Innovative USFL Rules Continue to be a Catalyst for the Evolution of Football

After successful first season that set the standard for others to follow, USFL adds more rules to give fans more action while increasing fairness

USFL moves kickoff to 20-yard line to increase returns and maintain player safety, changes rule involving fumbles from field of play into and out of the end zone, and gives teams emergency 3rd quarterback

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 13, 2023) – When the Memphis Showboats take on the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL’s 2023 kick-off game on Saturday, April 15 (4:30 PM ET/3:30 PM CT), they’ll be playing traditional football that is familiar to fans of today’s professional and college games, but with modern twists that act as a catalyst for the evolution of the game.

During a remarkably successful first season in 2022, the USFL set a new standard for groundbreaking rules that increased fan interest and started a conversation about moving the game forward for others to follow. As it becomes the first nationally televised professional spring football league in nearly 40 years to begin a second season, the USFL is once again leading the way with new rules that give fans more action while increasing fairness.

The USFL prides itself on being the most fan-friendly professional sports league in America, so last year, we implemented rules we thought worked at the professional and college levels while adding some of our own innovations to give fans the traditional play they know and love with more fast-paced elements,” said Mike Pereira, USFL Head of Officiating. “We’re proud our rules started a conversation throughout the football landscape that delivered big play potential, enhanced player safety, improved game flow, provided more scoring opportunities for trailing teams, and centralized replay to get officiating calls right in a way that’s fair, transparent, and fast.”

During the 2022 season, innovative USFL rules brought back the excitement of traditional kickoff returns while maintaining…