In an attempt to improve the quality of the game, the NFL annually votes on new rules at the league meetings in the spring. Owners gather to decide on a list of proposals from teams and the competition committee. Each proposal has to be approved by two-thirds of owners (24 of 32, or 75%) in order to go into effect. Rule changes don’t make headlines every year, but the 2024 owner’s meeting featured several widely-anticipated proposals.
There were 12 approvals separated into three sections: playing rules, bylaws and resolutions. The owners voting to ban the “hip drop” tackles was the most notable change of the meeting. There were also other big changes such as pushing the trade deadline back a week. The NFL has also changed the kickoff rules again and the requirements to receive a third challenge.
Let’s take a look at the 12 approved changes: