Reference Desk
Schedule of fines for the 2018 season
The list of the amounts for players’ fines has been established for the 2018 season.
The list of the amounts for players’ fines has been established for the 2018 season. Typically, fines are subject to an automatic 5% increase from the previous season, which is a provision of the collective bargaining agreement between the players union and the league. In 2017, the league and the union agreed to suspend the 5% increase. Based on certain fines assessed in the preseason, it’s been determined that the 2018 fines have been elevated 10% from their 2016 levels. (This actually has saved a few dollars in the long run, since a 5% increase would have compounded the previous year’s 5% increase.)
Offenses against game officials
| Â Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-3-1 (g) | Physical contact with official | $33,426 | $66,853 |
| 12-3-1 (b) | Verbal or other non-physical offense against official | $26,740 | $53,482 |
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).
| Â Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-2-12 | Striking/kicking/kneeing | $10,026 | $20,054 |
| 12-2-6 (j), 12-2-14 | Face mask | ||
| 12-2-6 (b-g) | Late hit | ||
| 8-4-5, 12-2-5Â | Low block | ||
| 12-2-3 | Chop block | ||
| 12-2-15 | Horse-collar tackle | $20,054 | $40,110 |
| 12-2-6 (a) | Leg whip | ||
| 12-2-9 (a-e) | Roughing the passer* | ||
| 12-2-6 (i) | Spearing | $26,740 | $53,482 |
| 12-2-6 (i), 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 |
*Under a 2018 point of emphasis, this can include landing on the quarterback with full weight even if he’s not in a passing posture.
Fighting
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-2-12 | Fighting | $33,426 | $66,853 |
| Conduct policy | Unnecessarily entering fight area (active involvement) | $6,684 | $13,369 |
| Conduct policy | Unnecessarily entering fight area (no active involvement) | $3,341 | $10,026 |
Sportsmanship
| Rule | Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-3-1 | Excessive profanity; other unsportsmanlike conduct†| $13,369 | $26,740 |
| 12-3-1 (b) | Taunting | $10,026 | $13,369 |
| Conduct policy | Football into stands‡ | $6,684 | $13,369 |
†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, 8) | Foreign substances on body/uniform | $10,026 | $20,054 |
| 5-4-3 (1)Â | Chin strap violations | $10,026 | $13,369 |
| 5-4-8 | Personal messages§ | $6,684 | $13,369 |
| 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.
