Roger Goodell doesnt want to stand pat with the PAT. Hes suggesting potential changes in the extra point that, well, might have some legs. The NFL commissioner says the extra point kick after touchdowns, which had a success rate of nearly 100 per cent, is too automatic. Sure is. And with few teams attempting 2-point conversion plays until desperation hits late in games, the old 1-pointer from 20 yards is the way coaches go. All that does is draw yawns. So Goodell wonders if the league can add excitement by making some major adjustments to the extra point, suggesting perhaps making a touchdown worth seven points instead of six, with teams having the option to run a play for another point. But failing on that play would cost them a point. Gimmicky, for sure. But if Goodell likes the idea ... A look at how changes to the extra point would affect football: HOW AND WHO? Passing any changes to the playing rules in the NFL is, unlike the extra point kick, no snap. The competition committee meets with the players union at the NFL combine in February, where any new proposals or ideas are discussed. Its not unusual for the players to have input in potential adjustments, as they did recently on defenceless player penalties. The powerful committee, chaired by Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay, meets for about a week in early March and comes up with any proposals, whether from the teams or union or, yes, the big boss. At the league meetings later in March, the committee presents potential changes for discussion by all 32 owners, who can either vote on them or table them. McKay said Tuesday: "We do anticipate the topic being discussed." KICKING AROUND? The idea of toying with the extra point is not entirely new. John Mara, owner of the New York Giants and among the most influential members of the competition committee, says "it came up for brief discussion in past meetings, but no action was taken." It took the NFL years to come around on the 2-point conversion, which can be a pass or run play from the 2-yard line -- and under Goodells apparent preference, could be worth one point if the kick is eliminated. The 2-pointer existed in the old AFL from 1960-69, and college football has had it since 1958. But it was defeated several times in NFL owners votes before it passed in 1994 as part of a package of changes to help the offences. YEA AND NAY Coaches will hate any changes, particularly ones that would mean more decisions for them to make. They so rarely go for the 2-pointers until the fourth quarter, and are reluctant to do so then because, well, theres nothing automatic about those attempts. Indeed, less than half (33 of 69) worked in 2013. "I will say this: Since 2000, I believe, over 99 per cent of the extra points are made," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Its almost a given that it is going to be made. Im sure that the competition committee will address it. As a coach you have to play how the rules are." Short-yardage backs such as All-Pro fullback Mike Tolbert of Carolina shouldnt mind the elimination of PAT kicks. Nor should running quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton, whose improvisational skills would be a huge advantage. Kickers? They probably will shrug and practice their field goals -- which is what they normally do regarding extra points anyway. WHO STAYS, AND WHY Rosters would get slight revamping, with teams likely keeping at least one power back active every week and having two on the roster. Often, those guys also play on special teams, so their presence wouldnt throw a lineup out of whack. PRACTICE WONT MAKE PERFECT Teams would work even more on their short-yardage packages, beginning in training camp. They would use their PAT offences in other situations on the field in games, too. While going for a fourth-and-2 near midfield is less rare than it once was, it might become all the more common when coaches know the more times they attempt such plays, the more seasoned their players will be when trying for the extra points. WILL IT HAPPEN? Its impossible to gauge the owners thinking, and a three-quarters majority is needed to pass any rules changes. "I know a lot of times when were at owner meetings, those things are brought up, and its great when youre in those meetings because you hear all the different opinions that are brought up with that," Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said. "Im sure there will be discussions about that. Im excited about hearing all those." Goodell doesnt get a vote. Then again, it sounds like he already has cast his. MONTREAL -- Charles Hamelin is confident that he wont stop at just one gold medal at the world short-track speedskating championships. Three weeks after winning gold in the 1,500 metres at the Sochi Olympics, Hamelin did it again Friday as he cruised to the win in the opening event at the Maurice Richard Arena. The 1,500 used to be the weakest event for the Ste-Julie, Que., skater, but now he seems to own the distance as he easily finished ahead of Han Tianyu of China and bronze medallist Park Se Yeong of South Korea. Earlier this week, the 29-year-old Hamelin announced that he will continue to skate at least four more years until the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea. "In the 1,500 metres, every time I go on the podium now it proves that the work Ive done in the last four years has really paid off," he said. "Its proof that Im improving year after year. "Thats a big part of why I wanted to continue for four more years. You can see Im still strong. After a big event like Sochi, I was able to come back and refocus on what I need to do here. Im ready." Now he hopes to avoid the bad luck that followed his Olympic gold. In Sochi, he inexplicably fell in the heats of both the 500 and 1,000-metre events, dashing his hopes of sweeping the individual distances. He said the world championships are different because, instead of waiting a day or two between skates like at the Olympics, he will be back on the track Saturday for the 500 metres and the mens relay heats and again on Sunday for the 1,000, the 3,000, and, he hopes, the relay final. "Momentum is a big part of it and right now, its on my side," he said. "I had a great race and I know Im stronng in the 500 and 1,000 metres.dddddddddddd" Hamelins goal is to win the overall title, which goes to the skater who does best cumulatively in the individual events. He has come second for that honour twice, but has never won it. He said the first rule is to avoid a disqualification in any race. The large crowd of mostly school children in the stands was worried that might happen when, halfway through the race, Hamelin nearly crashed into a South Korean. He managed to stay upright and then pass Han on the final lap to claim the win. Race officials did not call a foul. "He passed me on the outside and came back really quickly in front of me," said Hamelin. "He was one or two centimetres from hitting my blades. "It could have been a disaster for me, but I was able to control myself and not push too hard or lose too much speed. For him, the race was kind of over. It was a scary moment in the race." Hamelins biggest rival in recent years, five-time overall world champion Victor An of Russia, formerly known as Ahn Hyun-Soo of South Korea, never mounted a challenge and finished fourth. An won three golds and a bronze in Sochi. Wu Dajing of China was fifth ahead of South Koreans Lee Han-Bin and Sin Da Woon. Olivier Jean of Lachenaie, Que., and Charle Cournoyer of Boucherville, Que., were eliminated in the semifinals. South Korea swept the podium in the womens 1,500. Shim Suk Hee finished first ahead of Kim Alang and Park Seung-Hi. Valerie Maltais of La Baie, Que., was caught at the finish line by Park and settled for fourth. Marianne St-Gelais lost in the semifinals while Marie-Eve Drolet was beaten in the heats and was classified 22nd. Wholesale MLB Orioles JerseysRed Sox Jerseys From ChinaDiscount Yankees Jerseys OnlineRays Jerseys For SaleBlue Jays Jerseys From ChinaWholesale MLB White Sox JerseysIndians Jerseys For SaleTigers Jerseys From ChinaWholesale MLB Astros JerseysCheap Baseball Angels JerseysAthletics Jerseys From ChinaMariners Jerseys For SaleCheap Baseball Rangers JerseysBraves Jerseys For SaleDiscount Marlins Jerseys OnlineDiscount Mets Jerseys OnlinePhillies Jerseys From ChinaWholesale MLB Nationals JerseysCubs Jerseys From ChinaDiscount Reds Jerseys OnlineBrewers Jerseys From ChinaWholesale MLB Pirates JerseysWholesale MLB Cardinals JerseysDiamondbacks Jerseys For SaleRockies Jerseys For SaleDiscount Dodgers Jerseys OnlineDiscount Padres Jerseys OnlineGiants Jerseys For Sale ' ' '