The XFL will feature exciting gameplay innovations that deliver fans a faster pace of play and more action. The league will build on what was started in 2020 by carrying over several rules and includes innovative changes in the areas of clock management, play reviews and late game possession designed to improve gameplay and enhance the fan viewing experience.
EXTRA POINTS
- Tiered extra points are back
- Teams will have three run/pass only options for extra points following a touchdown
- 2-yard line = one point; 5-yard line = two points; 10-yard line = three points
- Defense awarded same number of points for a touchdown
GAME TIMING
- The XFL will operate with a 35-second play clock, which begins following the previous play
- 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.
- The first and second half will be split by a 10-minute halftime
- Three timeouts per team per half
KICKOFFS
- Teams begin play five yards apart – kicking team at opponent’s 35-yard line and return team at own 30-yard line
OPTIONS TO KEEP BALL
- Teams will have two options to keep the ball after scoring:
- Traditional onside kick (any time during game) or
- 4th and 15 conversion from own 25-yard line (4thquarter only)
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
- The first pass may fall incomplete rather than becoming a fumbled lateral.
OVERTIME
- Consists of alternating attempts from opponent’s 5-yard line
- Three attempts per team (two points per score) or until winner is decided
INSTANT REPLAY
- Centralized replay with all plays subject to review from Replay Official
- Replay may correct errors on non-reviewable plays, player safety at any point during the game, and any issue in the last five minutes of regulation plus overtime
- Head coach may challenge one on-field ruling per game, including those involving a foul or potential foul
- Final ruling made by designated members of officiating department in central location
To view the complete rule book click here.
COURTESY XFL COMMUNICATIONS
