While the NFL grapples with potential modifications to the sometimes-sudden-death overtime format, the USFL will guarantee equal possessions in a shootout format. In the overtime, both teams will alternate for three plays each from the 2-yard line for an attempt to score a 2-point conversion. If one team leads after each
Author: Ben Austro
Ben Austro is the editor and founder of Football Zebras and the author of So You Think You Know Football?: The Armchair Ref's Guide to the Official Rules (on sale now)
2 NFL rules proposals announced to address overtime
Prior to the NFL Combine, and while the only thing making news is a keyboard jockey's mock trade or mock draft, the Competition Committee meets to conduct its annual review. They conduct extensive video study of recently enacted rules and player-safety concerns as well as review proposed rules submitted from
Officiating crews for the 2022 USFL season
Is the NFL preparing for an officiating leadership shakeup?
There is a widespread belief that the NFL is preparing to shake up the officiating leadership this offseason. Officiating, in general, has been struggling in various ways in recent seasons, and it appears the league is prepared to make some moves in the front office. Several sources have indicated that Walt
Super Bowl LVI umpire Bryan Neale was on ‘The Price Is Right’ in 1993
Art McNally, father of modern NFL officiating, is the first official in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Special rules in place for the 2022 Pro Bowl
The NFL has furnished Football Zebras with the rules modifications in place for the Pro Bowl. For player safety and exhibition purposes, there are restrictions on formations, pass coverage, and rushing the quarterback or kicker. In addition, there are some rules and procedures in place to test for a possible
College all-star games are used as an NFL officiating pipeline
Since the termination of NFL Europe in 2007, the NFL lacked a way to evaluate prospective officials. That all changed in 2013 with the creation of the development program. Officials in this program typically officiate games during the NFL preseason and then return to their respective collegiate conferences for the
Video: Inside the replay booth during a chaotic championship review
We can all play armchair official from our favorite football-watching chair. It is not as easy when you are the one tasked with making a decision that can have implications on the national champion as the nation is watching and fidgeting. During college football's National Championship game, a pivotal play deep
