3-point conversions, double forward passes, modified OT among unique USFL rules
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Get ready to “go for three.” And, maybe, more halfback passes?
The USFL released its rules for its spring football season that begins next month — and as might be expected from a fledging minor league for America’s most popular sport, there are some unique rules intended to fuel fan-friendliness and excitement (read: offense).
In a press release, the USFL said its rules will largely be “traditional standards, familiar to fans of today’s professional and college games.
That’s true — but there’s nothing traditional or familiar about, say, 3-point conversions or double forward passes.
Those are two of about a dozen rules changes the league highlighted that differ from either the NFL or college football norms.
“Our rules are designed to give fans the traditional physical play they know and love while adding some modern fast-paced elements,” USFL head of officiating Mike Pereira said in a news release. “The overwhelming majority of rules that govern gameplay in the USFL are standard at the professional or collegiate level. But we are incorporating a few unconventional ideas that we’re convinced will add offense, alter some coaching decisions and strategy for the better, and make it easier to get major penalty calls correct.
“Collectively, these changes will be good for the game of football and keep fans more engaged and entertained.”
EXTRA POINTS ????
In the USFL you can go for 1, 2 or 3 points after scoring a touchdown ???? pic.twitter.com/vtcmxsmx9H
— USFL (@USFL) March 23, 2022
The eight-team league that includes the Pittsburgh Maulers begins play April 16. Fans will notice the difference literally when the USFL kicks off. The ball will be teed up from the 25-yard-line (10 yards back from the NFL) and the first touch beyond 20 yards downfield must be from the receiving team, who must have a minimum eight players between their 35- and 45-yard lines.
The intent is to create more returns and less touchbacks while minimizing injury risk.
In lieu of a traditional onside kick, teams wishing to attempt to keep possession after a score will have an option of a fourth-and-12 scrimmage play from their own 33-yard line.
Perhaps on such a desperate play, coordinators will draw up a halfback pass — one he throws after catching a forward pass of his own. Those will be legal in the USFL, provided the first reception is behind the line of scrimmage and that player has not yet crossed the line of scrimmage.
Of course, the need for alternatives to onside kicks to facilitate late comebacks might be lessened because of the implementation of 3-point conversions. After any USFL touchdown, teams will have three options: the traditional one-point (placekick from a ball snapped at the 15 yard-line) and two-point (scrimmage play from the 2 yard-line) plays, plus a three-point try off a scrimmage play from the 10.
Another rule intended to add excitement to close games late is that the clock will stop on first downs the final 2 minutes of each half (and only then), allowing trailing teams more opportunity to come back.
Everything you need to know about the rules this season ⬇️https://t.co/2tiLnYt6P1
— USFL (@USFL) March 23, 2022
Other rules the USFL will adopt that differ from the NFL and/or college game:
• Overtime will consist of a series of 2-point conversion tries. Each team will get three snaps; if tied, the alternating tries will continue until one team scores and the other does not.
• Replay review will occur remotely, with league officials stationed at a command center in Los Angeles who will be given authority to overrule incorrect personal foul calls (including roughing the passer). Coaches will be allotted one challenge per game each.
• Defensive pass interference will more mirror the college game in that the maximum penalty enforced will be 15 yards — unless the defender is deemed to have intentionally tackled a receiver. Balls thrown less than 15 yards downfield will be spot fouls.
• On passes that do not cross the line of scrimmage, ineligible man downfield and offensive pass interference infractions will not be enforced.
• On punts, “gunners” are not permitted to line up outside the painted field numbers, and they cannot be double-team blocked until the ball is kicked.
The Pittsburgh Maulers are among the USFL’s eight teams, all of which will play the “inaugural” 2022 regular season in Birmingham, Ala. The league shares no formal business ties with the transformational 1980’s league of the same name, though its franchise names and logos do mimic them and play off that nostalgia.
The Maulers open play 8 p.m. April 17 against the Tampa Bay Bandits, who are coached by former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley.
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