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| NFL owners will vote this week on a rule proposal that will expand the definition of “defenseless” players to include punt and kickoff returners even after they have caught the kick. The proposal, which was put forward by the Competition Committee and will be voted upon by the owners, expands defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but has not had time to avoid or ward off an opponent. Defenseless players are protected from forcible hits to the head or neck area, hits from an opponent who lowers his helmet to make forcible contact, and hits from an opponent who launches into him. Kickoff and punt returners are already considered defenseless when they are attempting to field a kick that is in the air. But this proposal would extend the “defenseless” definition to include a returner “who has not had time to clearly become a runner.” In other words, a return man can’t be drilled the moment he catches the ball. Instead, he has to have the ball long enough to give himself a chance to protect himself in some way, such as moving out of the way or giving a stiff arm. |
This rule results in punts always getting returned, which adds a lot of excitement. It also removes all of the ambiguity of the fair catch call.
The article is from 2010. I would add the Canadian offensive movement/motion rule to their list.
Growing up playing, coaching and watching Canadian ball. Some(Not all) of the rules are just better IMO. I would also add the
Some Canadian rules - ( New Window )
If you are going to go this route, eliminate the fair catch or put the onus on the returner to be more prudent in calling for fair catches.
This isn't protecting returners as much as it is allowing them to make a poor decision and get a benefit out of it - a 15 yard penalty.