NFL teams unanimously approve new catch rules
The NFL has unveiled new guidelines for what constitutes a catch that will be used starting next season, and not a single team was opposed to the changes.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the amendments passed with a vote of 32-0 on Tuesday.
The catch rule passed by a vote of 32-0 #theyallcaughtit
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2018
The new standards that define a catch are as follows: Control of the ball, two feet down or another body part, and a football move. A football move can include a third step, reaching the ball to extend it beyond the goal line, or having the ability to perform such an act.
In other words, officials will be able to use their judgment a lot more to avoid disastrous situations like the Dez Bryant catch from a few years ago and — more recently — a ruling that may have cost the Steelers a crucial win against the Patriots. That should be viewed as a positive for everyone, which is why the vote passed 32-0.