Wednesday 23 May 2018 08:05, UK
NFL owners have voted to bring in a change to the kick-off and "use of helmet" rule for the 2018 season.
Kick-offs will now be more like punts, with players on the kicking team unable to line-up more than one yard from the point of the kick.
The previous rule allowed players to have a running start before the kick, but the revamped version is designed to limit full-speed collisions.
The new guidelines also rule that no player on the receiving team can cross the restraining line (usually the 45-yard line) or initiate a block until the ball is touched or hits the ground.
When the ball reaches the end-zone, it will now immediately be called a touchback, meaning players will no longer have to touch the ball down.
Special teams coaches and members of the league's Competition Committee were involved in the discussion at a player safety summit earlier this month.
On Tuesday, owners also approved changes to the "use of helmet" rule, which now means it is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.
