XFL announces rule changes for 2023
ARLINGTON, Tex. — The XFL announced its official rules Thursday for the 2023 season. They include innovative changes in the areas of clock management, play reviews, and late-game possessions. The design of the rules has the intent to improve gameplay and enhance the fan viewing experience.
“Our innovative rules are the cornerstone of our League and a clear example of our commitment to advance the game,” said XFL President Russ Brandon. “These changes will increase possession and scoring options while remaining true to the spirit of the game.”
Tiered extra points, double forward pass rules returning
Popular rule innovations such as tiered extra points and double forward passes will carry over from the 2020 season. Teams will also continue to line up five yards apart on kickoffs, as they did in 2020. The end result of that rule in 2020: a 92% return rate with considerably fewer injuries.
Extra possessions
Among the new game enhancements is an extra possession option. In addition to an onside kick at any point during the game, teams may now attempt to retain possession. The rule will allow a fourth down conversion at 4th and 15. However, this conversion play will be from their own 25-yard line. In addition, it will only be allowable in the fourth quarter.
Centralization of instant replay reviews
This season the XFL is also introducing a first-of-its-kind, centralized ‘command center’ for instant replay review and officiating. That team will be led by Dean Blandino, Vice President of Officiating and Playing Rules Innovation. The fully cloud-based instant replay program offers live integration during replay reviews and oversight of officiating discrepancies. This level of oversight will be in place for 43 games of the 2023 XFL season.
“In short, we studied the positive changes in gameplay, player safety, and fan engagement made in 2020. [We] have enhanced them to make the game and the viewing experience even more engaging,” said Blandino. “We are adding a new level of transparency with our officiating that no sport has ever provided. [This allows] us to be more consistent with our calls when there’s a flag on the play. Instead of being separated in each stadium, my team and I will be together in the command center. We will be responsible for initiating replay reviews and making streamlined decisions in real-time.”
The full 2023 XFL rule book is available here.
Preview of some XFL rule changes
Below are some of the XFL’s key new rules and modifications from 2020:
| GAME TIMING | · Clock will start following incomplete passes and out-of-bounds plays prior to the two-minute warning of either half · Clock will stop following first downs after the 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 the opponent’s 5-yard lineThree attempts per team (two points per score) or until a winner is decided * |
| OPTIONS TO KEEP THE BALL | · Two options to keep the ball after scoring · Traditional onside kick (any time during the game)· 4th and 15 conversions from own 25-yard line (4th quarter only)* |
| INSTANT REPLAY | · Head coach allowed one challenge of any officiating decision once per game, with a 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 apparent 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 playing five yards apart · Eliminates high-speed collisions and enhances player safety· More returns, fewer touchbackso 92% of kickoffs returned 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 |
| *New or modified in 2023 |
XFL 2023 kicks off on February 18
The XFL will kick off on February 18, 2023. The 2023 league revival is in partnership with its exclusive broadcast partner, The Walt Disney Company and ESPN. For more information on tickets, please visit, XFL.com/tickets.
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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.
