IFL adopts "Deuce" Rule

[David]

February 20, 2020 -

The Indoor Football League has announced a new rule that will be introduced into play in 2020, adding a new scoring element to the longtime indoor league.

Back in October at an Iowa Barnstormers event introducing new head coach Ameer Ismail, Connor Ferguson of Last Word on Sports Indoor Football reported that the IFL was exploring the adoption of the Deuce rule, a scoring mechanic introduced in 2017 by the National Arena League that gives teams an opportunity to score two points.

Since there are no rebound nets in indoor football like there were in the Arena Football League, most kickers in leagues such as the IFL, NAL, and CIF opt to squib kick. The NAL introduced the Deuce to try and make kickoffs more exciting, by giving kickers an opportunity on kickoffs to kick the football through the uprights. If successful, the kicking team is awarded two points. If the ball is kicked wide of the goal posts, the receiving team takes the ball at their own 20-yard line.

Here's are examples of a Deuce, performed by former Spokane Empire kicker Craig Peterson.

However, the IFL has modified this rule from its use in the NAL. In the NAL, the Deuce is in effect for the duration of the game, while in the IFL, the Deuce is only in effect in the final 60 seconds (the 1-minute timing rules) of each half.

The league announce description of the Deuce rule that will appear in the 2020 IFL Rule Book:

1. On a free kick in the final 60 seconds of the half or game, if the kick passes through the uprights, a two (2) point "Deuce" is scored, and the ball will be spotted at the B 5 as the touchback spot.

2. If Team A fouls during the kick and the kick is good, the "Deuce" is not scored, and the ball is spotted at the 25-yard line. The kick will not be repeated.

3. If Team B fouls during the kick and the kick is good, the foul is declined by rule and the ball is spotted at the five (5) yard line. (Exception: UNR/UNS fouls will be enforced half the distance from the five (5) yard line.)

According to the IFL press release, the Deuce was adopted by team owners during the league's off-season meetings in San Diego and then streamlined after discussions by coaches and team owners during the Winter Meetings in January.

Commissioner Todd Tyron stated in the league's announcement, "We believe this rule will add additional excitement and strategy at the end of each half, but it's limited to only the end of each half as to not affect the integrity of our game. We had some great conversations as to how to implement the Deuce and I think we all ultimately came to the best use of the new rule. I'm excited to see it play out this season."

The news comes on the heels of a quiet rollout of the IFL's new brand identity, rolling out a new primary shield logo and alternate logo.

The 2020 IFL Season kicks off March 7th, with the Quad City Steamwheelers taking on the Cedar Rapids River Kings.

- DKH


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[Monika]

It's an interesting rule change. Generally speaking, I would wonder how many of the IFL kickers can hit that with any real consistency.

[David]

Feb 22, 2020 14:02:25 GMT -8 Monika said:

It's an interesting rule change. Generally speaking, I would wonder how many of the IFL kickers can hit that with any real consistency.

Good question.

I like the rule, I just wish it was the entire game and not at the end of each half.