An NFL spokesman hinted that the rules governing overtime may end up being reformatted at an upcoming NFL meeting next month.

The current NFL overtime rules use a sudden death mechanism: simply put, the first team to score wins. However, under the proposed overtime format, both teams are guaranteed to possess the ball at least once, unless the first team manages to score a touchdown. If the first team scores a field goal, and the opponent manages to tie the game, play continues until another team scores again.

The NFL has started considering the modification of the game’s overtime rules during the NFC championship game when the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 during overtime, and the Vikings never managed to get the ball during the overtime period. If the new rule was implemented then, the Vikings would have been guaranteed ball possession and a chance to score, because the Vikings managed to avert a touchdown by the Saints.

“There have been various concepts that have been discussed in recent years, but this one has never been proposed,” shares Greg Aiello, spokesman for the NFL.

Discussion about the new overtime policies will commence during league meetings on March 21 to 24 in Orlando, Florida. For the new rules to take effect, however, at least two-thirds of teams would have to agree for a rewrite.

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