NFL approves rule to change replay process - O.T.I.S

NFL owners voted Tuesday to significantly change the instant replay process.

The league announced owners voted to pass Rule Proposal 9 at the NFL Annual Meeting, which says that referees can consult with the officiating department in New York during replay reviews.

This proposal always had a wide swath of support throughout the league because there is belief it will improve accuracy and speed during replay reviews. The existing NFL Officiating Command Center in New York immediately will begin to review replays after the call is challenged. By the time the referee gets to his "booth," the command center can advise the referee on what to look for in the play. The referee ultimately makes the final choice on the play.

It's hard to see the downside of this rule. It should prevent obvious mistakes from happening.

The league also voted to ban "roll up" blocks to the side of a player's leg. This is a tweak of the rule that bans these blocks from behind. It should help mostly defensive players, and is a relatively minor adjustment on the previous rule.

The rest of the rules and bylaws proposals are expected to be voted on during Wednesday's session.