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Last updated on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
(NEW ORLEANS, LA) - Changes to rules concerning kickoffs and replay came out of the NFL owner’s meeting on Tuesday.
The owners approved a proposal from the league's competition committee to move kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35.
Moving kickoffs up five yards is intended to lead to more touchbacks and fewer returns.
The idea is that fewer returns will lead to fewer catastrophic injuries.
Players on kickoff coverage will now line up only five yards behind the ball to lessen the running start they get.
Before, they could get a 10 to 15 yard start before the kicker makes contact with the ball.
The other major change gives the booth replay official the responsibility of confirming all scoring plays, relieving coaches the responsibility of challenging plays in the end zone.
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