Spokesman for the National Football League, Cory Rush has confirmed that the league has altered the position of the umpire. Previously the rule change placed the umpire on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage until the final two minutes of each half when they moved back to the defensive side. Now the umpires will move back the defensive side for the final five minutes of each half.
The alteration may be in response to Bill Polian and Peyton Manning who are both members of the Indianapolis Colts organization, expressing their displeasure about the new rule change. After Peyton Manning was penalized twice when the ball was snapped before the umpire was in position, Manning publicly voiced his frustration.
“It certainly doesn’t seem like they took some of the things that we do and other teams do into account when they make the rule,” Manning said. “I’m not a big fan of it right now.”
Colts president Bill Polian believes that the rule just needs a few adjustments.
“It’s a work in progress,” Polian said. “When we make a change, whether it be a rule or a change in mechanics — which this is — it normally takes two seasons to see the full extent of it. We’re very well aware of it …
The league will re-evaluate the altered umpire position after the final pre-season games.