Dana Point, CA -- (Sports Network) - National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell and league competition committee members announced several changes in rules for the upcoming season.

Wednesday's announcement came at the conclusion of the league's annual meeting on addressing issues such as replay reviews and player safety, which was the focus on most of the rules changes. That included an expansion of receiver helmet-to-helmet protection and blindside blocks and the elimination of both bunch-kick formations and the "wedge" blocking scheme.

"We don't in any way as a committee try to pass rules for player safety that affect negatively the game," said Rich McKay, co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee. "What we do is pass rules to try and make the game safer. Teams will adjust, coaches will adjust. The game will be just fine. We have to be proactive in dealing with player safety."

Regarding the helmet-to-helmet protection, it was determined that the initial contact to the head of a defenseless receiver will draw a 15-yard penalty. In the same spirit, it was ruled that the initial force of a blindside block can't be delivered by a helmet, forearm or shoulder to the head or neck. An illegal blindside block will also garner a 15-yard penalty.

Regarding special teams, specifically kickoffs, the kicking team can't have more than five players bunched together to pursue an onsides kick. A violation will bring about a five-yard penalty. Also, no blocking wedge of more than two players will be allowed, with a 15-yard penalty to be assessed to the violating team.

While not an actual rule change requiring a vote from NFL owners, the league also ruled that defenders who are knocked to the ground can no longer "lunge" into quarterbacks if the play is still ongoing. The change comes about one season removed from 2007 NFL MVP Tom Brady's injury in the season's first game that resulted from such a play.

Other changes for next season include allowing video replays for a loose ball that could either be a fumble or an incomplete pass. The change comes as a direct result from the controversial play involving Denver quarterback Jay Cutler's fumble in the waning seconds of a Week 2 contest with San Diego. Embattled referee Ed Hochuli ruled the play as an incomplete pass when replays clearly showed it was a fumble. San Diego had recovered but, as the play was deemed not reviewable, Denver was allowed to retain possession and scored moments later to win the game. It was also determined that replay reviews can now be used to determine if a loose ball hits the sideline.

Owners also voted to eliminate a second onsides kick. A second kick had been awarded following an initial illegal attempt. Possession will now be awarded to the receiving team. In addition, for fumbles and laterals that go out of bounds, the clock will start when the referee signals ready for play.

The league tinkered with the draft order for playoff teams as well. Order will now be determined based on where teams were eliminated in the postseason as opposed to their regular-season record. It takes effect in 2010.

A waiver period during the first two weeks of training camp was established and the beginning of the postseason waiver period will now take effect following the final postseason game. Previously it began after the Pro Bowl.

Finally, Goodell touched upon ongoing discussions involving the restructuring of both the regular season and playoffs.

"Some clubs believe we should expand the playoffs," said Goodell. "I don't think it's required as part of the restructuring of the season to expand the playoffs. The opponents' view is let's not water down something that is tremendous. We still have 32 teams. We should keep it to 12 teams and that's what makes it special to make it."

Goodell said as of now it's not a majority of teams that want to expand the playoff system and went on to suggest the regular season may be expanded by one or two games.

"What we're trying to do is to improve the quality of what we're doing," said Goodell. "I think there's a strongly-held view internally and I believe with our fans, they don't believe the preseason games are up to our standards. By modifying the 20-game structure and swapping out preseason games for regular season games, that's a very positive change for our fans and improves on the quality of what we're doing."