RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The image of an NFL head coach angrily throwing down a red challenge flag might be in jeopardy — though probably not.
A new change to the NFL rulebook will allow head coaches to designate a member of the sideline staff to throw down challenges on the team's behalf. In the past, only the head coach was given the red challenge flag; now, they will be able to select someone else ahead of the game to throw the flag for them.
Rule 15, Section 1, Article 1 in the league's rulebook now reads: "The Head Coach or head coach's pregame challenge designee can initiate a challenge by throwing a red flag onto the field of play before the next legal snap or kick."
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A league official confirmed the rule change to ESPN on Monday. All other rules around the challenge will still apply.
Though most NFL rule changes are announced during the NFL's annual meeting in late March, this one was not. The league is allowed to make some adjustments to the rulebook that don't need to be voted on by owners.
Having coaches pick a proxy for throwing a challenge flag could help stem some of the emotion involved in making that call. Regardless, it's unclear if any coaches will take advantage of the new rule.
Other rules approved by the league ahead of this season include allowing teams to declare an onside kick at any point in the game, moving the dead ball spot for a touchback after a kickoff from the 50-yard line, and changing alignment requirements for receiving a kickoff.
League personnel are now also able to step in and speak to on-field officials about potential disqualification, even if they weren't called.
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