to two timeouts, and if there is an excess timeout, the usual rules shall
apply (4-5). The general provisions for the fourth quarter of a game, including timing, shall apply.
ARTICLE 5. OVERTIME IN POSTSEASON. The following shall apply to overtime games in the
postseason:
(a) If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime period, or if the second team’s initial
possession has not ended, another overtime period will begin, and play will continue, regardless of
how many 15-minute periods are necessary.
(b) Between each overtime period, there shall be a two-minute intermission, but there shall be no
halftime intermission after the second period. At the beginning of the third overtime period, the
captain who lost the coin toss prior to the first overtime period shall have the first choice of the two
privileges in 4-2-2, unless the team that won the coin toss deferred.
(c) At the end of the first and third extra periods, etc., teams must change goals in accordance with 4-
2-3.
(d) Each team is entitled to three timeouts during a half. If there is an excess timeout, the usual rules
shall apply (4-5).
(e) At the end of a second overtime period, timing rules shall apply as at the end of the first half. At
the end of a fourth overtime period, timing rules shall apply as at the end of the fourth quarter.
(f) At the end of a fourth overtime period, there will be another coin toss pursuant to Section 1, Article
2, and play will continue until a winner is declared.
Submitted by Indianapolis and Philadelphia
Effect: Allows both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime.
Reason: Competitive Equity.
2022 PLAYING RULE PROPOSAL NO. 2
Amend Rule 16, Section 1, Article 3 (Overtime Procedures, pg. 69) (new language underlined,
deleted language struck through):
SECTION 1 OVERTIME PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 1. SCORE TIED. If the score is tied at the end of the regulation playing time of all
regular season and postseason NFL games, a system of modified sudden-death overtime shall be
in effect, pursuant to the following.
ARTICLE 2. END OF REGULATION. At the end of regulation playing time, the Referee shall
immediately toss a coin at the center of the field, in accordance with rules pertaining to a usual
pregame toss (4-2-2). The visiting team captain is to again call the toss.
ARTICLE 3. EXTRA PERIOD. Following an intermission of no more than three minutes after
the end of the regular game, the extra period shall commence.
(a) Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra period,
unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown and a two-point Try
on its initial possession, in which case it is the winner, or if the team kicking off to start the
overtime period scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession, in which case
the team that kicked off is the winner. If a touchdown is scored, the game is over, and the
Try is not attempted.
(b) If the team that possesses the ball first does not score a touchdown and a two-point Try on
its initial possession, the second team next scoring by any method shall be the winner shall
have the opportunity to possess the ball. After each team has had an opportunity to possess
the ball, if one team has more points than the other it is the winner.
(c) If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal does not score on its initial
possession, or if the score is tied after each team has had the opportunity to possess the
ball, the team next scoring by any method shall be the winner the other team (the second
team) shall have the opportunity to possess the ball.
(1) If the second team scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner.
(2) If the second team scores a field goal on its possession, the team next scoring by
any method shall be the winner.
(3) If the second team does not score on its possession, the game is over, and the first
team is the winner, subject to (4) below.
(4)(1) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, the down will
be permitted to run to its conclusion, and all rules of the game will be enforced as
customary, including awarding points scored by either team during the down. If the
second team scores a touchdown on the down after regaining possession, it is the
winner. Only fouls that require the down to be replayed, fouls that negate a score, or
palpably unfair acts will be enforced.
Notes:
(1) In such situations, if the player who intercepts the pass or recovers the fumble goes
to the ground and makes no effort to advance, the covering official will blow his
whistle to end the game.
(2) If the second team loses possession by an interception or fumble, but the first team
committed a foul prior to the change of possession, the second team’s possession
has not legally ended, and the game cannot end on the down. However, in certain
situations, the second team cannot decline the penalty and accept the result of the
play, no matter how beneficial, because it would create a second possession for
itself. It must accept the penalty enforcement, which will extend its initial
possession.
(3) The situation in (2) may also affect the team that receives the opening kickoff during
its first possession. If there is a foul by the second team followed by a double
change of possession, and the first team declines the penalty and accepts the result
of the play, the second team has had its required possession, and the first team has
possession of the ball for the second time and needs only a field goal to win.
However, if it accepts the penalty, it will extend its initial possession.
(d) A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (3-2-7).
The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
(e) The opportunity to possess applies only during kicking plays. A kickoff is the opportunity
to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the
receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or field goal attempt that
crosses the line of scrimmage and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an
opportunity to possess for the receiving team. Normal touching rules by the kicking team
apply.
(f) All replay reviews will be initiated by the Replay Official. Coaches’ challenges will not be
allowed.
Submitted by Tennessee
Effect: Permits both teams to possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first
possession scores a touchdown and a successful two-point Try.
Reason: Competitive equity; fan engagement.
2022 Club Resolutions Proposals Summary - By Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay; amends the Anti-Tampering Policy, in
regard to Secondary Football Executive positions, to allow the employer club the choice to
retain its player personnel staff through the Annual Selection Meeting. After the selection
meeting through June 30, the employer club is required to grant permission for another club
to interview and hire a non-high-level executive or non-secondary football executive for a
secondary football executive position.
2022 RESOLUTION G-1
Whereas, the NFL’s Anti-Tampering Policy provides to strike a balance between
protecting member clubs’ rights and investment in their employees, protecting the integrity of the
game, preserving competitive balance among member clubs, promoting employee loyalty and
maintaining the organizational stability of employer clubs during the playing season, while also
providing realistic advancement opportunities for employees if other clubs desire their services;
and
Whereas, the NFL’s Anti-Tampering Policy requires employer clubs to permit employees
under contract to be interviewed and hired by another club for a Secondary Football Executive
Position through March 1 of any year,
Be it Resolved, that the Anti-Tampering Policy (Section 4j(3)(ii)) will be amended to
reflect the following change pertaining to Secondary Football Executives:
c. Interview Restrictions. If a club wishes to discuss its Secondary Football Executive
position with a non-High-Level Club Employee or a non-Secondary Football Executive
whose club’s playing season (excluding Pro Bowl) has concluded, and who is under
contract to such club, the employer club is under no obligation to grant such permission
through the day after the conclusion of the Annual Selection Meeting, but it may be
voluntarily granted at the employer club’s discretion.is required to permit the employee to
discuss and accept such employment through March 1 of any year.
After March 1 through the day after the conclusion of the Annual Selection Meeting, the
employer club is under no obligation to grant such permission, but it may be voluntarily
granted at the employer club’s discretion during this period.
Beginning the day after the conclusion of the Annual Selection Meeting through June 30,
the employer club is required to permit the employee to discuss and accept such
employment.
See Postseason Procedures in Section 4(j)(4) below
Submitted by Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay
Effect: Allows the employer club the choice to retain its player personnel staff through the
Annual Selection Meeting. After the selection meeting through June 30, the
employer club is required to grant permission for another club to interview and hire
a non-high-level executive or non-secondary football executive for a secondary
football executive position.
Reason: Promotes club organizational stability and inter-club fairness, while preserving
legitimate opportunities for personnel to explore other positions.
