CHARLOTTE – No, the NFL’s instant replay system hasn’t been turned on its head.
Yet NFL owners voted Tuesday to marginally expand the system to cover game administration issues and to allow for on-field officials to consult with NFL headquarters for application of playing rules.
It’s a tweak of the system, with the proposal from the competition committee extending the measure that Commissioner Roger Goodell authorized for the playoffs last season.
Per the proposal on consultation, "The Replay Official and designated members of the Officiating Department at the League office may consult with the on-field officials to provide information on the correct application of playing rules, including appropriate assessment of penalty yardage, proper down, and status of the game clock."
Including the amendment, reviewable plays for replay will now include:
- Plays involving possession.
- Plays involving touching of either the ball or the ground.
- Plays governed by the goal line.
- Plays governed by the boundary lines.
- Plays governed by the line of scrimmage.
- Plays governed by the line to gain.
- Number of players on the field at the snap.
- Game administration: penalty enforcement, proper down, spot of a foul, status of game clock.
