NFL approves seven rule changes for 2016 season

The NFL has approved seven rule changes for 2016.

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The NFL has approved seven rule changes for 2016.

Of the approved changes at the annual league meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., the most notable was the expulsion of chop blocks. Also, the PAT was permanently set at the 15-yard line.

See the full list of 2016 rule changes below.

• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Makes all chop blocks illegal.
  
• 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.
  
• Makes it a foul for delay of game when a team attempts to call a timeout when it is not permitted to do so.
  
• 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.
  
• Eliminates multiple spots of enforcement for a double foul after a change of possession.

• KING: Why adding replay reviews can make the game safer

Eighteen rule changes were initially proposed.