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NFL to hear catch-rule proposal next week

There's no catch.

After multiple controversies in recent seasons, the NFL appears ready to make changes to its rules about what is and isn't a catch.

Al Riveron, the NFL's senior vice president of officiating, said Wednesday the league's competition committee will recommend simplifying the language of the catch rule and that the proposed changes will be presented next week at the league meeting.

The proposed rules defining a catch are:

-- Control of the ball.

-- Two feet down or another body part.

-- And a football move such as a third step, reaching for the line-to-gain or the ability to perform such an act.

The proposed rule modification is designed to eliminate controversy over the going-to-the-ground aspect of several disputed catches in big games over the years, including Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James' overturned touchdown against the New England Patriots last season.

Riveron said this week the league had been examining footage of multiple plays to help shape the new catch rule.

-- Field Level Media