The NFL owners approved a number of rule changes for the 2023 season. Here are some of the most notable changes:
- Players can now wear jersey number 0. This rule change was made to allow more creativity and individuality for players.
- Kickers and punters can now wear jersey numbers between 0 and 49, and 90 and 99. This rule change was made to allow teams to better identify their special teams players.
- The play clock will now be adjusted to 40 seconds following an instant replay reversal. This rule change was made to speed up the game and prevent teams from taking advantage of the replay system.
- The replay official can now automatically review failed fourth-down attempts. This rule change was made to correct obvious errors and to prevent teams from being penalized for challenges that are ultimately successful.
- The NFL will now have one day for roster cutdowns. This rule change was made to reduce the number of injuries that occur in the preseason.
- Teams will now be allowed to carry an emergency third quarterback without using a game-day roster spot for that quarterback. This rule change was made to ensure that teams have a backup quarterback available in case of injury.
These are just some of the rule changes that will be in effect for the 2023 NFL season. The NFL is constantly looking for ways to improve the game, and these rule changes are designed to make the game safer, fairer, and more exciting.
2023 NFL Rule Changes
For reference, all of the following content is directly from NFL.com. We will update these changes as the NFL announces them. They can all be found here.
“The NFL Competition Committee receives and considers input from coaches, general managers, owners, current players and NFL Legends, the NFL Players Association, medical personnel and the media, and conducts weeks of discussion and video study before recommending changes to any rule.
During this process, the Committee asks several questions about each potential rule change:
- Does the change improve the game?
- How will it be officiated?
- How will it be coached?
- Can the player apply the rule on the field?
- Does the change enhance player protection?
The league reviews changes with players, coaches and officials during off-season meetings, training camp and the NFL Officiating Clinic to help everyone adapt to the rule changes and points of emphasis. The Officiating Department also provides training videos for players and coaches with specific examples.
INSTANT REPLAY REVERSAL
New for 2023, when an instant replay decision results in a reversal under 2:00, the play clock will be reset to :40 instead of :25; unless another rule requires otherwise, such as when there is also a :10 runoff, in which case the play clock will be reset to :30.
Additionally, inside 2:00, reversing from a ruling with a stopped clock to one with a running clock requires either a :10 second runoff or a charged team timeout.
FAILED FOURTH-DOWN CONVERSIONS
All failed fourth-down conversions will now be an automatic booth review, similar to other turnover situations. Head coaches are prohibited from challenging a failed fourth-down conversion.
However, successful fourth-down conversions still require a coach to challenge unless they occur inside the two-minute warning or during overtime.
POINTS OF CLARIFICATION
USE OF HELMET
The Officiating Department will continue to emphasize the Use of Helmet rule, first adopted in 2018.
The officiating standards for the Use of Helmet rule are:
- Lowering the head (not to include bracing for contact)
- Initiating contact with the helmet to any part of an opponent’s body. Contact does not have to be to an opponent’s head or neck area — lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent’s torso, hips, and lower body, is also a foul.
Beginning in 2023, the rule was modified to prevent a player from using any part of his helmet or face mask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.
TRIPPING
Starting in 2023, tripping is now a personal foul, 15-yard penalty and is subject to additional discipline whether it is called or not called on the field by officials.
What is tripping? The use of the leg or foot to obstruct any opponent (including a runner).”
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