Horse-Collar Tackle (9-4-3k)

A horse collar is defined as grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and subsequently pulling the runner down.  The key words in the rule are "subsequently" and "pulling." In order to have a horse collar, the runner does not have to go down to the ground immediately.  It is possible a strong runner could continue to advance despite the efforts of an opponent who has grabbed the collar or shoulder pads.  For the foul to occur, the rule also requires the tackler to "pull" the runner, not simply drag him down without pulling toward the tackler.

Other key points:

• Unlike in other codes, the foul can occur anywhere on the field.

• If one would-be tackler has grabbed the shoulder pads or collar of the runner, but the runner is brought down as the result of a more conventional tackle, there is no foul.

• If the runner being horse-collared goes out of bounds or crosses the goalline before being pulled down, the foul becomes a dead-ball foul.

The penalty is 15 yards from the basic spot.  Signal by grasping the side of the shirt collar with the right hand, as seen in (new signal 25). The referee should precede the horse-collar signal with the signal for personal foul (38).

This foul continues to address risk minimization issues for the runner.  Though this play does not happen often, we must ensure that our coaches and officials understand the importance of penalizing this act.

It will make it illegal to grasp an opponent's chin strap, in addition to the opponent's face mask or edge of a helmet opening.

Coaches will be required to vacate the two-yard area between the sideline and the team box when the ball becomes live.  

The two-yard area formerly known as the coaches' box has been renamed the restricted area and may only be used when the ball is dead.  A maximum of three coaches may be in the restricted area to communicate with players during dead-ball situations. 

Before the ball becomes live the coaches must retreat into the team box and no non-player may be in the restricted area.  

The first offense results is a team warning (15); the second offense, a five-yard penalty for sideline interference (29); and subsequent offenses, 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct (27).  

This rule change results in a 2-yard belt that is clear of team personnel and helps eliminate sideline congestion while helping to minimize the risk of injury for participating players, coaches and officials during live-ball situations.

A mandatory three-minute warm-up period begins immediately following the conclusion of the halftime intermission. An 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be assessed to the head coach if the team is not back on the field prior to the start of the warm-up period.

The definition of a SKF was clarified to differentiate formations that are used for attempting a field goal or kick try from those used for a punt.  In addition, the circumstances under which the numbering exception can be utilized have been changed to clarify what can be done on first, second, third and fourth downs.

Two types of SKF’s.

Field-Goal Attempt/Try: The kicking team has a holder seven or more yards behind the line of scrimmage with a knee on the ground in position to receive the long snap; and a kicker three yards or less behind the holder.

Punt: A punter 10 yards or more behind the line of scrimmage in position to receive the long snap.

A team's ability to use the numbering exception during SKF's depends on the down and the type of SKF.

On first, second or third down, (allows Field-Goal formation) when the kicking team sets or shifts into the ‘Field-Goal Attempt’  SKF only one lineman may wear a number other than 50-79 inclusive.  That player must snap the ball and must be positioned between the ends. He remains an ineligible receiver throughout the down unless the opponents touch the ball.  If on first, second or third down, the formation has no player with a knee on the ground in position to receive the long snap and another in position to be a kicker, it is not a SKF and the numbering exception may not be used.

On fourth down or on trys, the kicking team may use the “old” numbering exception when it sets or shifts into either type of SKF.

Illegal formation or numbering is a live-ball foul. The penalty is five yards from the previous spot.

A foul will now occur for illegal batting by the kicking team if it bats a scrimmage kick that has not yet been grounded unless it is batted by the kicking team toward its own goal line.  That brings the rule in line with a grounded scrimmage kick. When the ball is beyond the neutral zone and no team R player is in position to catch the ball, team K players may only bat the kick backward (toward their own goalline).

K’s bat is a foul and is also first touching. The penalty  is 15 yards from the previous spot and the down is repeated.

If a penalty resulting in a safety occurs on the last timed down of a period, the period is not extended. The teams will change goals to start the next period.

Penalty Enforcement on Scoring Plays (8-2-2, 8-23, 8-2-4, 10-5-1f)

Three rules were revised and a new article was created regarding penalty enforcement for dead-ball, non-player or unsportsmanlike fouls that occur during or after a touchdown-scoring play. The revisions now allow the offended team, in most situations, the option of enforcing the penalty on the subsequent kickoff.

If during a touchdown-scoring play either team commits a foul that has succeeding-spot enforcement, the penalty may be enforced on either the try or on the next kickoff.  The same choice exists (for both teams) for the penalty for a foul that occurs after a touchdown and before the initial ready-for-play signal on the ensuing try.

The new rule expands previous changes that gave the offended team a choice of enforcement when it is fouled during a down on which it scores. In essence, all fouls that occur by the opponents of the scoring team from the moment the scoring play begins through the ready for play on the try have the same penalty options.  However, it is still not possible to carryover the penalty for a foul that occurs on the last timed down of the fourth quarter to an overtime period.

Clarification of Fighting  (Rule 2-11)

 Clarifies that fighting is any attempt by a player or non-player to strike or engage a player or non-player in a combative manner unrelated to football. Such acts include, but are not limited to, attempts to strike an opponent(s) with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s) or foot (feet), whether or not there is contact.

 Rule 1-2-3b, a note was added required field markings must be clearly visible. When other markings such as logos are placed on the field, the required markings shall remain visible.