# Resolved: Rules changes in all four major U.S. sports that completely fix their flaws **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb, basketball-nba, hockey-nhl, football-nfl\ **Created:** [October 14, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578 "2023-10-14T20:14:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/21 "2023-10-15T06:51:56Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > In NFL, I’d get rid of the fair catch rule. In CFL, the ball must be returned; there is no fair catch rule. Makes the game much more exciting. Don’t receivers regularly get absolutely blown up? Does the CFL have any kind of rule to protect the receiver? Sounds dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/22 "2023-10-15T07:47:28Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > NFL: Lightning round, with actual lightning. I sure hope they don’t have an ice cream round… ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/23 "2023-10-15T08:05:09Z")
Apparently you’re not allowed to come within five yards of the returner until he catches the ball, including catching it on a bounce, or it’s a 15-yard penalty. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/24 "2023-10-15T09:44:32Z")
Makes sense. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/25 "2023-10-15T10:49:56Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > Don’t receivers regularly get absolutely blown up? Does the CFL have any kind of rule to protect the receiver? Sounds dangerous. Yep, as has been pointed out, the receiver does get “five yards.” But he must receive the football, and then run it back. Even if the ball ends up in the end zone. No fair catch, no way at all. You catch the ball, and you run it back. It’s just that simple. I remember a new kid on our street who called for a fair catch in a pickup game in the park. He got plowed. “Guys, I called for a fair catch.” “Yeah, we don’t play that wussy football.” ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/26 "2023-10-15T11:26:57Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > If you’re on your own one yard line, and fumble it backwards out of your own end zone, that’s a safety and you lose possession. You always lose possession of the ball if you fumble it out of either end zone. So there is at least a consistency there. The thing about a safety is that you get one if you’re tackled in your end zone, run out of bounds from your end zone or fumble out of bounds in your end zone. Ultimately, fumbling out of bounds is the same as running out of bounds, which is how it works for all parts of the field… Except at the other end zone, if you run out of bounds from that end zone, it’s a TD for you, but if a fumble goes out of bounds, you lose possession. Having a fumble go out of bounds very suddenly changes from being the same as running out of bounds (which is a routine choice) to being a complete disaster. I understand not giving someone a TD for an incomplete play, but not changing a routine offensive outcome into a loss of possession. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/27 "2023-10-15T11:51:48Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Except at the other end zone, if you run out of bounds from that end zone, it’s a TD for you, but if a fumble goes out of bounds, you lose possession. You can’t run it out of bounds from the other end zone. The primary objection appears to be this: > [@Stratocaster](#): > > If the fumble had occurred in exactly the same way, but the play had started a couple of yards shorter, it would still be the offense’s ball. But this is exactly the same amount true on the other side of the field. If you fumble it out of the your own end zone, it’s a safety and you lose possession. But if the play had started just a couple of yards further downfield, it would have gone out at the one and still be offense’s ball. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/28 "2023-10-15T12:13:04Z")
NFL: Defensive pass interference should be ten or fifteen yards and a first down, not at the spot of the foul. Alternatively, if you keep it at the spot of the foul, then OPI should be a turnover, since the assumption is that the player interfered with would have caught the ball. Or, to make the NFL more fun, every play should be at least as fun/complex as a flea flicker… NBA: break up the game into multiple sub-games, where the team with the most points wins that game (like in tennis). That way, you have points that matter throughout, rather than just at the end. The way it works now, either the game is close at the end, so there’s finally drama in the last few minutes, or it’s not, and the game just ends. No particular baskets matter, except maybe at the end if it’s close. By breaking the game into many little games, lots of baskets will matter. Also, NBA, do something about the current emphasis on 3 point shots. That’s just boring. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/29 "2023-10-15T12:18:32Z")
I remember _Sports Illustrated_ doing a think piece on single platoon football several decades ago and quoting Bo Schembechler growling “well, the players would like it better.” As if that was the last thing that should ever be taken into account. I like the way limited substitution football cuts down on positional specialization but in talking with my friends I know that I’m in yet another tiny minority of like thinkers. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/30 "2023-10-15T12:36:19Z")
> [@Red\_Wiggler](#): > > I like the way limited substitution football cuts down on positional specialization but in talking with my friends I know that I’m in yet another tiny minority of like thinkers. I can imagine the elevator pitch: “It’s just like football now, except nobody is as good at their position and everybody is more tired.” ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/31 "2023-10-15T13:09:44Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > Defensive pass interference should be ten or fifteen yards and a first down, not at the spot of the foul. Except then on a Hail Mary long pass the defender would always just tackle the receiver before the ball arrives… ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/32 "2023-10-15T13:12:51Z")
Somehow, they manage in college football, but fine, then go with my other idea. If pass interference implies a catch, then it’s a turnover when it’s OPI, or if that’s too severe, it’s the maximum of 15 yards or the distance between the throw and the spot of the foul. So, there’s OPI 30 yards from the line of scrimmage, it’s a 30 yard penalty. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/33 "2023-10-15T13:16:15Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > I can imagine the elevator pitch: “It’s just like football now, except nobody is as good at their position and everybody is more tired.” Haha! Yeah, I have a suggestion for the MLS that goes in the other direction, but it’s OT for this thread. BTW, I think NASCAR might be more popular than NHL, but I’m not positive. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/34 "2023-10-15T14:09:13Z")
Indeed, nobody on the soccer pitch or basketball court is good at their positions. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/35 "2023-10-15T14:25:08Z")
NBA: only one time out per team per minute. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/36 "2023-10-15T14:37:18Z")
Indeed, that’s why everybody takes turns playing goalie. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/37 "2023-10-15T14:59:29Z")
It could be a much better game if it evolved away from the single specialized position. Some things that are traditional aren’t necessarily the best. This thread is made for people like me who are always seeing ways to improve things. You ought to hear my plan for eliminating the clock in concussion football. ---
**Author:** ![TheGunIsMightierThanThePen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thegunismightierthanthepen/32/2981_2.png) [@TheGunIsMightierThanThePen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheGunIsMightierThanThePen)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/38 "2023-10-15T15:00:24Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Except then on a Hail Mary long pass the defender would always just tackle the receiver before the ball arrives… Easy fix: after the penalty is applied, reset the game clock to the exact time it was prior to that play. If the foul happens when the distance to the end zone is 15 yards or less, the ball is placed at the 1-yard line. I’m unsure as to whether to award an automatic touchdown if DPI occurs in the end zone, because that’s not even a thing right now. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/39 "2023-10-15T15:01:43Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > NBA: break up the game into multiple sub-games, where the team with the most points wins that game (like in tennis). That way, you have points that matter throughout, rather than just at the end. The way it works now, either the game is close at the end, so there’s finally drama in the last few minutes, or it’s not, and the game just ends. I kind of like that. Would love to see that tried in exhibition. I can absolutely picture being edge-of-seat as one of the sub-games winds down. “Hurry! Hurry! Don’t give this one away!” Rather than going to get a soda because it’s only the first 15 minutes and the score is pretty close. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578/40 "2023-10-15T15:01:59Z")
> [@TheGunIsMightierThanThePen](#): > > Easy fix: after the penalty is applied, reset the game clock to the exact time it was prior to that play. If the foul happens when the distance to the end zone is 15 yards or less, the ball is placed at the 1-yard line. That may not even be necessary, as Hail Mary passes nearly always happen at the very end of the game. The current rules state that a game can’t end on a defensive penalty; if the defender commits a 15-yard DPI penalty, even if time ran out during the play, the offense will get another (untimed) try from 15 yards closer in. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-rules-changes-in-all-four-major-u-s-sports-that-completely-fix-their-flaws/991578.md?page=3)