NFL competition committee

NFL Competition Committee

Type	Committee
Location	United States
Chairman	Rich McKay
Parent organization	NFL

The NFL Competition Committee is a crucial panel within the NFL that is responsible for overseeing and recommending changes to the game's rules and regulations. The committee plays a significant role in shaping the way football is played at the professional level in the United States.

History

The NFL Competition Committee has its origins in the earlier rules committees, which were formed to unify and standardize the game's regulations. Over the decades, the committee has evolved, addressing the changing dynamics of the game and incorporating advances in technology and player safety.

Function

The primary function of the NFL Competition Committee is to review rules and regulations and suggest changes that improve the game's competitiveness, fairness, and safety. The committee meets annually to discuss potential rule changes and adjustments. These recommendations are then presented to the NFL team owners, who vote on whether to adopt the changes.

Membership

The committee consists of various team executives, coaches, and former players, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and insight to the deliberations. The chairman of the committee, as of the last update, is Rich McKay, who is the president of the Atlanta Falcons.

Notable Decisions

Over the years, the NFL Competition Committee has been responsible for numerous rule changes that have significantly impacted the game. These include:

• Implementation of the instant replay review system to ensure correct callings on contentious plays.
• Adjustments to player safety rules, such as those governing helmet-to-helmet contact and quarterback protection.
• Changes to the scoring rules, including the modification of the extra point attempts.

Controversies

The committee's decisions are not without controversy, often sparking debates among fans, players, and analysts. Some rule changes, particularly those related to player safety, have been criticized for altering the fundamental nature of the game. However, the committee maintains that its primary focus is on player safety and game integrity.

See Also

• List of NFL team owners
• History of the National Football League
• Player safety in American football