NFL makes changes to instant replay rules, league offices can be consulted

League offices can be phoned in to review a call.

Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.

NFL owners met in Charlotte on Tuesday and passed an amendment to league rules that would allow referees to receive help from the league office in New York during games to avoid administrative mistakes.

The league offices were phoned in and allowed to share their own calls during last season's playoffs.

“The Replay Official and designated members of the Officiating Department at the League office may consult with the on-field officials to provide information on the correct application of playing rules, including appropriate assessment of penalty yardage, proper down, and status of the game clock,” the ruling states.

Game administration that deals with penalty enforcement, proper down, spot of a foul and status of the game clock will be covered by new replay system.

• FARRAR: Roger Goodell is exposed as NFL's big scandals converge

"In situations in which time is deemed to have expired during or after the last play of the first or second half, or of an overtime period in the preseason or regular season, or of an overtime half in the postseason, a timing error is defined as having occurred only when the visual evidence demonstrates that more than one second should be put on the clock,” the NFL announced. ”In the first half, time shall be restored only if the additional play will be a snap from scrimmage. In the second half, time shall be restored only if it is a one-score game (eight points or less), and the additional play will be a snap from scrimmage by the team that is behind in the score, or by either team if the score is tied. A correction of a timing error for a team timeout may be made only if there is visual evidence of an official's signal.”

Owners determined they will hold off on changing any rules regarding the ability to study video on the sidelines until next year's meeting.