Chapter 3: The Rules

Chapter 3: The Rules of the Game

THE FIELD

       

The football game is played on a rectangular field that is measured in yards, 100 yards long and [ width of field ].  The field is divided by lines and markers.  Each ten-yard section of the field is marked by a line and number.  Between these are five-yard marker lines.  The five and ten-yard lines run from one sideline to the other. Then, one-yard dividers, called hash markers, are positioned between the line markers on each side of the field.

A Football Field

     Each end of the field (50 yards) is considered a team’s territory. The yard lines are numbered 0-40 on both sides of the field, with one 50-yard-line marker at midfield.  Since the field is numbered this way, when one team passes over the 50-yard-line, they are considered in their opponent’s territory.  At the end of each side of the field is a goal line, marked with a ‘G’, and a ten-yard END ZONE.

        There are goal posts at each end of the field, usually positioned at the BACK of the end zone.  A goal post has a support post, topped by a horizontal bar, and two vertical posts on each end.  The goal post is used to mark a successful field goal or extra point [ see SCORING ].  A kick is successful when it crosses over the horizontal bar, between the two vertical posts (uprights).

OFFENSIVE POSSESSION

A coin toss at the beginning of the game determines which team gets the choice of first possession, or on which end of the field they will play.  A kickoff takes place, in which the team which will be on defense kicks the ball to the offense.  After the kickoff return, the offense begins what is termed an offensive drive, in which they attempt to advance the ball down the field and score a touchdown.

The two teams line up, with the position of the ball marking what is called the “line of scrimmage”.  The offensive team is given up to four plays, called downs, to advance the ball a distance of ten yards. These plays are numbered, being called first, second, third & fourth downs.  Each time the offense goes ten yards or more, they are awarded a new “first down”.  

The field is divided into two 50-yard territories.  

·        If a team is in their own territory, yardage is added to achieve field position.  EX : If the ball is on the 25-yard-line and a team gains eight (8) yards, then 25 = 8 = 33 [the ball is now on the 33-yard-line].  

·        But once they pass the 50-yard-line, yardage is subtracted to achieve field position.  EX : If the ball is on the 45-yard-line and a team gains eight (8) yards, then 45 + 5 = 50, and then 50 – 3 = 47  [the ball is now on the opponent’s 47-yard-line].

A team does not have to use all four downs to get a first down, or to score a touchdown.  They can gain ten yards or more on first down, and so therefore, the next play will be first down again.  The team could also score a touchdown on any given play, by advancing the ball to the goal line.

If a team does not gain ten yards on their first three downs, they have the choice of either trying for a first down on fourth down, or punting (kicking) the ball to the other team.  Most teams elect to kick the ball away, instead of risking the attempt on fourth down, because if they do not gain the yardage necessary for a first down, the opponent is awarded the ball at that point.  With a punt, the team is allowed to move the position of the ball deeper into their opponent’s end of the field before they take possession.

SCORING

·        TOUCHDOWN- When the offensive team runs or passes the ball past the opponent’s goal line, they score a touchdown. (6 points)

·        EXTRA POINT- After a touchdown, a team is allowed to attempt an extra point.

o   A kick called an “extra point,” or “PAT” (point after touchdown) is attempted from close to the goal.  (1 point)  If a team successfully kicks this point, they score a total of seven (7) points instead of the six points.

o   A ‘two-point’ conversion is allowed, if the team chooses to line up and run or pass the ball over the goal line. (2 points)  If a team is successful, they score a total of eight (8) points instead of the six points.

·        FIELD GOAL-  When a team’s drive stalls, and they are in field goal range [meaning it is close enough for the kicker to make a kick], then the team may choose to attempt a field goal on fourth down rather than try for a first down or touchdown.  The ball is snapped to a “holder”, and the kicker attempts to kick the ball through the goalposts.  (3 points)

REFEREES & PENALTIES

        A group of officials, called referees, control and regulate the football game by :

·        managing the game clock ;

·        using first-down chains to mark the position of the ball ;

·        following a set of rules which, if broken, result in penalties.

{ TO BE CONTINUED }

© 2014 Bob Wingate