Why is the XFL going to be so interesting? What sets it apart from the NFL? Below are some of the rules that makes the XFL so unique!
The most exciting fourth down in football: No fair catches are permitted, but the returning player is granted a 5-yard protected area or "halo" where a member of the kicking team may not encroach until the ball is touched, and the kicking team may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted. At the same time, any punt traveling more than 25 yards past the line of scrimmage is a live ball and can be recovered by either team.
Point after touchdown: There will be no kicking of extra points. Teams will run a play from the two-yard line, and will receive one point if the conversion is successful. During the conversion the clock will running, therefore the defensive team can earn one point by returning a fumble or interception into the opponent's end zone.
One foot inbounds: As per the current collegiate rule, a receiver/defender needs only one foot inbounds on a reception/interception.
Shorter play clock: Teams have 35 seconds to get a play off after previous play is ruled dead and 25 seconds following any clock stoppage.
Others:
- One man on offense may be in forward motion outside of the tackles.
- Defensive players may use bump-and-run tactics on offensive players down the field.
- Returning teams must run kickoffs back out of the end zone, unless the kick carries through the end zone.
- Head slaps are illegal.
- QB's who slide can be downed just by contact and cannot be hit.
- There is no in the grasp rule, the play stops when forward progress is halted.
How does overtime work?
Each team will get the ball at least once:
- Each team will have four downs from the opponent's 20-yard line. Team A may not attempt a field goal until fourth down. If Team A scores a touchdown in less than four downs then team B must score in the same number of downs. There will be PAT attempts.
The Breakdown:
A. Each team will have a posession Exception: Team B intercepts a pass or funmble and returns it for a score. Game over.
B. Ball will be placed on the 20-yard line. No 1st down possible.
C. Team A cannot attempt a field goal until 4th down.
D. If a touchdown is scored by the first team in overtime on either 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th down the team on defense must match the down and the score or be declared the loser.
E. If no touchdown was scored by the first team in overtime, the defense can waive the first three downs and choose a fourth down to attempt a field goal to win the game.
F. PAT attempts will be from the 2-yard line.
G. The defense can return an interception or a fumble for a score. A scrimmage down returned for a touchdown = 6 points. A returned PAT = 1 point.
H. If you score a touchdown and on the try Team B intercepts and returns it for a score, they get one point and the ball on the 20-yard line for a chance to win. Exception: When the team that was on defense first has a PAT reutrned for a score after the original offensive team had already scored. Example: Team A scores a TD = 6 points but misses the PAT. Team B scores a TD = 6 points. On their PAT, Team A intercepts a pass and returns it for a 1-point score. Team A wins 7-6.
I. If neither team scores or both teams score the same number of points overtime will continue until a winner is declared. The team on defense during the first overtime will be on offense for the second overtime.
XFL Info: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the XFL?
A new professional football league started by the founder of the WWF, Vince McMahon. The league is co-owned by the WWF and also by NBC.
What does XFL stand for?
Originally it was suppose to stand for Extreme Football League, but this is not true anymore. According to the league XFL does not stand for anything.
Is this the league where the players will club each other with Folding Chairs?
Nope, this league is legitimate. The XFL has already hired some real football coaches and football players. Don't believe the rumors that this league will be wrestling on a football field. But be ready...this won't be the NFL, and there will be some trademark elements of the WWF involved. It's just that the football will be real.
Who will the XFL players be?
The XFL will not compete with the NFL for players. The salary level of the XFL is lower than the NFL. The XFL will use players who normally would play for the CFL, NFL Europe and the Arena League.
What will the player salaries be like?
Players will make a yearly base salary of about $45,000. Quarterbacks will make $55,000 and kickers will make $35,000. There will also be incentives for teams that win. The winning team of each game will share a $100,000 bonus. Plus threre are bonuses for teams that make the playoffs and a $1,000,000 bonus for the team that wins the championship.
Can I play in the XFL?
You sure can! The XFL is looking for you, especially if you have professional or college football playing experience. If you go to the XFL's official website you can apply for a playing position.
When does the XFL season start?
The XFL season starts on February 3rd, 2001.
How many XFL teams are there?
There are eight teams in the inaqugral year. Therewill probably be some expansion in year two.
What are the XFL teams?
The Birmingham Thunderbolts, Chicago Enforcers, Las Vegas Outlaws, Los Angeles Xtreme, Memphis Maniax, Orlando Rage, New York Hitmen, and San Francisco Demons.
Will my City get a XFL Team?
Possibly, if there is a suitable venue. The league will not play in a dome - it only wants to play on open fields with natural grass.
Can someone in my city purchase a XFL Franchise?
Presently, the teams are owned by the league, people can't buy a franchise.
Are the XFL rules the same rules as the NFL?
No, some rules are different. Look at the rules at the top of this page.
How many games will there be in a regular season?
10 games.
Will there be an XFL Championship?
The inaugural XFL Championship Game is on April 21st, 2000.
Will the XFL be on TV?
The XFL is half owned by NBC. NBC is scheduled to show XFL football during prime time on Saturday nights. There is also a deal for the Paramount Network (UPN) to provide additional coverage on Sundays.
What will it cost to go to a game?
The average ticket price is $10 - $25.
How is the XFL season structured?
The XFL season kicks off on Saturday, February 3rd, 2001. Each of the league's eight teams will play a 10-game regular season. There are no bye weeks. Two games will be on Saturday night, one on Sunday afternoon and one on Sunday night. The top two teams in each division advance to the postseason, with playoff games taking place the weekend of April 14-15. The inaugural XFL Championship Game, affecionately called "The Big Game At The End," will be played on Saturday, April 21st, 2001.
Describe the XFL League and team administration.
The XFL is a single-entity sports league in which the XFL owns and operates each of its eight teams. League headquarters is located in Stamford, Conn. The league's chief executive is President Basil V DeVito, Jr. Mike Keller is Vice President of Football Operations and Billy Hicks is Vice President of Administration. Each XFL team is headed by a general manager and includes both football operations and administrative staff.
Who are the XFL players?
Each XFL team will consist of a 38-man active roster and a 7-man reserve squad. XFL players are experienced pro football players whose backgrounds include the NFL, NFL Europe, the Arena Football League and the CFL. Most played for major collegiate programs. All XFL players have completed their collegiate eligibility. XFL players cannot be under contract with another league.
How were the XFL teams assembled?
XFL teams were first assembled in October 2000 via a two-phase Player Allocation Selection System (PASS) or draft. In the first phase, teams were able to select up to 11 "territorial" players from three assigned universites. In the second, or open phase, teams brought their rosters to a maximum of 70 by drafting players from a central league talent pool. Teams were then able to alter to their rosters via free agent signings and trades as wel as through a supplemental draft held at the end of December. When preseason training camps began the first week of January, team rosters stood at 70 players. Through a series of cuts, teams will trim down to 45 players by opening day.
How will the players be compensated?
In the XFL, players are paid to play, but are paid more to win. XFL base salaries for most players are $45,000 for the 10-game regular season. Quarterbacks are paid slightly more ($50,000) and kicking specialist slightly less ($35,000). In addition, each regular-season game will feature a $100,000 bonus pool to be divided equally by players on the winning team. The bonus pool for "The Big Game At The End" will be $1 million.
Who are the XFL coaches?
The eight XFL head coaches bring 78 years of head-coaching experience, having guided teams in the NFL, at NCAA Division I powerhouses, in NFL Europe and in the Arena Football League. Entering the league's inaugural season, XFL head coaches had already combined for 516 wins, 11 national or world championships and 14 Coach of the Year honors.
What are the XFL's Broadcast plans?
The XFL launches its inaugural season with three major national television networks as partners. NBC will carry a live prime time game every Saturday night at 8:00 pm (ET) with Matt Vasgersian handling play-by-play and Jesse Ventura as analyst. UPN will air a live game every Sunday night at 7:00 pm (ET). TNN will telecast an XFL game live for nine consecutive Sunday afternoons at 4:00 pm (ET) beginning February 11, 2001. In Canada, The Score will air both XFL Sunday games live. The league championship game will be televised live in prime time on NBC on April 21, 2001, at 8:00 pm (ET).
Describe the XFL's television presentation.
Basically, viewers will be treated to an all-access pass from the comfort of their living rooms. Cameras and mikes will be placed on players, at various points on the field and sidelines and even in locker rooms, so that for the first time, TV will convey football's true power and emotions. There will be no restrictions on broadcaster commentary and indeed, broadcasters will be encouraged to deliver hard-hitting analysis.
What's the big deal with XFL cheerleaders?
Yes, the XFL has cheerleaders and isn't afraid to let people know it. Indeed, XFL cheerleaders will play an intgral role at games, both live and on television, and fans will get to know their names and personalities.
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