This time of year, having a coach who knows when and what to challenge can be something of a game-changing weapon. Throughout the 2022 NFL playoffs, we’ve already seen how poor officiating can be, and the challenge is a tool worth using.
While the challenge rule has been somewhat controversial over the years for what can and cannot be challenged, the NFL has done well to ensure that not every decision made on the field falls on the head. of the coach to challenge, especially
These are the rules:
How many challenges are allowed in the NFL?
The trainer challenge rules are quite simple:
The coach must throw a challenge flag before the start of the next rally. Once the next play is underway, a coach can no longer challenge.
Both teams in an NFL game start with two challenges. Those are the only two challenges teams get for the duration of the game. If a team uses two challenges and successfully wins both, then one final challenge is allowed.
A team can only use a challenge if they have at least one timeout left. A team may not contest a play if it has no remaining timeouts.
In the event of a successful challenge, the field call is overturned and a challenge is charged. In the event of a failed challenge, the team loses a timeout.
Within two minutes of the end of the half, plays cannot be challenged and all reviews will be initiated by the referees.
If a coach challenges but has no timeouts, then the team receives a 15-yard penalty.
All overtime replay reviews will be initiated by the replay official. The remaining challenges of regulation do not carry over to overtime.
What NFL plays are reviewable?
There are many NFL plays that are reviewable, including the following:
- Terminations/Incompletes;
- Fumbles (a team must have clear possession of the ball to be ruled out);
- Ball point;
- contact broker;
- Plays on the goal line (if a play is not called a touchdown on the field);
- 12 players on the field at the snap, even if no penalty is called.
The NFL’s year-long experiment in offensive and defensive pass interference came to an end before the 2020 season.
What plays are not reviewable?
There are a number of plays that are not reviewable, including the following:
- Rotations, which are automatically reviewed;
- Scoring plays, which are automatically reviewed;
- Penalties, including offensive or defensive pass interference;
- Turnovers after the whistle blows;
- Advance progress.
When coaches throw a challenge flag on plays that are automatically reviewed, such as a scoring play, they are penalized for it.