United Football League to have some different rules from NFL

New league to have some different rules

NEW YORK — Even before it has any players or has announced its stadiums and schedule, the new United Football League has some rules.

They’re not all the same as NFL rules. Not even close.

When the four-team UFL kicks off its premiere season in October, it will give both teams a possession of the ball in overtime, allow quarterbacks under duress to ground the ball inside or outside the pocket, and eliminate the controversial tuck rule.

There also will be more leeway given on touchdown celebrations, provided they are in the end zone or bench area, with “tasteful” group celebrations allowed.

All officiating decisions using instant replay will be made by an official in the replay booth, not by the referee.

“The UFL’s Competition Committee looked at the current rules that govern most professional football leagues and determined ways to enhance the overall experience for both the players and the fans,” said San Francisco coach Dennis Green, the chairman of the committee. “While enhancing the overall fan experience, the UFL took strict measures not to employ any stunts or gimmicks that would compromise the overall integrity and competitiveness of the game.”

So the UFL will allow approved television cameras in the locker rooms for the first four minutes of halftime. Head coaches will be wired for sound for broadcasts, although no sideline discussions will be aired. TV audiences will hear coach-to-quarterback communication on tape delays.

“Our mission is to provide greater access to traditionally off-limit locations, including the locker room and behind the bench, to better engage the fans and bring them closer to the action,” Green said.

During overtime, both teams will get one possession in the allotted 15 minutes. After those possessions, if the score remains tied, sudden-death rules apply.

For instant replay decisions, the officials will be allowed 90 seconds to conduct reviews rather than 60 seconds — although those reviews often linger far beyond such time limits.

The elimination of the tuck rule made famous in a 2002 playoff game between New England and Oakland means it will be a fumble if the passer loses possession of the ball as he is putting it away after completion of the forward pass motion without releasing a pass.

And a fumble into and out of the end zone will return the ball to the spot of the fumble when not recovered in the end zone.

“The rules pretty much will be the same that all players are accustomed to out of college and the NFL,” Green said. “It will be what our fans are accustomed to. This is not a gimmick league. People are not going to watch us because we have better celebrations.

“We are going to play football the American public has proven over and over again it wants. If it is a good, solid brand of football, America will never get bored with it.”