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.
