According to ProFootballTalk, the NFL added a new penalty for clearing off snow prior to a field goal attempt.
Last year, before the Colts lined up for an extra-point attempt in the middle of a snow storm, the Colts sent out sideline personnel to try and clear out some grass for Kicker Adam Vinatieri to kick-off from.
Today, the NFL made sure something like this never happens again. According to the 2018 NFL Rulebook:
It is impermissible for the grounds crew or other team personnel to clear away snow for a Try kick, field goal, punt, or kickoff.
This will now be a 15 yard penalty.
Still, by the NFL’s language in the Rulebook, it seems like “the players on the field” can still clear off snow, prior to a field goal attempt. Unless, “team personnel” also encompasses “players.”
That’s the attorney in me…
Surely, Bill Belichick will probably figure this out for all of us sooner or later.
Also, it seems like this rule is going to have a somewhat discriminatory impact on teams like Cleveland, New England, Buffalo, and all of the other cities that always face harsh winters.
If you’re in a fantasy league, which subtracts points for missing field goals, you’re really going to have to pay attention to the weather reports heading into the final weeks of your season and into the playoffs too.
Now that these Kickers can’t make a clear path of grass to kick-off from in a snow game, there’s going to be a ton of missing in December. Believe that.