XFL announces rules modifications for 2023: Fourth-quarter option to keep ball among changes

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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: 1. Traditional onside kick (any time during game), 2. Fourth-and-15 conversion from own 25-yard line (fourth 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

*New or modified in 2023

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