The Rules Keep Changing
The AFL introduces rule changes.

The object being to enhance the fan experience by reducing the number of overall penalties, the Arena Football League's Board of Directors have approved several crucial rule changes for the 2003 season.

" Every year, our Rules and Competition Committee recommends game adjustments to the Board of Directors,"said AFL Commissioner David Baker.

" But this year, after the most intense penalty-study ever, we felt we needed to reduce the number of penalties in our game in order to enhance the fan experience and formed the Blue Ribbon Committee strictly for that purpose. The ultimate goal of the AFL is to be the most fan-friendly league in the world."

Compromised of team and game officials from across the league, the Blue Ribbon Committee met for two days and made its recommendations to the Rules and Competition Committee, who then made the final recommendations to the Board of Directors.

" We've really fine-tuned our game," said Arizona Rattlers Vice President and AFL Rules and Competition Committee Chairman Gene Nudo. "The focus of both committees was on the pace of the game and to reduce unnecessary penalties in an effort to streamline our already great game. The changes will give us cleaner and quicker presentation heading into 2003."

Changes that were passed by the Board include:

 QUALITY CONTROL

· No consecutive time outs from the same team.

· Game clock and 25-second clock will start when the kicker receives the ball and the ball is marked ready for play. (except for last minute of play in each half)

· All time outs in the last minute of each half will be thirty (30) seconds unless it is in conjunction with a television time out.

PENALTY SAVING

· Offside or encroachment by the defense is a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down.

· Freeze or 'stop' motion is illegal - intent to draw offsides.

· Linebackers have no forward or lateral movement prior to the snap.

· After any 'pump fake' by the passer - both linebackers are free to cover outside the box.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

· Black rebound nets replace white nets for improved fan viewing.

· Inside of goal posts will be painted 'Florescent Safety Yellow'.

· Each team will carry an 'emergency quarterback' - only to be used when other two are injured and cannot return to the contest.