Excessive Celebration – Football Penalties
In 2017, the NFL (finally!) relaxed the Excessive Celebration penalty. For several years prior to 2017, players could not use the ball as a prop, get on the ground or celebrate as a group in a pre-planned manner. Finally, Roger Goodell made the right call and is allowing some excessive celebration back in the game. These are the things you have to do to help keep fans engaged!
Excessive Celebration – Rules for 2017
The following are some of the changes to what is allowed for celebrations in 2017 that are no longer considered excessive celebrations.
- Using the football as a prop
- Celebration on the ground
- Group demonstrations
Here are some of the celebrations that have essentially always been allowed:
- Spiking the ball
- Touchdown signal
- Impromptu jump/chest bump
- Essentially anything that was extremely short, tasteful, not taunting, etc.
What is considered excessive celebration
The following ‘celebrations’ would still not be allowed even under the relaxed 2017 rules. You can assume that if you would not want your child to see it, then it is not allowed. The exception is #4 below. This is a rule thanks to a player (Jimmy Graham -New Orleans) hanging on the goal post a bit damaging it which required stoppage of play to resolve.
- Taunting (opposing team or fans)
- Sexually suggestive acts
- Acts that suggest violence
- Dunking the ball over goal posts
- Anything that takes too much time
What is the penalty for excessive celebration?
Excessive celebration is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and results in a 15 yard penalty. Since it occurs on the offense after a touchdown, the penalty is given to them on the kick-off by pushing them back 15 yards, giving the receiving team a chance for great field position.
The image to the left is the signal for unsportsmanlike conduct and is used in the case of excessive celebration as well as other football penalties.
What is the difference between excessive celebration and taunting?
Although similar, it is essentially the timing of when these two penalties occur. Excessive celebration is exclusive to the offense after scoring points. Taunting happens during the regular plays by either the offense of defense for just being a little too ‘in your face’ about a great play. Maybe yelling out about the other player’s mamma or something like that.
Why is the Lambeau Leap not considered excessive celebration?
Although the old penalty rules mentioned ‘leaving your feet’, the Lambeau Leap is considered a tradition as well as the fact that it occurs off the field of play. Therefore, leap at will! No penalty for a beautiful thing!
Here is a video of some of this year’s best as well as some of the old ones.