AFL Introduces Rule Changes
Published on November 5, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK â With the goal of further enhancing the fan experience by reducing the number of overall penalties, the Arena Football League's Board of Directors have approved several key rule changes for the 2003 season.
"Every year, our Rules and Competition Committee recommends game adjustments to the Board of Directors," said AFL Commissioner DAVID BAKER. "But this year, after the most intense penalty-study ever, we felt we needed to reduce the number of penalties in our game in order to enhance the fan experience and formed the Blue Ribbon Committee strictly for that purpose. The ultimate goal of the AFL is to be the most fan-friendly league in the world.
The Blue Ribbon Committee, comprised of team and game officials from across the league, as well as Colorado Crush Co-Owner JOHN ELWAY and AFL consultant and former CBS Sports President NEAL PILSON, met for two days and made its recommendations to the Rules and Competition Committee, who then made final recommendations to the Board of Directors.
"We've really fine-tuned our game," said Arizona Rattlers Vice President and AFL Rules and Competition Committee Chairman GENE NUDO. "The focus of both committees was on the pace of the game and to reduce unnecessary penalties in an effort to streamline our already great game. The changes will give us a cleaner and quicker presentation heading into 2003.
Highlighted changes passed by the Board to further enhance the fan experience include:
QUALITY CONTROL
· No consecutive time outs from the same team.
· Game clock and 25-second clock will start when the kicker receives the ball and the ball is marked ready for play. (except for last minute of play in each half)
· All time outs in the last minute of each half will be thirty (30) seconds unless it is in conjunction with a television time out.
PENALTY SAVING
· Offside or encroachment by the defense is a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
· Freeze or "stop" motion is illegal â intent to draw offsides.
· Linebackers have no forward or lateral movement prior to the snap.
· After any "pump fake" by the passer â both linebackers are free to cover outside the box.
"Preventing teams from taking consecutive time outs and making defensive encroachment an automatic first down are perfect examples of how we streamlined the game," says Nudo. "Taking consecutive time outs simply wastes time and bores the fan. Defensive players tried to anticipate the snap count and frequently jumped offsides without care because the penalty was only five yards. Now it's also an automatic first down. This should significantly cut down on the number of encroachment penalties. We've made these types of changes across the board.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
· Black rebound nets replace white nets for improved fan viewing.
· Inside of goal posts will be painted "Florescent Safety Yellow".
· Each team will carry an "emergency quarterback" â only to be used when other two are injured and cannot return to the contest.
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League kicks off its 17th season and first on NBC beginning in February 2003. NBC will provide the AFL with unprecedented exposure by televising up to 70 games, including all playoff contests and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
