NFL owners have voted to change kickoffs for the upcoming 2024 season, approving a hybrid kickoff rule at the league’s annual meeting.
With kickoffs becoming something of a ceremonial play in recent seasons following rule changes designed to improve player safety, the new rule should see more returns and fewer injuries.
Owners voted 29-3 in favour of the change, according to Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay, as per the NFL Network.
The new rule will see kickoffs remain at the 35-yard line, with the kicking team’s other ten players lining up at the opponent’s 40-yard line. The receiving team will place at least seven players in a ‘set-up zone’, between their own 35- and 30-yard lines, with a maximum of two returners in the landing zone.
Once the kick is made, the kicker cannot cross the 50-yard line and the other ten players on the kicking team and the receiving team’s players in the set-up zone are not permitted to move until the ball either hits the ground or a player or goes into the end zone.
The returner or returners can move at any time during the play.
This new system is designed to ensure that the high-speed collisions that occur after members of the kicking team charge down the field are reduced while giving players the time and space to field kicks and attempt a return.
Onside kicks can only take place in the fourth quarter and when a team is trailing, with the kicking team having to declare its intent to attempt an onside kick.
The rule will be in place for the 2024 season and will be subject to renewal in 2025, giving the league scope to make any amendments following this first season.
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