What is the XFL's 3-point conversion? New rule brings optimism for teams

The XFL is back and began its 2023 season this weekend. For fans of the National Football League (NFL), having another source of football action could help fill the void during the offseason. But some of the rules and scoring in the XFL are different than that of the NFL and could have viewers at home a bit perplexed.

The three-point conversion in particular has made the team's strategy very different in the XFL than it would be in the NFL.

During Saturday night's matchup between the Houston Roughnecks and the Orlando Guardians, a comment was made that confused some people. It was said that although Houston was up 30-12, it was only a two-possession game, not three because Orlando could always go for a three-point conversion. So, what is a three-point conversion?

After a team scores a touchdown, they can elect to go for a three-point conversion. The ball will be placed at the ten-yard line and if they get into the end zone with either a rushing or passing play, they will be rewarded with three points.

XFL scoring rules

The XFL's return puts an end to the nearly three-year hiatus that the league endured after Vince McMahon closed up shop in 2020. This was after the COVID-19 pandemic halted play.

At the time, he said that it had cost about $200 million to get the league up and running and that it was no longer financially possible to continue.

In the summer of 2020, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson spearheaded an ownership group that bought the defunct XFL for $15 million. Not only is the league a way for football fans to continue watching the sport even after the Super Bowl, it's also a big opportunity for players.

Many players have tried their hand at the NFL and others are trying to get a second chance. Many others are young and looking for any opportunity. This league will give them the opportunity to play in front of national audiences and possibly impress scouts.

In terms of scoring, there are a few differences that viewers should be aware of. Of course, the three-point conversion is an option after scoring a touchdown.

After an incomplete pass or a play that ends out of bounds, the clock will continue to run and not stop like it does in the NFL. The clock does stop after the first down plays, as well as after the two-minute warning. The halftime will be just 10 minutes long. The play clock is 35 seconds and each team gets three timeouts per half.

A double forward pass is allowed, but only if the first completion occurs before the original line of scrimmage. The league also has an alternate instead of an onside kick for the fourth quarter. A team can retain the ball after scoring if they can convert and fourth and 15 on their own 25-yard line.

If a game is tied during regulation time, then teams will follow the overtime rules. Each team will get the ball at the five-yard line. Each team will get three attempts at scoring, or until one team scores.