What are the NFL challenge rules? How many each team gets per game, timeouts assessed, and more

Editor’s note: This post was published in 2021 and updated.

For people who don’t follow the NFL closely, or even those who do, some of the rules can be a bit confusing. So in anticipation of the 2022 NFL Playoffs, we’re going through a few of the rules to help fans get caught up and knowledgeable as they watch their favorite teams.

One rule that’s somewhat new is the rule that allows coaches to challenge rulings on the field. Here’s what you need to know about the rule.

Coaches are given red flags which they can use to toss onto the field before the next snap. If the flag gets tossed, in initiates an instant replay review. Coaches get two challenges a game. If the coach fails the challenge, he’s assessed a timeout. If he successfully challenges, no timeout. If the coach successfully challenges twice … he gets a third challenge. No fourth challenges ever, however. If a coach challenges with no timeouts, that’s illegal — and a 15-yard penalty. There are some plays that can’t be challenged, for a couple of reasons. Some plays are automatically reviewed every time, so a coach doesn’t need to challenge them — this includes scoring plays, interceptions, and a few others. Coaches also can’t challenge some judgment calls made by officials (holding, for example). A team can’t commit a penalty before the next snap and then challenge.

Here is the full rule for your perusal:

ARTICLE 1. COACHES’ CHALLENGE. In each game, a team will be permitted two challenges that will initiate Instant Replay reviews. The Head Coach will initiate a challenge by throwing a red flag onto the field of play before the next legal snap or kick. Each challenge will require the use of a team timeout. If a challenge is upheld, the timeout will be restored. A challenge will only be restored if a team is successful on both of its challenges, in which case it shall be awarded a third challenge, but a fourth challenge will not be permitted under any circumstances.

A team may challenge any reviewable play identified in Article 5 below, except when the on-field ruling is:

     (a) a score for either team;

     (b) an interception;

     (c) a fumble or backward pass that is recovered by an opponent or goes out of bounds through an opponent’s end zone; or

     (d) a muffed scrimmage kick recovered by the kicking team.

A team may not challenge a reviewable play:

     (a) after the two-minute warning of each half;

     (b) throughout any overtime period;

     (c) after committing a foul that delays the next snap; and

     (d) after exhausting all of its challenges or timeouts.

If a team initiates a challenge when it is not permitted to do so, it will be charged a timeout.

Penalty: For initiating a challenge when a team has exhausted its timeouts: Loss of 15 yards.