REPORT: NFL Discloses Plans To Finally Remove One Of The Dirtiest Plays In The Game Of Football
NFL rules are somewhat fluid as they can change from season to season in a bid to make the game as safe as possible for players.
The league is constantly looking for ways to reduce injuries and has made good progress in that regard. And it appears that another notable tactic could soon be outlawed.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent has suggested that blocking below the knees should be eliminated altogether.
“The low block below the knee needs to be removed from the game,” Vincent said on Wednesday, per Yahoo Sports.
“You look at high school, you look at college, too. Every block should be above the knee, but below the neck. All the work that we’ve done for the head and neck area — all the things that we’ve taken out of the game — this is the right time for us to remove the low block out of the game. Be consistent with high school. Be consistent with college. Every block should be above the knee and below the neck.”
The NFL banned blocks below the waist down the field and outside of the tackle box three years ago. Prior to that, players were only prohibited from blocking below the waist during changes of possession or kicks.
A block below the waist incurs a penalty of 15 yards as things stand.
New NFL Rules Will Keep Coming
Vincent also pointed out that the new NFL rules, especially the new kickoff rules, which came into play this season, have greatly improved the prevention of head and neck injuries.
The league is now researching ways to reduce the need for surgeries and extended periods on the sideline. It is currently looking at a change to the current version of the onside kick, including an option in which teams would be allowed one offensive play to regain possession.
Of course, change has always been difficult to accept where football is concerned, especially for the purists. But, should the league present proof that their methods are reducing injuries and keeping players on the field, it would be a lot easier.
