USFL Rules School: What rules differ from the NFL?

Here are a list of the rules the USFL is employing that are different than the NFL rules set.

Game timing

• Halftime is 10 minutes in length
• Play clock will use 35 seconds, 25 seconds after a stoppage
• Timing rules for a runner out of bounds apply after the 2-minute warning
• The clock stops on first downs inside the 2-minute warning until the ball is made ready for play

Game administration

• The coach-to-player communication is not shut down prior to the snap.
• The line-to-gain is established by the sideline chains, but the measurements are done by computer imaging

Kickoffs

• Kickoffs are made from the 25-yard line
• 5 kickoff players on either side of the kicker, all players must have at least 1 foot within 5 yards of the kicking team’s restraining line
• The receiving team “setup zone” is 10 yards from the receiver’s restraining line (10-20 yards from the ball), and 8-9 players must be in the setup zone
• Any kick that goes more than 20 yards cannot be recovered for possession by the kicking team.

Onside scrimmage alternative

• The kicking team may use the onside scrimmage alternative (used in the NFL’s Pro Bowl) instead of an onside kick after a score (not to start the half)
• The scrimmage play will be equivalent to a 4th and 12 play from the 33 (or the 23 after a safety)
• The kicking team may not revert to a conventional kickoff, even if there is a penalty on the first attempt. (Kicking team can change their mind before the ready-for-play signal of the first attempt)
• No kicks are allowed on an onside scrimmage play.
• All standard penalty enforcements apply. For instance, an automatic first down is a successful onside possession, and any penalty enforcement from the previous spot changes the distance required. Dead-ball fouls after an unsuccessful attempt (without live-ball fouls) do not change the fact that the attempt failed, just like any 4th down play.

Forward passes

• The offense may make 2 forward passes behind the line of scrimmage per down
• Offensive pass interference and ineligible lineman downfield apply on passes that are completed beyond the neutral zone. These rules apply to the second legal forward pass as well.
• Defensive pass interference is a spot foul, maximum 15 yards (no half distance unless the ball was snapped at the 1)
• Intentional defensive pass interference can be called only by the replay official, which is a spot foul (or on the 1-yard line if in the end zone)

Scoring

• Touchdowns can be followed by a 1-, 2-, or 3-point conversion.
• If the defense returns a conversion to the offense’s end zone, it is always 2 points
• Teams may not change the conversion option once the ball is ready for play, regardless of timeouts or penalties.

Replay

• All replays are conduced at the Fox Sports command center in Los Angeles by Mike Pereira
• Coaches are permitted one challenge per game
• Replay can remove a personal foul, unnecessary roughness, or unsportsmanlike conduct called on the field
• Defensive pass interference is a booth review
• Scores and potential scores are booth reviews

Overtime

• A two-point shootout will be used to resolve ties