The 2016 NFL Owners Meetings wrapped up in Boca Raton, Florida, on Wednesday, and of the 19 rules proposals presented to ownership, seven were approved on Tuesday, with another two passed on Wednesday.
"I think the rules changes we were in favor of got passed," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "The chop block got eliminated, so we were happy with that. So I think from a rules perspective, we were happy with the way things turned out."
Previously, there were certain situations in which the chop block was legal, but the new rule outlaws chop blocks from games entirely.
"We've been advocating that for over 10 years," said General Manager Kevin Colbert, speaking specifically on the chop block. "I think finally enough people realize it shouldn't be part of football. We've always argued that a defender can't protect himself. I think enough teams recognize that now."
The following are the proposals that passed:
Rule: Disqualifies a player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.
"Sportsmanship is important to the membership," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We all have standards. They have two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties before they're ejected. The message from the membership and the clubs and from our coaches has said we're going to be held to those high standards." Rule: Changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line.
Rule: Permanently moves the line of scrimmage for Try kicks to the defensive team's 15-yard line, and allows the defense to return any missed Try.
Rule: Permits the offensive and defensive play callers on the coaching staffs to use the coach-to-player communication system regardless of whether they are on the field or in the coaches' booth.
Rule: Makes all chop blocks illegal.
Rule: Expands the horse collar rule to include when a defender grabs the jersey at the name plate or above and pulls a runner toward the ground.
Rule: Makes it a foul for delay of game when a team attempts to call a timeout when it is not permitted to do so.
Rule: Eliminates the five-yard penalty for an eligible receiver illegally touching a forward pass after being out of bounds and re-establishing himself inbounds, and makes it a loss of down.
Rule: Eliminates multiple spots of enforcement for a double foul after a change of possession.
