The NFL holds an “Annual Meeting” every March to discuss proposals and issues within the league. This past March 2010, NFL owners voted 28-4 to amend overtime rules which are being debuted this 2011 postseason. This rule change was also supported in a 6-2 vote by the competition committee, and commissioner Roger Goodell supported the plan.

*The Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals teams voted against the proposal.

In the past, games that went into overtime could simply be won by a field goal, however because the accuracy of kickers has increased the rule change has been made with the anticipation of providing a more equal playing field.

Overtime Procedures:

»Upon a tie during regulation, the head referee will immediately toss a coin at the center of the field in accordance with overtime rules; usual pregame toss.

»The captain of the visiting team will call the toss prior to the coin being flipped.

» The end of regulation will be followed by three-minutes of intermission, then play will be continued in 15-minute periods until a winner is declared.

Rule of Possession:

• Both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball once during the extra 15 minute period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession-thus declared the winner.

• If the team that possesses the ball first scores a field goal on their initial possession, the other team will have an opportunity to possess the ball. If [that team] scores a touchdown on its possession, they are the winner. If the score remains tied after both teams have had possession, any method to score – by safety, field goal, touchdown or palpable unfair act, will determine the winner.shall be the winner.

• If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime period, or if [the overtime period's] initial possession has not ended, another overtime period will begin, and play will continue until a score is made, regardless of how many 15-minute periods are necessary.

*Disqualified players are not allowed to return.

Instant Replay:

• No challenges and any reviews will be initiated by the replay assistant.