The XFL is coming back for the third time in the Spring of 2023.
The league on Thursday revealed some of the new rules it will have and modifications of those from it second go-round:
GAME TIMING
Clock will start following incomplete passes and out of bounds plays prior to two-minute warning of either half
Clock will stop following first downs after two-minute warning of either half
Play clock increased from 25 to 35 seconds*
Timeouts increased from 2 to 3 per team per half*
The XFL will operate with a 35-second play clock
OVERTIME
No coin toss, no one-possession wins, no ties
Consists of alternating attempts from opponent’s 5-yard line
Three attempts per team (two points per score) or until winner is decided *
OPTIONS TO KEEP THE BALL
Two options to keep the ball after scoring
Traditional onside kick (any time during game)
4th and 15 conversion from own 25-yard line (4th quarter only)*
INSTANT REPLAY
Head coach allowed one challenge of any officiating decision once per game, with final ruling made by designated members of the officiating department in a central location (never been done before at any level)*
Centralized replay *
Replay may correct obvious errors on non-reviewable plays, player safety at any point during the game, and any issue that significantly impacts the outcome of the game in the last five minutes of regulation plus overtime
KICKOFFS
Kicking team and return team start play five yards apart
Eliminates high-speed collisions and enhances player safety
More returns, less touchbacks
92% kick off returns in XFL 2.0 compared to 39.6% in the NFL
Average XFL drive started at the 29-yard line compared to the 25-yard line in the NFL
EXTRA POINTS
Tiered extra points are back
Teams will have three options for extra points following a touchdown
2-yard line = one point; 5-yard line = two points; 10-yard line = three points
Replaces the traditional kick, providing teams a chance to score more points and build excitement within the game.
DOUBLE FORWARD PASS
If a team completes a forward pass behind the line of scrimmage, that team may throw a second forward pass, as long as the ball has not crossed the line of scrimmage
Once the ball has passed the line of scrimmage, no forward passes are permitted
Less risky because the first pass may fall incomplete rather than becoming a live ball lateral
