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A22 SPORTS
Wednesday 8 January 2020
XFL to unveil rules innovations when it kicks off next month

NEW YORK (AP) — When working with the players
the XFL debuts in February, on all these innovations to
it will take a "Star Trek" ap- make sure they don't black
proach of going where no out and think they are in a
football league has gone different league or back in
before. college."
The eight-team league Luck and Blandino also
will have options for ex- note that the one-foot
tra points worth one, two catch is safer because the
or three points. It will allow receiver is not dragging his
double forward passes be- second foot, so he can roll
hind the line of scrimmage. to the ground in a true foot-
Kickoffs will look way differ- ball fall.
ent, in the name of both Where fans (and bettors
safety and excitement. and fantasy players — yes,
Overtime will look like the the XFL is likely to have
NHL's version of settling those, too) might be most
matters with a "shootout.'' intrigued is after touch-
No coin tosses here, with downs are scored. There
each team getting up to will be no PAT kicks in the
five shots to score from XFL. Rather, a scoring team
the 5-yard line — similar to can go for one point from
World Cup soccer shoot- the 2-yard line, two points
outs. In this Feb. 25, 2019, file photo, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck gestures during a press conference from the 5 or three points
Is it a catch at the sideline? in Seattle. from 10.
Well, the officiating calls Associated Press Yep, a nine-point lead can
might be easier because be a one-possession game.
the XFL will use the college a step forward by going fans who never tire of foot- The one-foot-in-bounds "I think it brings strategy into
rule of receivers needing back to games under three ball. Or they could come completions should ease a play that historically has
only one foot in bounds hours based on all our fan off as gimmicks, though the the strain on pass catchers been a simple decision,"
rather than the NFL's two- research. More action and XFL mantra is "no gimmicks — and officials. Luck says. "Even with the
feet rule. more plays speed it up. — ever." "When you look at the col- NFL moving the extra point
Speaking of officiating, "Our data analysts looked Luck and Fox analyst Dean lege rule versus the NFL," kick further away, it's still a
there will be a dedicated at hundreds of games. This Blandino, the former head Blandino says, "it definitely 93.6% success rate. A fait
ball spotter to ensure a fast- makes sense from a flow of NFL officiating now is still a skilled play, but an accompli.
er tempo that comes with perspective, TV perspec- overseeing XFL officiating, easier play. But I will say "We think the tiered extra
a 25-second play clock. A tive and fan perspective. believe these and other there will be less replay re- point brings an element of
running clock, too, except And I am looking forward changes are worth a try. views; it's easier to offici- strategy that will be fasci-
in the final two minutes of to as we launch, will our Such as the double forward ate looking for that one nating to watch. Potential
each half. All replay re- players be required to be pass. body part. I see less contro- points on the board are
views will be initiated by an in better shape? They'll be "My thought as I watch the versy in terms of catch/no exciting plays and will add
officiating booth, with no moving fast and playing game develop, there are catch." an exciting element to our
coaches challenges. with tempo. That is going to more quarterbacks out of Adds Luck: "As we went game.
To XFL Commissioner Oliver be neat; conditioning may the shotgun and already 6 through this process, we "One coach said he is think-
Luck, a former NFL quarter- play more of a role in our yards back from the line," had to keep in mind that ing if his team scores on
back and longtime foot- game." Luck explains. "You aren't players in our league will defense it is such a shift in
ball executive, a speedier The XFL kicks off on Feb. wanting to throw a lateral have played in college, momentum, and he would
game means a more en- 8, the weekend after the to a receiver who would and a vast majority spent use those opportunities to
tertaining one. Super Bowl, seeking more have to be 7 yards or more time in the NFL, some in the go for three, even if in the
"From research we had success than its predeces- behind the line of scrim- CFL. We had to be some- first quarter."
done, fans think there's too sor in 2001 (one season) mage. I thought to myself what selective in terms of Are all of the XFL's changes
much downtime and dead and last year's Alliance of that the traditional trick innovations to adopt. They going to be an enticement
time. I suppose games American Football (less plays would be enhanced. need to be teachable to for fans? Luck, Blandino
have gotten longer," Luck than a season). Its innova- ... We are excited to have our players to play fast. and company will begin
says. "We wanted to take tions could be a turn-on for that in the repertoire." We have had our coaches finding out in a month.q

Naomi Osaka wins 1st-round match at Brisbane International

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Na- chief executive officer Alex bined with the chance to operations. founded in in 2013.
tional Women’s Soccer Leitao. work with Alex’s leader- The NWSL, entering its The NWSL is currently with-
League President Amanda “As this position came into ship, a world-class roster, eighth season, has already out a commissioner. The
Duffy is stepping down to the Club’s plans, and as I and intensely passionate lasted longer than any oth- position has been vacant
become executive vice learned more about the fans, made the decision er women’s professional since Jeff Plush left in 2017,
president of the Orlando broader goals of the col- to come to Orlando one soccer league in the United although Duffy had as-
Pride. lective organization, it was of tremendous excitement States. sumed many of his duties.
Duffy will take over front clear to me that the club is and an immense honor.” Featuring players from the Duffy will remain in her role
office and technical du- prepared to invest deeply Duffy, 39, has served as the U.S. and Canadian na- with the league through
ties for the Pride and repre- in the women’s game, and league’s president for the tional teams, the NWSL mid-February while the
sent the team on the NWSL in the Pride specifically,” past year. has seen attendance at search for a commissioner
board. Duffy said in a statement. She joined the NWSL in 2017 games grow by more than continues, the league said
She’ll report to Orlando City “This investment, com- as managing director of 70% since the league was Tuesday.q