Approved 2018 NFL Playing Rules & Bylaws from NFL Annual Meeting

Approved 2018 Playing Rules Summary

1. By Competition Committee; Makes permanent the playing rule that changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line.   
2. By Competition Committee; Changes standard for a catch.

7. By Competition Committee; Authorizes the designated member of the Officiating department to instruct on-field game officials to disqualify a player for a flagrant non-football act when a foul for that act is called on the field.

Here’s what would constitute a catch if the owners approve the competition committee’s alterations:

— control of the ball;

— getting two feet down;

— performing a football act or;

— performing a third step.

Last year if the ball moved ever so slightly when the receiver was on the ground it was ruled and incompletion. That final segment of a catch seems to be removed. But now the referees will be tasked with determining how much movement is acceptable?