Introduction to XFL:
Time:
- Regulation Time:
- XFL, like NFL, is broken down into four (4) fifteen (15) minute quarters.
- Play clock: 35 seconds (25 for administrative stops)
- Game Clock will run continuously at any point of the game after a previous play except for time outs, end of the quarter, or the final two minute warning. This includes plays resulting in the runner out of bounds and incomplete passes.
- The game clock stops for first downs inside the final two minutes of the second and fourth quarters.
- Halftime is 10-minutes
- Each team will be granted three timeouts per half.
Overtime:
Overtime will be a shootout:
- Each team alternates 1-play possessions from the 5-yard line (each score is worth 2 points).
- Each team gets up to 3 plays, the team that scores the most points wins.
- If Team 1 scores on the first 2 plays and Team 2 doesn’t score (4-0), Team 1 will win.
- Sudden death is initiated if the game is tied after 3 possessions.
Extra Points:
After scoring, teams will have the three options, all of which are run/pass plays and they will not be able to kick an extra point. These options are:
- 2-yard line = 1 point
- 5-yard line = 2 points
- 10-yard line = 3 points
Kickoffs/Punts:
- All kickoffs must be made from the kicking team’s 30-yard line.
- The kicking team will line up the opponent’s 35-yard line.
- The receiving team will be lined up at their own 30-yard line. This means the teams will be 5 yards apart.
- The players can not move until the returner has touched the ball or the ball has been on the ground for at least three seconds.
- The ball must be kicked between the receiving team’s 20-yard line and the endzone. If there is a failure to do so, a penalty is called:
- Failure to make it to the receiving team’s 20-yard line or kicking the ball out of bounds will result in the ball being placed on the kicking team’s 45-yard line.
- Kicking the ball into the endzone will result in a “Major Touchback” which puts the ball on the receiving team’s 35-yard line.
- If the ball bounces before the endzone and rolls into the endzone, it will be the opposite of the Major Touchback, and the receiving team is penalized with the ball being placed on the receiving team’s 15-yard line.
Onside Kick vs Scrimmage Play:
Teams options on kickoffs:
- Regular Kickoff
- Traditional onside kick
- 4th and 15 conversion attempt from own 25-yard line (4th quarter only)
Replays:
Each coach gets one replay challenge.
- The replay crew can overrule incorrect personal foul calls (roughing the passer, hits on defenseless players, facemasks, horse collars, etc.). They will also be responsible for determining whether the act of pass interference is obviously intentional when it occurs 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Forward Passes:
- Teams are allowed to throw two forward passes from behind the line of scrimmage.
Penalties:
- Defensive pass interference: A defender intentionally tackling a receiver beyond 15 yards becomes a spot foul.
- Also, the penalty is a spot foul if it occurs 15 yards or less from the line of scrimmage or a 15-yard penalty from the line of scrimmage if the spot of the foul is beyond 15 yards.
- Offensive pass interference: If a pass doesn’t cross the line of scrimmage, there are no pass interference or ineligible player downfield penalties.
