Reference Desk
NFL schedule of fines for 2017 season
A list of disciplinary fines established by the NFL as set in the players’ collective bargaining agreement.
The NFL fines for the 2017 season are subject to an automatic 5% increase from the previous season, according to the provision of the collective bargaining agreement with the players union and the league. Update: The NFL and NFLPA agreed to keep the minimum fines at 2016 levels, and the post below is revised to reflect that.
Offenses against game officials
| Â Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-3-1 (g) | Physical contact with official | $30,387 | $60,775 |
| 12-3-1 (b) | Verbal or other non-physical offense against official | $24,309 | $48,620 |
Player safety rules and/or flagrant personal fouls
Including the following, without limitation. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation (fines listed are minimums).
Starting in 2017, there is a point of emphasis on “egregious” hits, according to executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. This means particularly violent hits can be subject to ejection or suspension on a first offense in addition to the monetary penalties.
| Â Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-2-12 | Striking/kicking/kneeing | $9,115 | $18,231 |
| 12-2-6 (j), 12-2-14 | Face mask | ||
| 12-2-6 (f) | Late hit | ||
| 8-4-5, 12-2-5Â | Low block | ||
| 12-2-3 | Chop block | ||
| 12-2-15 | Horse-collar tackle | $18,231 | $36,464 |
| 12-2-6 (a) | Leg whip | ||
| 12-2-9 (a-e) | Roughing the passer | ||
| 12-2-6 (l) | Spearing | $24,309 | $48,620 |
| 12-2-6 (l), 12-2-8, 12-2-16 |
Impermissible use of the helmet (including illegal launching) | ||
| 12-2-7 | Hit on defenseless player | ||
| 12-2-7 (a) (10) | Blindside block |
Fighting
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-2-12 | Fighting | $30,387 | $60,775 |
| Conduct policy | Unnecessarily entering fight area (active involvement) | $6,076 | $12,154 |
| Conduct policy | Unnecessarily entering fight area (no active involvement) | $3,037 | $9,115 |
Sportsmanship
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-3-1 | Excessive profanity; other unsportsmanlike conduct* | $12,154 | $24,309 |
| 12-3-1 (b) | Taunting | $9,115 | $12,154 |
| Conduct policy | Football into stands†| $6,076 | $12,154 |
*Conduct directed toward opponents, game personnel, fans, etc.
†Fines assessed when a player deliberately throws or kicks a ball into the stands. If the player hands the ball to a specific fan or a designated person, this is not a fine, as it does not create a fan-safety issue.
Uniform
Additional fines may be imposed on team management and coaching staffs for condoning or permitting violations in this area.
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-4-4 (1) | Foreign substances on body/uniform | $9,115 | $18,231 |
| 5-4-3 (1)Â | Chin strap violations | $9,115 | $12,154 |
| 5-4-8 | Personal messages‡ | $6,076 | $12,154 |
| 5-4-9 | Other uniform/equipment violations |
‡Except those that are advertising, which is an on-field commercial logo violation.
On-field commercial logo violation
[5-4-7] Considered violation of official league licensing agreements. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation.
Gang signing
[12-3-1 (b, d)] Considered conduct detrimental to the league licensing agreements. For first or second offense, suspension or fine is possible; severity to be determined by degree of violation.
