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All rights reserved. Privacy Policy NFL. NFL Video Rulebook. Explore This Section. Rule 4 Section 6 Play Clock. When is the play clock set to 25 seconds? The play clock is set to 25 seconds after certain administrative stoppages, including: Change of possession Charged timeout Two-minute warning End of a quarter Penalty enforcement Extra-point of two-point conversion attempt Punt The Referee can reset the play clock to 25 seconds by pumping one hand vertically.

When does a second runoff occur? A second runoff occurs when a team commits any of these acts after the two-minute warning with the clock running: An offensive foul that prevents the snap e. Additional Rules. Rule 16 Section 1 Article 4. Rule 6 Sections Rule 11 Sections Rule 11 Section 5.

Rule 8 Section 1. Note: If an attempt is made to call a timeout in such situations, the officials shall not grant it, and play will continue. A penalty shall be enforced only if the timeout is erroneously granted. If a timeout is inadvertently granted, it shall be charged to the team, and the penalty shall also be enforced. After enforcement, all normal rules regarding the game and play clock will apply. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. This will apply to field goal or Try attempts. Note: If an attempt is made to call a timeout in such situations, the officials shall not grant a timeout; instead, play will continue, and a penalty will be called, with customary enforcement.

If a timeout is inadvertently granted and charged, the penalty shall also be enforced. See w. If an official determines a player to be injured, or if attendants from the bench come on the field to assist an injured player, an injury timeout will be called by the Referee. When an injury timeout is called, the injured player must leave the game for the completion of one down. The player will be permitted to remain in the game if:.

At the conclusion of an injury timeout, the game clock will start as if the injury timeout had not occurred. If either team takes, or is charged with, a timeout, the clock will start on the snap.

Penalty: For the second and each subsequent excess team timeout after the two-minute warning: Loss of five yards from the succeeding spot for delay of the game. Such situations include, but are not limited to:. The time remaining on the play clock shall be the same as when it stopped. See Rule 4, Section 6, Article 3. It is a delay of the game if the ball is not put in play by a snap within 40 seconds after the start of the play clock.

The play clock operator shall time the interval between plays upon signals from game officials. The second interval starts when a play ends, unless Article 2 below applies. Such stoppages include, but are not limited to:. A second interval will be used in these situations, even if the second clock is already counting down.

Note: Following a Try or successful field-goal attempt, unless there is a commercial break, the teams will have 40 seconds to align prior to the ball being made ready for play. When the 40 seconds have elapsed, the second play clock will begin.

If the play clock is stopped prior to the snap for any reason, after the stoppage has concluded, the time remaining on the play clock shall be the same as when it stopped, unless:.

If the ball is not put in play within the applicable period, the Back Judge shall blow his whistle for the foul, and the ball remains dead. See Item 1. Other examples of action or inaction that are to be construed as delay of the game include, but are not limited to:. A team is not permitted to conserve time after the two-minute warning of either half by committing any of these acts:.

Penalty: For Illegally Conserving Time: Loss of five yards unless a larger distance penalty is applicable. When actions referred to above are committed by the offensive team while time is in, officials will run off 10 seconds from the game clock before permitting the ball to be put in play on the ready-for-play signal. The game clock will start on the ready-for- play signal unless another rule prescribes otherwise.

If the offensive team has timeouts remaining, it will have the option of using a timeout in lieu of a second runoff, in which case the game clock will start on the snap after the timeout. The defense always has the option to decline the second runoff and have the yardage penalty enforced, but if the yardage penalty is declined, the second runoff is also declined. If the action is by the defense, the play clock will be reset to 40 seconds, and the game clock will start on the ready signal, unless the offense chooses to have the clock start on the snap.

If the defense has timeouts remaining, it will have the option of using a timeout in lieu of the game clock being started. After the two-minute warning of either half, if there is a violation of the substitution rule while the ball is dead and time is in, in addition to the applicable yardage penalty for illegal substitution, there will be a second runoff pursuant to Article 1 above, unless it is obvious that the offensive team is not attempting to conserve time.

Penalty: For Illegal Substitution: Loss of five yards unless a larger distance penalty is applicable and a second runoff. In the last 40 seconds of either half, if there is a defensive foul prior to the snap while time is in, the half will end, unless the defense has timeouts remaining, or the offense chooses to have the Game Clock start on the snap.

If a replay review after the two-minute warning of either half results in the on-field ruling being reversed and the correct ruling would not have stopped the game clock, then the officials will run 10 seconds off the game clock before permitting the ball to be put in play on the ready-for-play signal. The defense cannot decline the runoff, but either team can use a remaining timeout to prevent it.

If time expires at the end of any period while the ball is in play, the period continues until the down ends. At the election of the opponent, a period may be extended for one untimed down, if any of the following occurs during a down during which time in the period expires, or during which the period had been extended pursuant to this Article:. If the first or third period is extended for any reason, or if a touchdown occurs during the last play of such a period, any additional play, including a Try attempt, shall be completed before the teams change goals.

If Team A has more than 11 players in its formation for more than three seconds, or if Team B has more than 11 players in its formation and the snap is imminent, it is a foul. Once the ball is made ready for play, if either team has more than 11 players in its formation prior to a free kick, it is also a foul. In these instances, game officials shall blow their whistles immediately and not allow the snap or kick to occur. Penalty: For more than 11 players in the formation prior to the snap or free kick: Loss of five yards from the succeeding spot.

If a team has more than 11 players on the field of play or the end zone when a snap, free kick, or fair-catch kick is made, the ball is in play, and it is a foul. Penalty: For more than 11 players on the field of play or the end zone while the ball is in play: Loss of five yards from the previous spot. Note: It is not a foul if a team has fewer than 11 players on the field of play or the end zone when a snap, free kick, or fair- catch kick is made. All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with Rule 5, Section 4, Article 3, Item 3.

Such numerals must be by playing position, as follows:. If a player changes his position during his playing career in the NFL, and such change moves him from a position as an ineligible pass receiver to that of an eligible pass receiver, or from a position as an eligible pass receiver to that of an ineligible pass receiver, he must be issued an appropriate new jersey numeral.

A change in jersey numeral is not required if the change is from an ineligible position to another ineligible position, or from an eligible position to another eligible position, provided that the player has participated at least one season at his position prior to the change.

Any request to wear a numeral for a special position not specified above e. During the preseason period when playing rosters are larger, the League will allow duplication and other temporary deviations from the numbering scheme specified above, but the rule must be adhered to for all players during the regular season and postseason.

Clubs must make numerals available to adhere to the rule, even if it requires returning to circulation a numeral that has been retired or withheld for other reasons. See for reporting a change of position. There can never be more than 11 players in the offensive huddle while the play clock is running. It is a foul, the whistle is blown immediately, and the ball remains dead.

See a. A player becomes a substitute when he is withdrawn from the game and does not participate in at least one play. A play negated by penalty prior to the snap or during the play counts as a missed play.

If a substitute enters the field of play or the end zone while the ball is in play, it is an illegal substitution. If an illegal substitute interferes with the play, it may be a palpably unfair act see Note: The intent of the rule is to prevent teams from using simulated substitutions to confuse an opponent, while still permitting a player or players to enter and leave without participating in a play in certain situations, such as a change in a coaching decision on fourth down, even though he has approached the huddle and communicated with a teammate.

Similarly, if a player who participated in the previous play leaves the playing field by mistake, and returns to the playing field prior to the snap, he is not required to reach the inside of the field numerals, provided the defense has the opportunity to match up with him.

However, a substitute i. A player must be withdrawn and substituted for when he is disqualified , or suspended A suspended player may re-enter after at least one legal snap, provided that the reason for his suspension has been corrected. A disqualified player must leave the playing field enclosure and go to the team locker room within a reasonable time. Following a timeout or change of possession, the offense may huddle outside the numbers near its bench area, but will not be allowed to line up and snap the ball before the defense has an opportunity to match personnel.

If the offense snaps the ball before the defense has had an opportunity to complete its substitutions, and a defensive foul for too many players on the field results, no penalties will be enforced, except for personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, and the down will be replayed.

At this time, the Referee will notify the head coach that any further use of this tactic will result in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalty: For Unsportsmanlike Conduct after a warning: Loss of 15 yards from the succeeding spot.

If a substitution is made by the offense, the offense shall not be permitted to snap the ball until the defense has been permitted to respond with its substitutions. While in the process of a substitution or simulated substitution , the offense is prohibited from rushing quickly to the line of scrimmage and snapping the ball in an obvious attempt to cause a defensive foul i.

If the offense substitutes, the following procedure will apply:. Note: The quick-snap rule does not apply after the two-minute warning of either half, or if there is not a substitution by the offense.

Using entering substitutes, legally returning players, substitutes on sidelines, or withdrawn players to confuse opponents, or lingering by players leaving the field when being replaced by a substitute, is unsportsmanlike conduct.

See l. The offense is prevented from sending simulated substitutions onto the field toward its huddle and returning them to the sideline without completing the substitution in an attempt to confuse the defense.

An offensive player wearing the number of an ineligible pass receiver 50—79 and 90—99 is permitted to line up in the position of an eligible pass receiver 1—49 and 80—89 , and an offensive player wearing the number of an eligible pass receiver is permitted to line up in the position of an ineligible pass receiver, provided that he immediately reports the change in his eligibility status to the Referee, who will inform the defensive team.

He must participate in such eligible or ineligible position as long as he is continuously in the game, but prior to each play he must again report his status to the Referee, who will inform the defensive team. The game clock shall not be stopped, and the ball shall not be put in play until the Referee takes his normal position. Note: An offensive player wearing the number of an eligible pass receiver who reports as ineligible must line up within the normal five-player core formed by ineligible players.

The player cannot be more than two players removed from the middle player of a seven-player line. A player who has reported a change in his eligibility status to the Referee is permitted to return to a position indicated by the eligibility status of his number after:. Penalty: If a player fails to notify the Referee of a change in his status when required, or an offensive player with an eligible number reports as ineligible and lines up outside the tackle box: Loss of five yards for illegal substitution.

The communication begins once a game official has signaled a down to be over and is cut off when the play clock reaches 15 seconds or the ball is snapped, whichever occurs first.

Each offensive and defensive team is permitted no more than one player on the field with a speaker in his helmet. Each team is permitted to have a maximum of three active radio receivers to be used on offense by its quarterbacks, and a maximum of three active radio receivers to be used on defense by players who have been designated as a primary and backup users. Clubs that have a player whose principal position is as a non-quarterback e.

When a quarterback enters the game for the first time, or re-enters the game if he has previously been in the game and removed, he must report to the Referee. Whenever the backup defensive user enters or re-enters the game wearing a helmet with a speaker, he must report to the Umpire.

If the primary defensive user subsequently re-enters the game wearing a helmet with a speaker, he must report to the Umpire. If the primary and backup players have been removed from the game, no other player may wear the radio speaker in his helmet. Teams must use other methods to communicate signals to their players. All players that have radio components in their helmet must have a decal, supplied by the League, displayed on the midline of the rear of the helmet.

Players who have speakers in their helmets must be identified in the Communication System section of the Game Day Administration Report that is submitted to the Referee or a member of his crew no later than one hour and 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Penalty: If a player fails to notify the Referee or Umpire of a change in his status when required: Loss of five yards for illegal substitution. Throughout the game-day period while in view of the stadium and television audience, including during team pregame warm-ups, all players must dress in a professional manner under the uniform standards.

The helmet and mandatory padding referenced in Article 3 below are intended to provide reasonable protection to a player while reasonably avoiding risk of injury to other players. The development of Playing Rules should be governed by this Article. Players generally must present an appearance that is appropriate to representing their individual clubs and the National Football League. All visible items worn on game day by players must be issued by the club or the League, or, if from outside sources, must have approval in advance by the League office.

Each player on a given team must wear the same colors on his uniform as all other players on his team in the same game. Home clubs shall choose their jersey color either white or official team color , and visiting clubs must wear the opposite. For preseason, regular season, or postseason games, the two competing teams may wear jerseys in their official colors non-white , provided the Commissioner determines that such colors are of sufficient contrast.

All players must wear the equipment and uniform apparel listed below, which must be of a suitably protective nature and must be designed and produced by a professional football equipment manufacturer. All components recommended by the manufacturer must be present and must not be cut, reduced in size, or otherwise altered unless for medical reasons approved in advance by the Commissioner.

During pregame team warm-ups, players may omit certain protective equipment at their option, except that helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and knee pads must be worn. Helmet, Face Protectors. Helmet with all points of the chin strap white only fastened and facemask attached. Clear transparent plastic eye shields are optional. Tinted eye shields may be worn only after the League office is supplied with appropriate medical documentation and approval is subsequently granted.

All helmets must carry a small NFL shield logo on the rear lower-left exterior, and an approved warning label on the rear lower-right exterior. Both labels will be supplied in quantity by the League office. Jersey must cover all pads and other protective equipment worn on the torso and upper arms, and must be appropriately tailored to remain tucked into the uniform pants throughout the game. Jerseys are permitted to be hemmed but the length must be long enough to cover the waist area.

Skin exposure due to improperly wearing jerseys is prohibited at all times throughout the game. Tear-away jerseys are prohibited. All jerseys must carry a small NFL Shield logo at the middle of the yoke of the neck on the front of the garment. All fabrics must be approved by the League office prior to production. Such numerals must be a minimum of 8 inches high and 4 inches wide, and their color must be in sharp contrast with the color of the jersey.

Smaller numerals should be worn on the tops of the shoulders or upper arms of the jersey. Small numerals on the back of the helmet or on the uniform pants are optional. Pants must be worn over the entire knee area; pants shortened or rolled up to meet the stockings above the knee are prohibited. No part of the pants may be cut away unless an appropriate gusset or other device is used to replace the removed material. Item 5. Shoulder pads, thigh pads, and knee pads which have been approved by the League office.

All pads must be covered by the outer uniform. Basketball-type knee pads are permitted, but must be covered by the outer uniform. Punters and placekickers may omit thigh and knee pads. Item 6. Item 7. A player may wear shoes that are black, white, or any Constitutional team color, or any combination of black, white, and a Constitutional team color. Each player may select among shoe styles previously approved by the League office.

Logos, names, or other commercial identification on shoes are not permitted to be visible unless advance approval is granted by the League office. Size and location of logos and names on shoes must be approved by the League office.

When a shoe logo or name approved by the League is covered with an appropriate use of tape, players will be allowed to cut out the tape covering the original logo or name, provided the cut is clean and is the exact size of the logo or name.

The logo or name of the shoe manufacturer must not be re-applied to the exterior of taped shoes unless advance approval is granted by the League office.

Punters and placekickers may omit the shoe from the kicking foot in preparation for and during kicking plays. Projecting Objects. Uncovered Hard objects, Substances.

Any such item worn to protect an injury must not contain colors, designs, logos, or personal messages that are not approved by the NFL, and must be reported by the applicable coaching staff to the Umpire in advance of the game, and a description of the injury must be provided.

Torn Items. Improper Cleats. Shoe cleats made of metal or other material that may chip, fracture, or develop a cutting edge. Improper Tape. Items Colored Like Football. Headgear or any other equipment or apparel which, in the opinion of the Referee, may confuse an opponent because of its similarity in color to that of the game football.

If such color is worn, it must be broken by stripes or other patterns of sharply contrasting color or colors. Item 8. Adhesive, Slippery Substances. It is recommended that all players wear hip pads designed to reasonably avoid the risk of injury.

If worn, such pads must be covered by the outer uniform. Among the types of optional equipment that are permitted to be worn by players are the following:.

Garments Under Jerseys. Quarterbacks will be allowed to wear under the game jersey a solid colored T-shirt, turtleneck, or sweatshirt consistent with team undergarment color with sleeves cut to any length, as long as both sleeves are evenly trimmed and the edges are sewn and hemmed.

All other players may wear garments under game jerseys only if the undergarment sleeves either a are full length to the wrist; or b are the half sleeve length as provided by the licensee each of which must be approved by the NFL.

Players may not wear long-sleeved undergarments that include pebble-grip sleeves. Undergarments should be tucked in the uniform pants. All members of the same team who wear approved undergarments with exposed necks or sleeves must wear the same color on a given day, which color must be white or a solid color that is an official team color solid means that sleeves must not carry stripes, designs, or team names.

Players may not wear undergarments with an exposed hood hanging outside the collar of the jersey. Approved Glove Color. Gloves, wrappings, elbow pads, and other items worn on the arms below or over the jersey sleeves by interior offensive linemen excluding tight ends must be of the color that is mandatorily reported to the League office by the club before July 1 each year.

Such reported color must be white, black or the official uniform color of the applicable team, and, once reported, must not be changed throughout that same season. For clubs with a third official uniform color, player non-interior linemen gloves may also incorporate a third official uniform color as an accent only.

Clubs are not required to designate to the League office by July 1, the color of gloves that will be worn by their players. Rib Protectors. Wristbands, provided they are white or black , or an official uniform color of the applicable team only.

Towels, provided they are white licensed towels approved by the League office for use on the playing field. Players are prohibited from adding to these towels personal messages, logos, names, symbols, or illustrations.

Such towels also must be attached to or tucked into the front waist of the pants, and must be no longer than 6 by 8 inches slightly larger size may be issued to quarterbacks, or may be folded to these limits for wearing in games. A player may wear no more than one towel. Players are prohibited from discarding on the playing field any loose towels or other materials used for wiping hands and the football. Streamers or ribbons, regardless of length, hanging from any part of the uniform, including the helmet, are prohibited.

When players are on the field, during the pregame, game, and postgame periods, they may wear approved caps, skull caps and bands, approved cold weather gear, or other approved headwear for medical purposes only, as determined by the Commissioner.

Any permissible headwear must be approved by the League office, and if worn under the helmet, no portion may hang from or otherwise be visible outside the helmet. Players are not permitted to wear bandannas, stockings, or other unapproved headwear anywhere on the field during the pregame, game, or postgame periods, even if such items are worn under their helmets.

The size of any approved logo or other commercial identification involved in an agreement between a manufacturer and the League will be modest and unobtrusive, and there is no assurance that it will be visible to the television audience.

All such items approved by the League office, if any, must relate to team or League events or personages. Consistent with the equipment and uniform rules, players must otherwise present a professional and appropriate appearance while before the public on game-day. Among the types of activity that are prohibited are use of tobacco products smokeless included while in the bench area and use of facial makeup.

For violation of this Section 4 discovered during pregame warm-ups or at other times prior to the game, player will be advised to make appropriate correction; if the violation is not corrected, player will not be permitted to enter the game.

For violation of this Section 4 that is discovered while player is in the game, and which involves the competitive or player safety aspects of the game e. For any other violation of this Section 4 e. For violation of this Section 4 detected in the bench area: Player and head coach will be asked to remove the objectionable item, properly equip the player, or otherwise correct the violation.

The involved player or players will not be permitted to enter the game until the player has complied. For illegal entry or return of a player suspended under this Section 4: Loss of five yards from succeeding spot and removal until properly equipped after one down. For repeat violation: Disqualification from game. A free kick is a kickoff or safety kick that puts the ball in play to start a free kick down. Note: During a placekick on a kickoff, the kicking team may use a manufactured tee that is one inch in height and approved by the League.

Once the ball has been placed on the kicking tee, the kicking tee cannot be moved. If the ball falls off the tee, the covering officials must stop play and restart the timing process without penalty to the kicking team. If the ball falls off the tee a second time during the same free kick down, the kicking team then must either use a player to hold the ball or must kick it off the ground.

The ball may be placed on the ground leaning against the tee, provided the tee is in its normal upright position. The restraining lines for a free kick shall be as follows, unless they are adjusted because of a distance penalty:.

Note: A holder for a free kick counts as one of the required five players on either side of the ball, regardless of where he is positioned. The holder is never counted as one of the required two players between the inbounds line and the top inside of the numbers, regardless of where he is positioned. Penalty: For a player being beyond the restraining line when the ball is kicked offside , a player being out of bounds when the ball is kicked, or either team being in an illegal formation when the ball is kicked: Loss of five yards.

A free kick ends when either team possesses the ball, or when the ball is dead, if that precedes possession. A running play begins when the receiving team establishes possession of the ball. For the exception prohibiting a block in the back by the kicking team while the ball is in flight, see b-Note.

Penalty: For an illegal wedge block or an illegal double-team block: Loss of 15 yards. If the foul occurs during the kick, enforcement is from the spot of the foul. If the foul occurs during the return, the penalty is enforced as customary. A player of the receiving team is not permitted to run into the kicker before he recovers his balance. See also h for personal fouls against the kicker.

The kicking team may not kick the ball out of bounds or be the last to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds between the goal lines. If the receiving team is the last to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds, the receiving team puts the ball in play at the inbounds spot.

Penalty: For a kickoff out of bounds: The receiving team may elect to take possession of the ball 25 yards from the spot of the kick or at the out-of-bounds spot. Penalty: For a safety kick out of bounds: The receiving team may elect to take possession of the ball 30 yards from the spot of the kick or at the out-of-bounds spot. Ball Reaches Restraining Line. Penalty: For illegal touching of a free kick by the kicking team: Loss of five yards, or the receiving team takes possession of the ball at the spot of the illegal touch.

Player Out of Bounds. If a kicking team player touches the ball before re-establishing himself legally inbounds, it is a free kick out of bounds. Penalty: For illegal touching of a free kick by the kicking team: Loss of five yards. If there is a foul during a free kick, enforcement is from the previous spot, and the free kick is made again. However, if the kicking team commits a foul prior to the end of the kick, and the receiving team retains possession throughout the down, it will have the option of enforcing the penalty at the previous spot and replaying the down or adding the penalty yardage to the dead-ball spot.

After the ball has been declared ready for play, it becomes a live ball when it is legally snapped or legally kicked a free kick or fair catch kick. The ball remains dead if it is snapped or kicked before it is made ready for play. Note: The game clock will not stop when this occurs, and the play clock will be reset to 40 seconds.

Penalty enforcement following the play is as ordinary for fouls during runs or kicks. The ball is not dead because it touches an official who is inbounds, or because of a signal by an official other than a whistle. The forward part of the ball in its position when it is declared dead in the field of play shall be the determining point in measuring any distance gained or lost. The ball shall be rotated so that its long axis is parallel to the sidelines before measuring, while maintaining the forward most point.

Note: When an airborne player of either team completes a catch or interception inbounds after an opponent has driven him backward, the ball is declared dead, and forward progress is awarded at the spot where initial contact by the opponent was made after the player established firm grip and control of the ball while in the air. After the neutral zone has been established ball is made or declared ready for play , an offensive player may not make a false start, a defensive player may not encroach initiate contact with a member of the offensive team or commit a neutral zone infraction, and no player of either team may be offside when the ball is put in play.

It is a False Start if the ball has been placed ready for play, and, prior to the snap, an offensive player who has assumed a set position charges or moves in such a way as to simulate the start of a play, or if an offensive player who is in motion makes a sudden movement toward the line of scrimmage.

Any quick abrupt movement by a single offensive player, or by several offensive players in unison, which simulates the start of the snap, is a false start.

Exception: This does not apply to an offensive player under the center who turns his head or shoulders, unless the movement is an obvious attempt to draw an opponent offside.

Note: See d , for actions by a defensive player who attempts to cause an offensive player to commit a false start. Interior Lineman. It is a False Start if an interior lineman tackle to tackle takes or simulates a three-point stance, and then changes his position or moves the hand that is on the ground.

An interior lineman who is in a two-point stance is permitted to reset in a three-point stance or change his position, provided that he comes to a complete stop prior to the snap. If he does not come to a complete stop prior to the snap, it is a False Start. Eligible Receiver. If all 11 offensive players have been set for at least one full second, and an eligible receiver who is on the line of scrimmage moves forward, it is a False Start, regardless of whether the action is quick and abrupt or slow and deliberate.

If an eligible receiver who is on the line of scrimmage moves backward immediately prior to the snap and does not come to a complete stop before the snap, it is a False Start. Any eligible receiver is permitted to change from a two-point stance to a three-point stance, or from a three-point stance to a two-point stance, provided he comes to a complete stop prior to the snap.

If he does not come to a complete stop, it is a False Start. Player Under Center. It is legal for a player who has taken a position under or behind the center to go in motion, whether he has placed his hands under center, on his knees, or on the body of the center. However, it is a False Start, if the action is quick and abrupt. If the player fails to come to a complete stop for at least one full second prior to the ball being snapped, it is Illegal Motion.

Shotgun Formation. A player who is in position to receive the snap in shotgun formation is permitted to shift his feet prior to the snap, but any quick and abrupt movement is a False Start. This includes thrusting his hands forward when there is not a simultaneous snap.

Attempt to Draw Offside. Any obvious attempt by the quarterback or other player in position to receive the snap to draw an opponent offside is a False Start. Offense Not Set. With the game clock running after the two-minute warning of either half, if all 11 offensive players are not set simultaneously for one full second prior to the snap, it is a False Start. Penalty: For a False Start: Loss of five yards from the line of scrimmage. The foul is enforced prior to the snap. Note: The official shall blow the whistle immediately.

The penalty for a False Start shall be enforced regardless of whether the snap is made or there is a reaction by the defense. It is Encroachment if a defensive player enters the neutral zone and contacts an offensive player or the ball prior to the snap, or if he interferes with the ball during the snap. The play is dead immediately. Penalty: For Encroachment: Loss of five yards from the line of scrimmage.

Note: During the last two minutes of a half, after the ball has been spotted for the succeeding down at the line of scrimmage and the offense is legally set, if the ball is snapped before all members of the defensive team are on their side of the line of scrimmage, play shall be stopped immediately, and the defensive team penalized five yards for a neutral zone infraction.

Foul is enforced prior to snap. A player is offside when any part of his body is in or beyond the neutral zone or beyond a restraining line when the ball is put in play. All offensive players are required to come to a complete stop and be in a set position simultaneously for at least one full second prior to the snap.

Failure to do so is an Illegal Shift. See Item 6 for such a foul after the two-minute warning of either half. The offensive team is permitted to shift and have two or more players in motion multiple times before the snap. However, after the last shift, all players must come to a complete stop and be in a set position simultaneously for at least one full second.

If any eligible backfield player goes in motion one at a time after the last shift and comes to a complete stop, there is no requirement for a full second pause before a second player can legally go in motion. However, if the first player has not come to a complete stop when the second player goes in motion, it is another shift and requires another simultaneous stop for at least one full second by all players.

It is also an illegal shift if a player under or behind center goes in motion and fails to come to a complete stop for at least one full second before a second player goes in motion. Note: The offensive team must present a legal formation both before and after a shift. Penalty: For an illegal shift: Loss of five yards.

When the ball is snapped, one player who is lined up in the backfield may be in motion, provided that he is moving parallel to or away from the line of scrimmage. No player is permitted to be moving toward the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

All other players must be stationary in their positions. If an eligible receiver who is on the line moves to another position on the line not forward , he must come to a complete stop prior to the snap.

If he does not come to a complete stop, it is Illegal Motion. It is also Illegal Motion if a player under or behind center goes in motion and fails to come to a complete stop for at least one full second prior to the snap. Note: Offensive linemen may lock legs. The offensive team must put the ball in play with a snap at the spot where the previous down ended, unless the enforcement of a penalty moves the ball to another spot or the down ended outside the inbounds lines.

If a fair-catch kick is chosen after a fair catch, and apply. The ball is next put in play snap at the inbounds spot by the team entitled to possession and when:. The snap may be made by any offensive player who is on the line of scrimmage but must conform to the following provisions:.

Penalty: For illegally snapping the ball: Loss of five yards from the line of scrimmage. If the pace is a little too fast the section listing 10 basic rules of American Football will slow things down. The match referee will organise a coin toss with the team captains three minutes before the start of the game.

As a rule, the visiting team will call the toss by choosing 'heads or tails'. Being the winner of the coin toss means you can choose to begin play for the first half or for the second half. Being the losing captain of the coin toss means your team would get the remaining options. A phase of play begins when the team is in formation with seven players standing on the line of scrimmage.

The line of scrimmage is a 'movable' imaginary line determined by the match officials. As a rule, the center player stands on the line and passes the ball back between his legs to the quarterback. This is usually called the snap or hiking the ball. The kickoff takes place on a kicking tee at the defense's yard line. The place-kicker punts the ball down field to the offense players.

A kick return man will try to catch the ball and run with it into opposition territory. Rules of American Football games allow sixty 60 minutes as an allotted time of play. The actual match duration will divide into four 4 quarters.

There will be fifteen 15 minutes of play in each quarter. Players take a two minute break between the 1st and the 2nd quarter, and then again between the 3rd and 4th quarters. A fifteen minute rest break takes place between the 2nd and the 3rd quarter for half time. NFL rulings permit 53 players to be on the team active roster.

But, only 45 players can dress out for the game. The rules and regulations of American Football allow each team to field no more than eleven 11 players during the game itself.

There are no restrictions on substitutions made between plays. American Football rules and positions generally consist of three different groups of players, such as:. American Football rules and regulations state all players must wear approved and mandatory safety equipment. Protective gear is part of the American Football equipment list and includes:. Players must wear proper gear and accessories for a game.

Check out the section that lists the equipment used in American Football with detailed descriptions on:. You move the ball either by throwing it to a teammate or running with it. Each team gets 4 chances downs to progress the ball 10 yards forward. Passing a 10 yards distance means the 'down' is reset and the movement starts again for another 10 yards. The ball gets turned over to the defensive team if you fail to make 10 yards after 4 downs have passed.