League changes catch rule; adds penalty for lowering head

NFL owners unanimously passed the proposal to change the catch rule, 32-0, on Tuesday by eliminating the requirement to maintain possession of the ball throughout the process of going to the ground.

The new guidelines that determine what is a catch are control of the ball, two feet down or another body part, and a “football move.”

A “football move” is either a third step, reaching/extending for the line-to-gain, or the ability to perform such an act.

The rule has been under scrutiny for several years and its criticism reached new heights during the 2014 playoffs when Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant made a diving catch at the 1-yard line against the Packers in a Divisional playoff game, but was ruled incomplete after officials determined he did not maintain possession throughout the process of going to the ground.

The controversial rule struck again this past season in a Week 15 game between the Steelers and Patriots.

Steelers tight end Jesse James caught the ball with 28 seconds left and reached it crossed the goal line but lost control when he hit the ground. It was ruled incomplete and the Patriots won the game, 27-24.

Both the Bryant and James catch would be completions under the new rule.

The NFL also took a step forward in combating concussions and enhancing player safety on Tuesday with a new rule change.

“It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against his opponent,” said Rich Mckay, chairman of the Competition Committee the NFL.

The foul will result in a 15-yard penalty and the player who commits the foul could face disqualification. If it is a defensive player, the penalty will result in an automatic first down. The rule applies to any player on the field.

Mckay added that instant replay officials in New York would help determine an infraction on plays in question.

– Appeal-democrat news services