1-5-1d(5)a: Further clarified the required specifications for the tooth and mouth protector.

Rationale: Completely clear or completely white tooth and mouth protectors are no longer prohibited. Tooth and mouth protectors shall include an occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) portion and include a labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portion.

1-5 NOTE; 1-5-2b: Added the new Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) football glove specification to the existing rule.

Rationale: Football gloves are now required to meet either the new SFIA specification or the existing NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture.

2-17; 9-3-6; 9-3 PENALTY: Clipping in the free-blocking is now illegal.

Rationale: In a continued effort to minimize risk, the Committee made clipping in the free-blocking zone illegal. Clipping is now illegal anywhere on the field at any time.

2016 Editorial Changes

Diagram NOTE; 1-5-1b(1); 1-5-1b(2)a, (3)a; 1-5-3a(1)a; 2-38; 4-3-2; 5-1-1b; 7-5 PENALTY; 9-3-5; 9-4-3h; 9-5-1a; 9-8-1a; 10-2-5; 10-5-1a; PENALTY SUMMARY.

2016 Points of Emphasis

1. Risk Minimization

2. Legal and Illegal Blocks

3. Legal Jerseys, Pants and Pads

4. Unfair Acts