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RULE 1
The Game, Field
Players and Equipment
FR-22 RULE 1-1/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
b. Officiating crews will be assigned from the same officiating organization.
Team Captains
ARTICLE 5. a. Each team shall designate to the referee no more than four
players as its field captain(s), and one player at a time shall speak for his
team in all dealings with the officials. There shall be no more than four
captains from each team at the coin toss.
b. Afield captain’s first announced choice of any options offered his team
shall be irrevocable.
c. Any player may request a team charged timeout.
Persons Subject to the Rules
ARTICLE 6. All players, substitutes, replaced players, coaches, trainers,
cheerleaders in uniform, band members in uniform, mascots in uniform,
commercial mascots, public-address announcers, audio and video system
operators, and other persons affiliated with the teams or institutions are
subject to the rules and shall be governed by the decisions of the officials.
Affiliated persons are those authorized within the team area.
Member Institutions Subject to the Rules
ARTICLE 7. a. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating organizations
shall conduct all contests under the official football-playing
rules of the Association.
b. NCAA-affiliated officiating organizations shall use the current Football
Officials Manual published by the Collegiate Commissioners
Association.
c. NCAA member institutions and affiliated officiating organizations not
complying with NCAA football-playing rules that do not have a designated
penalty are subject to NCAA sanctions.
SECTION 2. The Field
Dimensions
ARTICLE 1. The field shall be a rectangular area with dimensions, lines,
zones, goals and pylons as indicated and titled in the diagrams on pages
FR-15-16.
a. All field-dimension lines shown must be marked 4 inches in width with
a white, nontoxic material that is not injurious to the eyes or skin
(Exceptions: Sidelines and end lines may exceed 4 inches in width, and
Rule 1-2-1-g).
FR-23 RULE 1-2/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
b. Twenty-four inch short yard-line extensions, four inches inside the sidelines
and at the inbounds lines, are mandatory; and all yard lines shall
be four inches from the sidelines (Rule 2-11-4).
c. A solid white area between the sideline and the coaching line is
mandatory.
d. White field markings or contrasting decorative markings (e.g., logos,
team names, emblems, event, etc.) are permissible in the end zones but
shall not be closer than four feet to any line.
e. Contrasting coloring in the end zones may abut any line.
f. Contrasting decorative markings are permissible within the sidelines
and between the goal lines but shall not obliterate yard lines, goal lines
or sidelines.
g. Goal lines may be of one contrasting color from the white lines.
h. Advertising is prohibited on the field [Exceptions: (1) Permitted for any
game not played in-season when the sponsor is associated with the
name of that game, and (2) NCAA Football logo].
i. White field yard-line numbers no larger than 6 feet in height and 4 feet
in width, with the tops of the numbers nine yards from the sidelines, are
recommended.
j. White directional arrows next to the field numbers (except the 50) indicating
the direction toward the nearest goal line are recommended. The
arrow is a triangle with an 18-inch base and two sides that are 36 inches
each.
k. The two inbounds lines (hash marks) are 60 feet from the sidelines.
Inbounds lines and short yard-line extensions shall measure 24 inches
in length.
l. Nine-yard marks 12 inches in length, every 10 yards, shall be located
nine yards from the sidelines. They are not required if the field is numbered
according to Rule 1-2-1-i.
Marking Boundary Areas
ARTICLE 2. Measurements shall be from the inside edges of the boundary
markings. The entire width of each goal line shall be in the end zone.
Limit Lines
ARTICLE 3. a. Limit lines shall be marked with 12-inch lines and at 24-inch
intervals 12 feet outside the sidelines and the end lines, except in stadiums
where total field surface does not permit. In these stadiums, the
limit lines shall not be less than six feet from the sidelines and end lines.
FR-24 RULE 1-2/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
Limit lines shall be 4 inches in width and may be yellow. Limit lines designating
team areas shall be solid lines. No person outside the team area
shall be within the limit lines.
b. Limit lines shall also be marked six feet from the team area around the
side and back of the team area, if the stadium permits.
Team Area and Coaching Box
ARTICLE 4. a. On each side of the field, a team area in back of the limit line
and between the 25-yard lines shall be marked for the exclusive use of
substitutes, trainers and other persons affiliated with the team. The
front of the coaching box shall be marked with a solid line six feet outside
the sideline between the 25-yard lines. The area between the coaching
line and the limit line between the 25-yard lines shall contain white
diagonal lines or be marked distinctly for use of coaches (Rule 9-1-5-a).
A 4-inch-by-4-inch mark is mandatory at each five-yard line extended
between the goal lines as an extension of the coaching line for line-togain
and down indicator six-foot reference points.
b. The team area shall be limited to squad members in full uniform and a
maximum of 60 other individuals directly involved in the game. The 60
individuals not in full uniform shall wear special team area credentials
numbered 1 through 60. No other credential is valid for the team area.
c. Coaches are permitted in the area between the limit line and coaching
line between the 25-yard lines. This area is the coaching box.
d. Marking the team areas from the 25-yard lines is a game management
requirement.
e. No media personnel, including journalists, radio and television personnel,
or their equipment, shall be in the team area or coaching box, and
no media personnel shall communicate in any way with persons in the
team area or coaching box.
f. Game management shall remove all persons not authorized by rule.
g. Practice kicking nets are not permitted outside the team area
(Exception: In stadiums where playing enclosures are limited in size,
nets, holders and kickers are permitted outside the team area and outside
the limit line) (Rule 9-2-1-b-1).
Goals
ARTICLE 5. a. Each goal shall consist of two white or yellow uprights
extending at least 30 feet above the ground with a connecting white or
yellow horizontal crossbar, the top of which is 10 feet above the ground.
FR-25
The inside of the uprights and crossbar shall be in the same vertical
plane as the inside edge of the end line.
b. Above the crossbar, the uprights shall be white or yellow and 18 feet, six
inches apart inside to inside.
c. The designated uprights and crossbar shall be free of decorative material
(Exception: 4-inch-by-42-inch orange or red wind directional streamers
at the top of the uprights are permitted).
d. The height of the crossbar shall be measured from the top of each end
of the crossbar to the ground directly below.
e. Goal posts shall be padded with resilient material from the ground to a
height of at least six feet. “Offset uprights’’ may be used.
Advertising is prohibited on the goals. One manufacturer’s logo or
trademark is permitted on each goal post pad.
f. The following procedure is recommended when one or both goals have
been taken down and the original goals are not available for a try or
field goal attempt:
A team is entitled to a kicking try and is not required to attempt a
two-point play if the goals are not in position or complying with the
dimensions required by Rule 1-2-5. Ateam also is entitled to a field goal
attempt under the same conditions.
Kicking tries and field goal attempts must be made in the direction of
the goal the team was attacking when it elected to make the kick.
The home team is responsible for the availability of a portable goal if
original goals are removed during the game for any reason. The
portable goal shall be erected or held in place for the kicks.
Pylons
ARTICLE 6. Soft, flexible four-sided pylons 4 inches by 4 inches with an
overall height of 18 inches, which may include a 2-inch space between the
bottom of the pylon and the ground, are required. They shall be red or
orange in color and placed at the inside corners of the eight intersections of
the sidelines with the goal lines and end lines. The pylons marking the
intersections of the end lines and inbounds lines extended shall be placed
three feet off the end lines.
Line-to-Gain and Down Indicators
ARTICLE 7. The official line-to-gain and down indicators shall be operated
approximately six feet outside the sideline opposite the press box,
except in stadiums where the total playing enclosure does not permit.
RULE 1-2/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
FR-26 RULE 1-2/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
a. If a yardage chain is used, it shall join two rods not less than 5 feet high,
the rods’ inside edges being exactly 10 yards apart when the chain is
fully extended.
Any other line-to-gain indicator that accurately measures the line to
gain is permitted outside the sideline opposite the press box when
teams mutually agree. Before the game, the linesman shall test and
approve all line-to-gain indicators for accuracy and security.
b. The down indicator shall be mounted on a rod not less than 5 feet high
operating approximately six feet outside the sideline opposite the press
box.
c. An unofficial auxiliary line-to-gain indicator and an unofficial down
indicator six feet outside the other sideline are recommended.
d. Unofficial red or orange nonslip line-to-gain ground markers positioned
off the sidelines on both sides of the field are recommended.
Markers are rectangular, weighted material 10 inches by 32 inches. Atriangle
with an altitude of 5 inches is attached to the rectangle at the end
toward the sideline.
e. All line-to-gain and down-indicator rods shall have flat ends.
f. Advertising and institutional or conference identification are prohibited
on the down and line-to-gain indicators. One manufacturer’s logo or
trademark is permitted on each indicator.
Markers or Obstructions
ARTICLE 8. a. All markers and obstructions within the playing enclosure
shall be placed or constructed in such a manner as to avoid any possible
hazard to players. This includes anything dangerous to anyone at
the limit lines. The referee shall order removed any hazardous obstructions
or markers located inside the limit lines.
b. Any markers or obstructions within the playing enclosure but outside
the limit lines constituting a hazard shall be reported to game management
by the referee. Final determination of corrective action shall be the
responsibility of game management.
Field Areas
ARTICLE 9. a. No material or device shall be used to improve or degrade
the playing surface or other conditions and give one player or team an
advantage (Exceptions: Rules 2-15-4-b and c).
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S27].
FR-28 RULE 1-3/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
b. Home management shall provide a pressure pump and measuring
device.
c. The home team is responsible for providing legal balls and should notify
the opponent of the ball to be used.
d. During the entire game, either team may use a new or nearly new ball
of its choice when it is in possession, providing the ball meets the
required specifications and has been measured and tested according to
rule (Exception: The official NCAA football shall be used for the
Divisions I-AA, II and III championships).
e. The visiting team is responsible for providing the legal balls it wishes to
use while it is in possession if the balls provided by the home team are
not acceptable.
f. All balls to be used must be presented to the referee for testing 60 minutes
before the start of the game.
g. When the ball becomes dead nearer the sideline than the inbounds line
(hash mark), is unfit for play, is subject to measurement in a side zone
or is inaccessible, a replacement ball shall be obtained from a ball person
(A.R. 1-3-2-I).
h. The referee or umpire shall determine the legality of each ball before it
is put in play.
i. The following procedures shall be used when measuring a ball:
1. All measurements shall be made after the ball is legally inflated.
2. The long circumference shall be measured around the ends of the
ball but not over the laces.
3. The long diameter shall be measured with calipers from end to end
but not in the nose indentation.
4. The short circumference shall be measured around the ball, over the
valve and over the lace but not over the cross lace.
Marking Balls
ARTICLE 3. Marking a ball indicating a preference for any player or any
situation is prohibited.
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27].
FR-29
SECTION 4. Players and Playing Equipment
Recommended Numbering
ARTICLE 1. It is strongly recommended that offensive players be
numbered according to the following diagram that shows one of many
offensive formations (Rule 1-4-2-b):
Players’ Numbering
ARTICLE 2. a. All players shall be numbered 1 through 99. Any number
preceded by zero (“0’’) is illegal [S23].
b. On a scrimmage down, at least five offensive players on the scrimmage
line shall be numbered 50 through 79 (Exception: During a scrimmage
kick formation, a player, who by his initial position on the line of scrimmage,
is an exception to the 50-79 mandatory numbering remains an
ineligible receiver during the down until a legal forward pass is
touched by a Team B player or an official. He must be positioned on the
line of scrimmage and between the end players on the line of scrimmage.
The ineligible receivers (interior linemen) are identified when the
snapper assumes his position and touches or simulates (hand[s] at or
below his knees) touching the ball. A player remains an ineligible
receiver and is an exception to the 50-79 mandatory numbering until
the down is over, a timeout is charged to a team or the referee, or a period
ends.) (A.R. 1-4-2-I, IV and V) [S19].
c. No two players of the same team shall participate in the same down
wearing identical numbers (A.R. 1-4-2-II) [S23].
d. Markings in the vicinity of the numbers are not permitted (A.R.
1-4-2-III) [S23].
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S19 or
S23].
RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
80-99
O
End
80-99
O
End
70-79
O
Tackle
70-79
O
Tackle
60-69
O
Guard
60-69
O
Guard
50-59
O
Snapper
O
Quarterback
Backs 1-49
O
Fullback
O
Halfback
O
Halfback
FR-30
e. Numbers shall not be changed during the game to deceive opponents
[S27].
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27].
Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47].
Contrasting Colors
ARTICLE 3. a. Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting
colors, and the visiting team shall wear white jerseys. White jerseys may be
worn by the home team when the teams have agreed before the season.
Players of a team shall wear jerseys of the same color and design.
b. A white jersey is one with only contrasting playing numbers, player’s
name, school name, NCAA Football logo, school insignia, conference
insignia, mascot insignia, game insignia, memorial insignia or the
American flag attached. An insignia must not exceed 16 square inches
in area (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram), including any additional
material (e.g., patch). Stripes may be placed on the sleeves. Aborder
no more than 1 inch wide around the collar and cuffs is permissible, as
is a maximum 4-inch stripe along the side seam (insert from the underarm
to pants top).
c. If a colored jersey contains white, it may appear only as a number, border
of a number, player’s name, school name, stripes on the sleeves, a
border no more than 1 inch wide around the collar and cuffs, a maximum
4-inch stripe along the side seam (insert from the underarm to
pants top), or as part of a legal insignia (Rule 1-4-3-b).
d. If worn, gloves or hand pads must be gray in color. The recommended
shades of gray are Pantone Cool Gray 8C, Cool Gray 9C, 423C and
430C.
Mandatory Equipment
ARTICLE 4. All players shall wear the following mandatory equipment,
which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease
protection:
a. Soft knee pads at least 1/2-inch thick that must cover the knees and covered
by pants. No pads or protective equipment may be worn outside
the pants. Players of a team shall wear pants of the same color and
design.
b. Face masks and helmets with a secured four- or six-point chin strap. If
a chin strap is not secured, it is a violation. Officials should inform players
when all snaps are not secured without charging a timeout unless
RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
FR-31 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
the player ignores the warning. Players of a team shall wear helmets of
the same color and design, and facemasks of the same color.
c. Shoulder pads, hip pads with tailbone protector and thigh guards.
d. An intra-oral mouthpiece of any readily visible color (not white or
transparent) with FDA-approved base materials (FDCS) that covers all
upper teeth. It is recommended that the mouthpiece be properly fitted.
e. One jersey, with sleeves that completely cover the shoulder pads, that
is not altered or designed to tear and conforms with Rule 1-4-4-f. The
jersey must be full-length and tucked into the pants. Vests and/or a second
jersey worn concurrently during the game are prohibited.
f. Clearly visible, permanent Arabic numerals on one jersey at least 8 and
10 inches in height front and back, respectively, of a color(s) in distinct
contrast with the jersey. All players of a team shall have the same color
and style numbers front and back. The individual bars must be approximately
11/2 inches wide.
g. Numbers on any part of the uniform shall correspond with the mandatory
front and back jersey numbers. In the case of death or catastrophic
injury or illness, a person may be memorialized by an insignia not
greater than 11/2 inches diameter that displays the number, name or initials
of the individual on the uniform or helmet.
h. All squad members must wear visible socks or leg coverings that are
identical in color, design and length (Exceptions: Unaltered knee braces,
tape or a bandage to protect or prevent an injury; and barefoot kickers)
(A.R. 1-4-4-I).
Note: If a player is not wearing mandatory equipment in compliance in
all respects with Rule 1-4-4, the team shall be charged a timeout and the
player shall not be permitted to play until he complies. VIOLATION—
Rules 3-3-6 and 3-4-2-b-2 [S23, S3 or S21].
NOCSAE*: All players shall wear helmets that carry a warning label
regarding the risk of injury and a manufacturer’s or reconditioner’s certification
indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards. All such reconditioned
helmets shall show recertification to indicate satisfaction with the
NOCSAE test standard.
*National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.
FR-32 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
Illegal Equipment
ARTICLE 5. No player wearing illegal equipment shall be permitted to
play. Any question as to the legality of a player’s equipment shall be decided
by the umpire. Illegal equipment includes the following (A.R. 1-4-5-I):
a. Equipment worn by a player, including artificial limbs, that would
endanger other players. An artificial limb must not give the wearer any
advantage in competition. If necessary, the artificial limb should be
padded to rebound as a natural limb.
b. Hard, abrasive or unyielding substances on the hand, wrist, forearm or
elbow of any player, unless covered on all exterior sides and edges with
closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than 1/2-inch thick or an
alternate material of the same minimum thickness and similar physical
properties. Hard or unyielding substances are permitted, if covered,
only to protect an injury. Hand and arm protectors (covered casts or
splints) are permitted only to protect a fracture or dislocation.
c. Thigh guards of any hard substances, unless all surfaces are covered with
material such as closed-cell vinyl foam that is at least 1/4-inch thick on the
outside surface and at least 3/8-inch thick on the inside surface and the
overlaps of the edges; shin guards not covered on both sides and all edges
with closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding at least 1/2-inch thick, or an
alternate material of the same minimum thickness having similar physical
properties; and therapeutic or preventive knee braces, unless worn
under the pants and entirely covered from direct external exposure.
d. Projection of metal or other hard substance from a player’s person or
clothing.
e. Shoe cleats (Rule 9-2-2-d)—detachable:
1. More than 1/2-inch in length (measured from tip of cleat to the shoe)
(Exception: If attached to a 5/32-inch or less raised platform wider than
the base of the cleat and extended across the width of the shoe to
within 1/4-inch or less of the outer edges of the sole. Asingle toe cleat
does not require a raised platform that extends across the width of
the sole. The raised platform of the toe cleat is limited to 5/32-inch or
less. The 5/32-inch or less is measured from the lowest point of the platform
to the sole of the shoe).
2. Made of any material that chips or fractures.
3. Without an effective locking device.
4. With concave sides.
FR-33 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
5. Conical cleats with flat free ends not parallel to their bases or less
than 3/8-inch in diameter or with rounded free ends having arcs
greater than 7/16-inch.
6. Oblong cleats with free ends not parallel with bases or that measure
less than 1/4-inch by 3/4-inch.
7. Circular or ring cleats without rounded edges and a wall less than
3/16-inch thick.
8. Steel-tipped cleats without steel tipped with low carbon steel of 1006
material, case hardened to .005-.008 depth and drawn to Rockwell
hardness of approximately C55.
f. Shoe cleats (Rule 9-2-2-d)—nondetachable:
1. More than 1/2-inch in length (measured from tip of cleat to sole of
shoe).
2. Made of any material that burrs, chips or fractures.
3. With abrasive surfaces or cutting edges.
4. Made of any metallic material.
g. Tape or any bandage on a hand, wrist, forearm or elbow, unless used to
protect an injury and specifically sanctioned by the umpire.
h. Helmets, jerseys or attachments that tend to conceal the ball by closely
resembling it in color.
i. Adhesive material, paint, grease or any other slippery substance
applied to equipment or on a player’s person, clothing or attachment
that affects the ball or an opponent (Exception: Eye shade).
Jerseys, undershirts and the exterior of arm covers/pads that enhance
contact with a football or an opponent.
j. Any face mask except those constructed of nonbreakable material with
rounded edges covered with resilient material designed to prevent
chipping, burrs or an abrasiveness that would endanger players.
k. Shoulder pads with the leading edge of the epaulet rounded with a
radius more than one-half the thickness of the material used.
l. Anything on the uniform other than a player’s numbers; a player’s
name; NCAA Football logo; memorial recognition; the American flag;
or institution, conference or game identification. No other words, numbers
or symbols are permitted on a player’s person or tape (Exception:
Game information on a player’s wrist or arm).
FR-34 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
Uniforms and all other items of apparel (e.g., warm-ups, socks, headbands,
T-shirts, wristbands, visors, hats, towels or gloves) may bear
only a single manufacturer’s or distributor’s normal label or trademark
(regardless of the visibility of the label or trademark) not to exceed 21/4
square inches in area (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram) including
any additional material (e.g., patch) surrounding the normal trademark
or logo. No sizing, garment-care or other non-logo labels shall be on the
outside of the uniform. Professional league logos are prohibited.
m. Gloves or hand pads that are not gray in color or not in conformance
with Rule 1-4-5-b. A glove is a fitted covering for a hand
having separate sections for each finger and thumb, without any
additional material that connects any of the fingers and/or thumb,
and that completely covers each finger and thumb.
n. Gloves that do not have a securely attached label or stamp
(“NF/NCAA Specifications”) indicating voluntary compliance with
test specifications on file with the Sporting Goods Manufacturers
Association, unless made of unaltered plain cloth.
o. Jerseys that have been taped or tied in any manner.
p. Uniform attachments [Exceptions: (1) On scrimmage plays, one white
moisture-absorbing towel without markings may be worn by one interior
offensive lineman, one offensive backfield player and a maximum of
two defensive players. The towels of the offensive backfield and defensive
players must be 4-inches by 12-inches and must be worn on the front
or side belt. There are no restrictions on the size or location of the towel
worn by the offensive lineman; (2) On free kicks, one white moistureabsorbing
towel without markings may be worn by a maximum of two
Team Aand two Team B players. The towels worn on free kicks must be
4-inches by 12-inches and must be worn on the front or side belt; and (3)
Hand warmers worn during inclement weather].
q. Rib pads, shoulder pad attachments and back protectors not totally covered.
r. Visible bandannas worn on the field of play or end zones (A.R. 1-4-5-II).
s. Eye shields that are not clear and made from molded or rigid material.
Exceptions must be documented by an opthalmologist with the request
signed by the player’s head trainer, athletics director and the player’s
FR-35 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
parents or guardians if the player is under 21 years of age. The request
is then submitted to a medical doctor designated by the NCAA
Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports
for review (Refer to Appendix B [page FR-141] for the procedure to
apply for an exception).
Note: No player wearing illegal equipment shall be permitted to play. If
illegal equipment is discovered by an official, the team shall be charged a
team timeout. VIOLATION—Rules 3-3-6 and 3-4-2-b-2 [S23, S3 or S21].
Exception: If equipment in Rule 1-4-5 becomes illegal through play, the
player must leave the game until the illegal equipment is corrected but will
not be charged a team timeout.
Mandatory and Illegal Equipment Enforcement
ARTICLE 6. Failure to wear mandatory equipment or the use of illegal
equipment is enforced as follows:
a. Each of the first three infractions for failure to wear mandatory equipment
or wearing illegal equipment requires a charged timeout. The
fourth infraction in a half requires a five-yard penalty. The delay penalty
for the fourth timeout could be the first violation for not wearing
mandatory equipment or wearing illegal equipment. The first three
timeouts could have been taken by the team as charged team timeouts.
1. The timeouts are granted.
2. There is no offset for the first three violations when an opponent has
fouled.
3. When timeouts are exhausted, the next violation is a dead-ball delay
penalty at the succeeding spot.
4. A timeout is called, the offending team is indicated by the referee,
and the captain and coaches are notified through the officials nearest
the sidelines.
b. Officials should ascertain before the ready-for-play signal if players are
not wearing mandatory equipment or are wearing illegal equipment.
Only in an emergency should the 25-second clock be interrupted.
Examples: A player(s) not wearing a helmet or a mouthpiece (A.R. 1-4-
6-I). The team will be charged a timeout or a delay penalty if all timeouts
have been used. VIOLATION—Rules 3-3-6 and 3-4-2-b-2 [S23, S3
or S21].
c. No jersey may be changed on the field of play, and such changes must
be made in the team area of the player making the change. When it is
FR-36 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
determined that a jersey does not comply with Rule 1-4-4-e and/or f, a
team timeout will be charged to that team at the succeeding spot. If the
team has expended its three timeouts, a delay will be charged under Rule
3-4-2-b-2. Players may change torn jerseys during team timeouts and
return to play. A player may change a jersey and return during a delay
penalty only if the game is not further delayed by that action.
d. Tape may not cover or partially cover a glove. Tape may be used to
secure glove fasteners.
Coaches’ Certification
ARTICLE 7. The head coach or his designated representative shall certify
to the umpire before the game that all players:
a. Have been informed what equipment is mandatory by rule and what
constitutes illegal equipment.
b. Have been provided the equipment mandated by rule.
c. Have been instructed to wear and how to wear mandatory equipment
during the game.
d. Have been instructed to notify the coaching staff when equipment
becomes illegal through play during the game.
Prohibited Signal Devices
ARTICLE 8. Players are prohibited from being equipped with any electronic,
mechanical or other signal devices for the purpose of communicating
with any source (Exception: A medically prescribed hearing aid of the
sound-amplifier type for hearing-impaired players).
PENALTY—15 yards and disqualification of the player. Penalize as a
dead-ball foul at the succeeding spot [S7, S27 and S47].
Prohibited Field Equipment
ARTICLE 9. a. Television replay or monitor equipment is prohibited at the
sidelines, press box or other locations within the playing enclosure for
coaching or officiating purposes during the game. Motion pictures, any
type of film, facsimile machines, videotapes, photographs, writingtransmission
machines and computers are prohibited for coaching purposes
anytime during the game or between periods.
b. Only voice communication between the press box and team area is permitted.
Where press-box space is not adequate, only voice communication
may originate from any area in the stands between the 25-yard
lines extended to the top of the stadium. No other communication for
coaching purposes is permitted anywhere else.
FR-37 RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
c. Media communication equipment, including cameras, sound devices
and microphones, is prohibited on or above the field, or in or above the
team area (Rule 2-31-1).
Exceptions:
1. Camera equipment attached to a goal support behind the uprights
and crossbar.
2. A camera, with no audio component, may be attached to the cap of
the umpire with prior approval of the umpire and the participating
institutions.
3. A camera, with no audio component, may be attached to
cables that extend over the team area.
d. Microphones, provided by home management, are strongly recommended
on referees. They may be used only on referees for penalty or
other game announcements, if controlled by the referee, and may not be
open at other times. Microphones on other officials are prohibited.
e. Microphones attached to coaches during the game for media transmission
are prohibited. Team personnel may not be interviewed from the
start of the first period until the referee declares the game ended
(Exception: Only coaches may be interviewed between the conclusion
of the second period and the beginning of the third period).
f. No one in the team area or coaching box may use any artificial sound
amplification to communicate with players on the field.
Coaches’ Phones
ARTICLE 10. Coaches’ phones and headsets are not subject to the rules
before or during the game.
Use of Tobacco
ARTICLE 11. Players, squad members and game personnel (e.g., coaches,
trainers, managers and game officials) are prohibited from using tobacco
products from the time the officials assume jurisdiction until the referee
declares the game over.
PENALTY—Disqualification. On-the-field violations will be penalized
as a dead-ball foul at the succeeding spot [S47].
New Equipment
ARTICLE 12. The NCAA Football Rules Committee is responsible for formulating
the official playing rules for the sport. The committee is not
FR-38
responsible for testing or approving playing equipment for use in intercollegiate
football.
Equipment manufacturers have undertaken the responsibility for the
development of playing equipment that meets the specifications established
by the committee. The NCAA urges manufacturers to work with the
various independent testing agencies to ensure the production of safe
products. Neither the NCAA nor the NCAA Football Rules Committee certifies
the safety of any football equipment. Only equipment that meets the
dimensions and specifications in the NCAA Football Rules and
Interpretations may be used in intercollegiate competition.
While the committee does not regulate the development of new equipment
and does not set technical or scientific standards for testing equipment,
the committee may, from time to time, provide manufacturers with
guidelines as to the equipment-performance levels it considers consistent
with the integrity of the game. The committee reserves the right to intercede
to protect and maintain that integrity.
The NCAAFootball Rules Committee suggests that manufacturers planning
innovative changes in football equipment submit the equipment to
the NCAA Football Rules Committee for review before production.
RULE 1-4/THE GAME, FIELD, PLAYERS AND EQUIPMENT
FR-39
SECTION 1. Approved Rulings and
Official’s Signals
ARTICLE 1. a. An approved ruling (A.R.) is an official decision on a given
statement of facts. It serves to illustrate the spirit and application of the
rules. The relationship between the rules and an approved ruling is analogous
to that between statutory law and a decision of the Supreme Court.
If there is a conflict between the official rules and approved rulings,
the rules take precedence.
b. An official’s signal [S] refers to the Official Football Signals 1 through 47.
SECTION 2. The Ball: Live, Dead, Loose
Live Ball
ARTICLE 1. Alive ball is a ball in play. Apass, kick or fumble that has not
yet touched the ground is a live ball in flight.
Dead Ball
ARTICLE 2. Adead ball is a ball not in play.
Loose Ball
ARTICLE 3. a. Aloose ball is a live ball not in player possession during:
1. A running play.
2. Ascrimmage or free kick before possession is gained or regained or
the ball is dead by rule.
3. The interval after a legal forward pass is touched and before it
becomes complete, incomplete or intercepted. (Note: This interval is
during a forward pass play, and the ball may be batted in any direction
by a player eligible to touch it.)
b. All players are eligible to touch, catch or recover a ball that is loose from
a fumble (Exceptions: Rules 7-2-2-a-2, 7-2-2-b-2 and 8-3-2-d-5) or a backward
pass, but eligibility to touch a ball loose from a kick is governed
RULE 2
Definitions
FR-40
by kick rules (Rule 6) and eligibility to touch a forward pass is governed
by pass rules (Rule 7).
When Ball Is Ready for Play
ARTICLE 4. Adead ball is ready for play when the referee:
a. If time is in, sounds his whistle and signals ready for play.
b. If time is out, sounds his whistle and signals either “start the clock’’ or
“ball ready for play’’ [Exceptions: Rules 3-3-3-f-4-(c) and (f)] (A.R.
4-1-4-I and II).
In Possession
ARTICLE 5. “In possession’’ is an abbreviation meaning the holding or
controlling of a live ball or a ball to be free-kicked.
a. A player “gains possession’’ when he is firmly holding or controlling
the ball while contacting the ground inbounds.
b. A team is “in possession’’ when one of its players is “in possession’’ or
attempting a punt, drop kick or place kick; while a forward pass thrown
by one of its players is in flight; or one of its players was last in possession
during a loose ball.
Belongs To
ARTICLE 6. “Belongs to,’’ as contrasted with “in possession,’’ denotes temporary
custody of a dead ball. Legality of such custody is immaterial
because the ball must next be put in play in accordance with rules governing
the existing situation.
Catch, Interception, Recovery
ARTICLE 7. Acatch is an act of establishing player possession of a live ball
in flight.
a. Acatch of an opponent’s fumble or pass is an interception.
b. Securing player possession of a live ball after it strikes the ground is
“recovering it.’’
c. To catch, intercept or recover a ball, a player who leaves his feet to make
a catch, interception or recovery must have the ball in his possession
when he first returns to the ground inbounds or is so held that the deadball
provisions of Rule 4-1-3-p apply (A.R. 2-2-7-I-V and A.R. 7-3-6-IV).
1. If one foot first lands inbounds and the receiver has possession and
control of the ball, it is a catch or interception even though a subsequent
step or fall takes the receiver out of bounds.
2. Loss of ball simultaneous to returning to the ground is not a catch,
interception or recovery.
RULE 2-2/DEFINITIONS
FR-41
d. A catch by any kneeling or prone inbounds player is a completion or
interception (Rules 7-3-1 and 2 and 7-3-6 and 7).
e. When in question, the catch, recovery or interception is not completed.
Simultaneous Catch or Recovery
ARTICLE 8. A simultaneous catch or recovery is a catch or recovery in
which there is joint possession of a live ball by opposing players inbounds
(A.R. 7-3-6-II and III).
SECTION 3. Blocking
Blocking
ARTICLE 1. a. Blocking is obstructing an opponent by contacting him with
any part of the blocker’s body.
b. Pushing is blocking an opponent with open hands.
Below Waist
ARTICLE 2. a. Blocking below the waist is the initial contact below the
waist with any part of the blocker’s body against an opponent, other
than the runner. When in question, the contact is below the waist (Rule
9-1-2-e).
b. Blocking below the waist applies to the initial contact by a blocker
against an opponent who has one or both feet on the ground. Ablocker
who makes contact above the waist and then slides below the waist has
not blocked below the waist. If the blocker first contacts the opposing
player’s hands at the waist or above, it is a legal “above the waist’’ block
(Rule 9-1-2-e).
Chop Block
ARTICLE 3. Achop block is:
a. An obviously delayed block at the thigh or below against an opponent
(except the runner) who is in contact with a teammate of the blocker, is
in the act of disengaging from the first blocker or has just disengaged
from the first blocker but is still confronting him. When in question, the
contact is at the thigh or below (A.R. 2-3-3-I and II).
b. A high-low, low-high or low-low combination block by two nonadjacent
linemen with or without a delay between contacts occurring in the
neutral zone.
c. A high-low, low-high or low-low combination block by any two offensive
players with or without a delay between contacts when the initial
RULE 2-2/DEFINITIONS
FR-42
contact clearly occurs beyond the neutral zone (i.e., all involved players
are beyond the neutral zone) (A.R. 2-3-3-III and IV).
Block in the Back
ARTICLE 4. a. Ablock in the back is contact against an opponent occurring
when the force of the initial contact is from behind and above the waist
(Exception: Against the runner). When in question, the contact is below
the waist (Rule 9-3-3-c) (A.R. 9-1-2-XX and XXI, A.R. 9-3-3-VII, and A.R.
10-2-2-XXXIV).
b. The position of the blocker’s head or feet does not necessarily indicate
the point of initial contact.
Frame (of the Body)
ARTICLE 5. The frame of the opponent’s body is at the shoulders or below
other than the back [Rule 9-3-3-a-1-(c) Exception].
SECTION 4. Clipping
ARTICLE 1. a. Clipping is a block against an opponent occurring when the
force of the initial contact is from behind and at or below the waist
(Exception: Against the runner) (Rule 9-1-2-d).
b. The position of the blocker’s head or feet does not necessarily indicate
the point of initial contact.
SECTION 5. Deliberate Dead-Ball Advance
ARTICLE 1. Deliberately advancing a dead ball is an attempt by a player
to advance the ball after any part of his person, other than a hand or foot,
has touched the ground or after the ball has been declared dead by rule
(Exception: Rule 4-1-3-b Exception).
SECTION 6. Down and Between Downs
ARTICLE 1. A down is a unit of the game that starts with a legal snap or
legal free kick after the ball is ready for play and ends when the ball next
becomes dead. Between downs is the interval during which the ball is
dead.
SECTION 7. Fair Catch
Fair Catch
ARTICLE 1. a. A fair catch of a scrimmage kick is a catch beyond the neutral
zone by a player of Team B who has made a valid signal during a
scrimmage kick that is untouched beyond the neutral zone.
RULE 2-3/DEFINITIONS
FR-43
b. Afair catch of a free kick is a catch by a player of Team B who has made
a valid signal during an untouched free kick.
c. A valid or invalid fair catch signal deprives the receiving team of the
opportunity to advance the ball, and the ball is declared dead at the spot
of the catch or recovery or at the spot of the signal if the catch precedes
the signal (Rule 6-5-1-a Exception).
d. If the receiver shades his eyes from the sun, the ball is live and may be
advanced.
Valid Signal
ARTICLE 2. Avalid signal is a signal given by a player of Team B who has
obviously signalled his intention by extending one hand only clearly above
his head and waving that hand from side to side of his body more than
once.
Invalid Signal
ARTICLE 3. An invalid signal is any signal by a player of Team B that does
not meet the requirements of a valid signal (Rule 6-5-3).
SECTION 8. Forward, Beyond and
Forward Progress
Forward, Beyond
ARTICLE 1. Forward, beyond or in advance of, as related to either team,
denotes direction toward the opponent’s end line. Converse terms are
backward or behind.
Forward Progress
ARTICLE 2. Forward progress is a term indicating the end of advancement
by the runner or airborne pass receiver of either team and applies to the
position of the ball when it became dead by rule (Rules 4-1-3-a, b and p;
Rules 4-2-1 and 4; and Rule 5-1-3-a Exception) (A.R. 5-1-3-I-VI and A.R. 8-
2-1-I-IV).
SECTION 9. Foul and Violation
ARTICLE 1. A foul is a rule infraction for which a penalty is prescribed. A
flagrant personal foul is a rule infraction so extreme or deliberate that it
places an opponent in danger of catastrophic injury. A violation is a rule
infraction for which no penalty is prescribed and does not offset the penalty
for a foul.
RULE 2-7/DEFINITIONS
FR-44
SECTION 10. Fumbling, Muffing, Batting,
Touching or Blocking a Kick
Fumble
ARTICLE 1. A fumble is any act other than passing, kicking or successful
handing that results in loss of player possession (A.R. 2-19-2-I, A.R. 4-1-3-I
and A.R. 7-2-2-I).
Muff
ARTICLE 2. A muff is an unsuccessful attempt to catch or recover a ball
that is touched in the attempt.
Batting
ARTICLE 3. Batting the ball is intentionally striking it or intentionally
changing its direction with a hand or arm.
Touching
ARTICLE 4. Touching of a ball not in player possession denotes any contact
with the ball (Exceptions: Rules 6-1-4-a and b and 6-3-4-a and b). It may
be intentional or unintentional, and it always precedes possession and control.
Intentional touching is deliberate or intended touching. When in question,
a ball has not been touched on a kick or forward pass.
Blocking a Scrimmage Kick
ARTICLE 5. Blocking a scrimmage kick is touching the ball by an opponent
of the kicking team in an attempt to prevent the ball from advancing
beyond the neutral zone (Rule 6-3-1-b).
SECTION 11. Lines
Goal Lines
ARTICLE 1. Each goal line is part of a vertical plane separating an end zone
from the field of play when the ball is touched or is in player possession.
The plane extends beyond the sidelines (Exception: Rule 4-2-4-e). Ateam’s
goal line is that which it is defending (A.R. 2-11-1-I).
Restraining Lines
ARTICLE 2. A restraining line is part of a vertical plane when a ball is
touched or is in possession. The plane extends beyond the sidelines (A.R.
2-11-2-I).
Yard Lines
ARTICLE 3. A yard line is any line in the field of play parallel to the end
lines. A team’s own yard lines, marked or unmarked, are numbered consecutively
from its own goal line to the 50-yard line.
RULE 2-10/DEFINITIONS
FR-45
Inbounds Lines (Hash Marks)
ARTICLE 4. The two inbounds lines are 60 feet from the sidelines. Inbounds
lines and short yard-line extensions shall measure 24 inches in
length.
Out of Bounds Lines
ARTICLE 5. The area enclosed by the sidelines and end lines is “in
bounds,’’ and the area surrounding and including the sidelines and end
lines is “out of bounds.’’
Nine-Yard Marks
ARTICLE 6. Nine-yard marks 12 inches in length, every 10 yards, shall be
located nine yards from the sidelines. They are not required if the field is
numbered according to Rule 1-2-1-i.
SECTION 12. Handing the Ball
ARTICLE 1. a. Handing the ball is transferring player possession from one
teammate to another without throwing, fumbling or kicking it.
b. Except when permitted by rule, handing the ball forward to a teammate
is illegal.
c. Loss of player possession by unsuccessful execution of attempted handing
is a fumble [Exception: The snap (Rule 2-23-1-c)].
d. A backward handoff occurs when the runner releases the ball before it
is beyond the yard line where the runner is positioned.
SECTION 13. Huddle
ARTICLE 1. A huddle is two or more players grouped together after the
ready-for-play signal and before a snap or a free kick.
SECTION 14. Hurdling
ARTICLE 1. a. Hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump with one or both
feet or knees foremost over an opponent who is still on his feet
(Exception: The runner) (Rule 9-1-2-i).
b. “On his feet’’ means that no part of the opponent’s body other than one
or both feet is in contact with the ground.
c. Hurdling an offensive player before the snap is a dead-ball foul. This
includes offensive players in a three- or four-point stance.
RULE 2-11/DEFINITIONS
FR-46 RULE 2-15/DEFINITIONS
SECTION 15. Kicks
Legal and Illegal Kicks
ARTICLE 1. Kicking the ball is intentionally striking the ball with the knee,
lower leg or foot.
When in question, a ball is accidentally touched rather than intentionally
kicked.
a. A legal kick is a punt, drop kick or place kick made according to the
rules by a player of Team Abefore a change of team possession. Kicking
the ball in any other manner is illegal (A.R. 6-1-2-I).
b. Any free kick or scrimmage kick continues to be a kick until it is caught
or recovered by a player or becomes dead.
Punt
ARTICLE 2. A punt is a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it
before it strikes the ground.
Drop Kick
ARTICLE 3. Adrop kick is a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks
it as it touches the ground.
Place Kick
ARTICLE 4. a. A field goal place kick is a kick by a player of the team in
possession while the ball is controlled on the ground by a teammate.
b. A free kick place kick is a kick by a player of the team in possession
while the ball is positioned on a tee or the ground. It may be controlled
by a teammate.
c. A tee is a device that elevates the ball for kicking purposes. It may not
elevate the ball’s lowest point more than two inches above the ground
(A.R. 2-15-4-I).
Free Kick
ARTICLE 5. Afree kick is a kick by a player of the team in possession made
under restrictions specified in Rules 4-1-4, 6-1-1 and 6-1-2.
Kickoff
ARTICLE 6. Akickoff is a free kick that starts each half and follows each try
or field goal (Exception: Extra periods). It must be a place kick or a drop
kick.
Scrimmage Kick
ARTICLE 7. Ascrimmage kick made in or behind the neutral zone is a legal
kick by Team A during a scrimmage down before team possession
changes. A scrimmage kick has crossed the neutral zone when it touches
FR-47
the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond the neutral zone
(Exception: Rule 6-3-1-b) (A.R. 6-3-1-I-V).
Return Kick
ARTICLE 8. A return kick is a kick by a player of the team in possession
after change of team possession during a down and is an illegal kick. It is
a live-ball foul, and the ball becomes dead.
Field Goal Attempt
ARTICLE 9. Afield goal attempt is any place kick or drop kick from scrimmage.
Scrimmage Kick Formation
ARTICLE 10. A scrimmage kick formation is a formation with at least one
player seven yards or more behind the neutral zone, no player in position
to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper’s legs, and it is
obvious that a kick may be attempted (A.R. 1-4-2-I and A.R. 9-1-2-XXIIXXIV).
SECTION 16. Loss of a Down
ARTICLE 1. “Loss of a down’’ is an abbreviation meaning “loss of the right
to repeat a down.’’
SECTION 17. The Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 1. The neutral zone is the space between the two lines of
scrimmage extended to the sidelines and is the length of the ball. The neutral
zone is established when the ball is ready for play and is resting on the
ground with its long axis at right angles to the scrimmage line and parallel
to the sidelines.
SECTION 18. Encroachment and Offside
Encroachment
ARTICLE 1. a. After the ball is ready for play, encroachment occurs when
an offensive player is in or beyond the neutral zone after the snapper
touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below his knees) touching the ball
before the snap (Exception: When the ball is put in play, the snapper is
not encroaching when he is in the neutral zone).
b. Encroachment occurs when players of the kicking team are not behind
their restraining line when the ball is legally free-kicked (Exception: The
kicker and holder are not encroaching when they are beyond their
restraining line).
RULE 2-15/DEFINITIONS
FR-48
Offside
ARTICLE 2. After the ball is ready for play, offside occurs when a defensive
player is in or beyond the neutral zone when the ball is legally snapped,
contacts an opponent beyond the neutral zone before the ball is snapped,
contacts the ball before it is snapped, threatens an offensive lineman (who
immediately reacts) before the ball is snapped, or is not behind his restraining
line when the ball is legally free-kicked (Rule 7-1-5-a-2) (A.R. 7-1-3-VIII
Note).
SECTION 19. Passes
Passing
ARTICLE 1. Passing the ball is throwing it. A pass continues to be a pass
until it is caught or intercepted by a player or the ball becomes dead.
Forward and Backward Pass
ARTICLE 2. a. A forward pass is determined by the point where the ball
first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond the spot
of the pass. All other passes are backward passes. When in question, it
is a forward pass rather than a backward pass when thrown in or
behind the neutral zone.
b. When a Team Aplayer is holding the ball to pass it forward toward the
neutral zone, any intentional forward movement of his arm starts the
forward pass. If a Team B player contacts the passer or ball after forward
movement begins and the ball leaves the passer’s hand, a forward pass
is ruled regardless of where the ball strikes the ground or a player (A.R.
2-19-2-I).
c. When in question, the ball is passed and not fumbled during an
attempted forward pass.
d. A snap becomes a backward pass when the snapper releases the ball
(A.R. 2-23-1-I).
Crosses Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 3. a. A legal forward pass has crossed the neutral zone when it
first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond the neutral
zone inbounds. It has not crossed the neutral zone when it first
strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything in or behind the neutral
zone inbounds.
b. A passer has crossed the neutral zone when any part of his body is
beyond the neutral zone when the ball is released.
RULE 2-18/DEFINITIONS
FR-49 RULE 2-19/DEFINITIONS
c. A legal forward pass is beyond or behind the neutral zone where it
crosses the sideline.
Catchable Forward Pass
ARTICLE 4. A catchable forward pass is an untouched legal forward pass
beyond the neutral zone to an eligible Team Aplayer who has a reasonable
opportunity to catch the ball. When in question, a legal forward pass is
catchable (A.R. 2-19-4-I and II and A.R. 7-3-8-XVIII).
SECTION 20. Penalty
ARTICLE 1. A penalty is a result imposed by rule against a team that has
committed a foul and may include one or more of the following: loss of
yardage, loss of down, automatic first down or disqualification.
SECTION 21. Scrimmage
Scrimmage
ARTICLE 1. Ascrimmage play is the action between the two teams during
a down that begins with a legal snap.
Scrimmage Line
ARTICLE 2. The scrimmage line for each team when the ball is ready for
play is the yard line and its vertical plane that passes through the point of
the ball nearest its own goal line and extends to the sidelines.
SECTION 22. Shift
ARTICLE 1. A shift is a simultaneous change of position by two or more
offensive players after the ball is ready for play for a scrimmage and before
the next snap (A.R. 7-1-3-II and III and A.R. 7-1-4-I-IV).
SECTION 23. Snapping the Ball
ARTICLE 1. a. Legally snapping the ball (a snap) is handing or passing it
backward from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous
motion of the hand or hands, the ball actually leaving the hand or hands
in this motion (Rule 4-1-4).
b. The snap starts when the ball is moved legally and ends when the ball
leaves the snapper’s hands (A.R. 7-1-5-I-II).
c. If, during any backward motion of a legal snap, the ball slips from the
snapper’s hand, it becomes a backward pass and is in play (Rule 4-1-1).
d. While resting on the ground and before the snap, the long axis of the
ball must be at right angles to the scrimmage line (Rule 7-1-3-a-1).
FR-50
e. Unless moved in a backward direction, the movement of the ball does
not start a legal snap. It is not a legal snap if the ball is first moved forward
or lifted.
f. If the ball is touched by Team B during a legal snap, the ball remains
dead and Team B is penalized. If the ball is touched by Team B during
an illegal snap, the ball remains dead and Team A is penalized (A.R. 7-
1-5-I-II).
g. The snap need not be between the snapper’s legs; but to be legal, it must
be a quick and continuous backward motion.
h. The ball must be snapped on or between the inbounds lines.
i. The position of the ball at the snap (Rule 9-1-2-e) refers to an imaginary
line through the ball parallel to the sidelines from end line to end line
(A.R. 9-1-2-IV-XI).
SECTION 24. Spearing
ARTICLE 1. Spearing is the intentional use of the helmet (including the
face mask) in an attempt to punish an opponent.
SECTION 25. Spots
Enforcement Spot
ARTICLE 1. An enforcement spot is the point from which the penalty for a
foul or violation is enforced.
Previous Spot
ARTICLE 2. The previous spot is the point from which the ball was last put
in play.
Succeeding Spot
ARTICLE 3. The succeeding spot is the point at which the ball is next to be
put in play.
Dead-Ball Spot
ARTICLE 4. The dead-ball spot is the point at which the ball became dead.
Spot of the Foul
ARTICLE 5. The spot of the foul is the point at which that foul occurs. If
out of bounds between the goal lines, it shall be the intersection of the nearer
in-bounds line and the yard line extended through the spot of the foul.
If out of bounds between the goal line and the end line or behind the end
line, the foul is in the end zone.
RULE 2-23/DEFINITIONS
FR-51
Out-of-Bounds Spot
ARTICLE 6. The out-of-bounds spot is the point at which, according to the
rule, the ball becomes dead because of going or being declared out of
bounds.
Inbounds Spot
ARTICLE 7. The inbounds spot is the intersection of the nearer inbounds
line and the yard line passing through the dead-ball spot, or the spot where
the ball is left between an inbounds line and a sideline by a penalty.
Spot Where Run Ends
ARTICLE 8. The spot where the run ends is at that point:
a. Where the ball is declared dead in player possession.
b. Where player possession is lost on a fumble.
c. Where a legal (or illegal) handing of the ball occurs.
d. Where an illegal forward pass is thrown.
e. Where a backward pass is thrown.
f. Where an illegal scrimmage kick is made beyond the line of scrimmage.
g. Where a return kick occurs.
Spot Where Kick Ends
ARTICLE 9. A scrimmage kick that crosses the neutral zone ends at the
spot where possession is gained or regained or the ball is declared dead by
rule.
Exceptions:
1. When a kick ends in Team B’s end zone, the postscrimmage kick spot
is Team B’s 20-yard line.
2. On an unsuccessful field goal attempt that has crossed the neutral
zone and is untouched by Team B after crossing the neutral zone and
declared dead beyond the neutral zone, the postscrimmage kick spot
is the previous spot. If the previous spot is between Team B’s 20-yard
line and the goal line, and the unsuccessful field goal attempt that
has crossed the neutral zone and is untouched by Team B after crossing
the neutral zone, and is declared dead beyond the neutral zone,
the spot where the kick ends is the 20-yard line (A.R. 10-2-2-XXV).
3. When Rule 6-3-11 is in effect, the postscrimmage kick spot is the
20-yard line.
RULE 2-25/DEFINITIONS
FR-52
Basic Spot
ARTICLE 10. When “basic spot’’ is stated in a penalty, fouls during a running
play, a legal pass play or a legal kick play are penalized from the
“basic spot.’’ Fouls by the offensive team behind the “basic spot’’ are
enforced from the spot of the foul.
The following are the basic spots for enforcement on running plays, forward
pass plays and legal kick plays:
a. The basic spot on running plays when the run ends beyond the neutral
zone is the spot where the related run ends, and fouls by the offensive
team behind the basic spot are spot fouls (Rules 2-30-4 and 10-2-2-c-1)
(Exceptions: Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding,
illegal block and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are enforced
from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal
line).
b. The basic spot on running plays when the run ends behind the neutral
zone is the previous spot, and fouls by the offensive team behind the
basic spot are spot fouls (Rules 2-30-4 and 10-2-2-c-2) (Exceptions:
Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding, illegal block
and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are enforced from the previous
spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line).
c. The basic spot on running plays that occur when there is no neutral
zone (interception runbacks, kick runbacks, fumble advances, etc.) is
the spot where the related run ends, and fouls by the offensive team
behind the basic spot are spot fouls (Rules 2-30-4 and 10-2-2-c-3)
(Exceptions: Rule 8-5-1 Exceptions).
d. The basic spot on legal forward pass plays is the previous spot, and
fouls by the offensive team behind the basic spot are spot fouls (Rules
2-30-1 and 10-2-2-d).
Exceptions:
1. Defensive pass interference may be a spot foul.
2. Enforce roughing the passer on a completed forward pass from the
end of the last run when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is
no change of team possession during the down (A.R. 2-30-4-I and II).
3. Enforce illegal-touching fouls from the previous spot.
4. Enforce offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding, illegal
block and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, from the previous
spot (Exception: Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line).
RULE 2-25/DEFINITIONS
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e. The basic spot on legal kick plays before a change of possession is the
previous spot, and fouls by the offensive team behind the basic spot are
spot fouls (Exceptions: Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands,
holding, illegal block and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are
enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team
A’s goal line) (Rules 2-30-2 and 3 and 10-2-2-e) (Rule 9-1-3-b on scrimmage
kicks).
Postscrimmage Kick Spot
ARTICLE 11. The postscrimmage kick spot is the spot where the kick ends.
Team B retains the ball after penalty enforcement from the postscrimmage
kick spot. Team B fouls behind the postscrimmage kick spot are spot fouls
(Rule 10-2-2-e Exception 3).
SECTION 26. Tackling
ARTICLE 1. Tackling is grasping or encircling an opponent with a hand(s)
or arm(s).
SECTION 27. Team and Player Designations
Teams A and B
ARTICLE 1. Team A is the team that is designated to put the ball in play,
and it retains that designation until the ball is next declared ready for play.
Team B designates the opponent.
Offensive and Defensive Teams
ARTICLE 2. The offensive team is the team in possession or the team to
which the ball belongs; the defensive team is the opposing team.
Kicker and Holder
ARTICLE 3. a. The kicker is any player who punts, drop kicks or place
kicks according to rule. He remains the kicker until he has had a reasonable
time to regain his balance.
b. Aholder is a player who controls the ball on the ground or on a kicking
tee. During a scrimmage-kick play, he remains the holder until no
player is in position to make the kick or, if the ball is kicked, until the
kicker has had a reasonable time to regain his balance.
Lineman and Back
ARTICLE 4. a. Any Team A player in one of the following positions is a
lineman.
1. Alineman is any Team Aplayer legally on his scrimmage line when
the ball is snapped. An interior lineman is any Team A player legal-
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ly on his scrimmage line and positioned between the end Team A
players who are also on the line of scrimmage at the snap. An ineligible
pass receiver of Team A is “on his scrimmage line’’ at the snap
when he faces his opponent’s goal line with the line of his shoulders
parallel thereto and his head breaking the plane of the line drawn
through the waistline of the snapper.
2. An eligible pass receiver of Team Ais “on his scrimmage line’’ at the
snap when he faces his opponent’s goal line with the line of his
shoulders approximately parallel thereto and his head breaking the
plane of the line drawn through the waistline of the snapper.
3. A Team A player also is a lineman when, after the ball is ready for
play and the snapper touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below his
knees) touching the ball, his head breaks the plane of the line drawn
through the waistline of the snapper (Exception: Rule 7-1-3-b-1).
b. Aback is any Team Aplayer whose head or body does not break the plane
of the line drawn through the rear-most part, other than the legs or feet, of
the nearest Team A player (except the snapper) on the line of scrimmage
when the ball is snapped. Alineman becomes a back before the snap when
he moves to a position as a back and stops (A.R. 2-27-4-I).
Passer
ARTICLE 5. The passer is the player who throws a legal forward pass. He
is a passer from the time he releases the ball until it is complete, incomplete
or intercepted or he moves to participate in the play (A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIII).
Player
ARTICLE 6. a. A player is any one of the participants in the game who is
not a substitute or a replaced player and is subject to the rules when
inbounds or out of bounds.
b. An airborne player is a player not in contact with the ground.
Runner
ARTICLE 7. The runner is a player in possession of a live ball or simulating
possession of a live ball. Rules 4-1-3-a, b, o and q apply only to a runner
in possession of a live ball.
Snapper
ARTICLE 8. The snapper is the player who snaps the ball. He becomes the
snapper when he assumes his position and touches or simulates (hand[s]
at or below his knees) touching the ball (Rule 7-1-3-a-1).
RULE 2-27/DEFINITIONS
FR-55
Substitute
ARTICLE 9. a. A legal substitute is a replacement for a player or a player
vacancy during the interval between downs.
b. A legal incoming substitute becomes a player when he enters the field
of play or end zones and communicates with a teammate or an official,
enters the huddle, is positioned in an offensive or a defensive formation,
or participates in a play.
Replaced Player
ARTICLE 10. A replaced player is one who participated during the previous
down, has been replaced by a substitute and has left the field of play
and the end zones.
Player Vacancy
ARTICLE 11. Aplayer vacancy occurs when a team has fewer than 11 players
in the game.
Disqualified Player
ARTICLE 12. Adisqualified player is one who is declared ineligible for further
participation in the game.
Squad Member
ARTICLE 13. A squad member is part of a group of potential players, in
uniform, organized for participation in the ensuing football game or football
plays.
SECTION 28. Tripping
ARTICLE 1. Tripping is intentionally using the lower leg or foot to obstruct
an opponent (except the runner) below the knees.
SECTION 29. Timing Devices
Game Clock
ARTICLE 1. The game clock is any device under the direction of the appropriate
official used to time the 60 minutes of the game.
25-Second Clock
ARTICLE 2. The 25-second clock is any device under the direction of the
appropriate official used to time the 25 seconds between the ready-for-play
signal and the ball being put in play. The type of device is determined by
the game management.
RULE 2-27/DEFINITIONS
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SECTION 30. Play Classification
Forward Pass Play
ARTICLE 1. Alegal forward pass play is the interval between the snap and
when a legal forward pass is complete, incomplete or intercepted.
Free Kick Play
ARTICLE 2. Afree kick play is the interval from the time the ball is legally
kicked until it comes into player possession or is declared dead by
rule.
Scrimmage Kick Play and Field Goal Play
ARTICLE 3. A scrimmage kick play or field goal play is the interval
between the snap and when a scrimmage kick comes into player possession
or the ball is declared dead by rule.
Running Play
ARTICLE 4. A running play is any live-ball action other than that which
occurs before player possession is reestablished during a free kick play, a
scrimmage kick play or a legal forward pass play.
a. Arunning play includes the spot where the run ends and the interval of
any subsequent fumble or backward or illegal pass from the time the
run ends until possession is gained or regained or the ball is declared
dead by rule (A.R. 2-30-4-I and II).
1. There may be more than one running play during a down if player
possession is gained or regained beyond the neutral zone.
2. There may not be more than one running play behind the neutral
zone if no change of team possession occurs.
b. A run is that segment of a running play before player possession is
lost.
SECTION 31. Field Areas
The Field
ARTICLE 1. The field is the area within the limit lines and includes the
limit lines and team areas, and the space above it (Exception: Enclosures
over the field).
RULE 2-30/DEFINITIONS
FR-57 RULE 2-31/DEFINITIONS
Field of Play
ARTICLE 2. The field of play is the area within the boundary lines other
than the end zones.
End Zones
ARTICLE 3. The end zones are the 10-yard areas at both ends of the field
between the end lines and the goal lines. The goal lines and goal line
pylons are in the end zone, and a team’s end zone is the one it is defending
(A.R. 8-5-1-X and A.R. 8-6-1-I).
Playing Surface
ARTICLE 4. The playing surface is the material or substance within the
field.
Playing Enclosure
ARTICLE 5. The playing enclosure is that area bounded by the stadium,
dome, stands, fences or other structures (Exception: Scoreboards are not
considered within the playing enclosure).
SECTION 32. Fighting
ARTICLE 1. Fighting is any attempt by a player, coach or squad member
in uniform to strike an opponent in a combative manner unrelated to football.
Such acts include, but are not limited to:
a. An attempt to strike an opponent with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s) or foot
(feet), whether or not there is contact.
b. An unsportsmanlike act toward an opponent that causes an opponent
to retaliate by fighting (Rules 9-2-1-a and 9-5-1-a-c).
SECTION 1. Start of Each Period
First and Third Periods
ARTICLE 1. Each half shall start with a kickoff. Three minutes before the
scheduled starting time, the referee shall toss a coin at midfield in the presence
of no more than four field captains from each team and another game
official, first designating the field captain of the visiting team to call the
coin toss.
During the coin toss, each team shall remain in the area between the
nine-yard marks and its sideline or in the team area. The coin toss begins
when the field captains leave the nine-yard marks and ends when the referee
has finished indicating the teams’ choices.
PENALTY—Five yards from the succeeding spot [S19].
a. The winner of the toss shall choose one of the following options for the
first or second half at the beginning of the half selected:
1. To designate which team shall kick off.
2. To designate which goal line his team shall defend.
b. The loser shall choose one of the above options for the half the winner
of the toss did not select.
c. The team not having the choice of options for a half shall exercise the
option not chosen by the opponent.
d. If the winner of the toss selects the second-half option, the referee shall
use [S10].
Second and Fourth Periods
ARTICLE 2. Between the first and second periods and also between the
third and fourth periods, the teams shall defend opposite goal lines.
RULE 3
Periods, Time Factors and Substitutions
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FR-59
a. The ball shall be relocated at a spot corresponding exactly, in relation to
goal lines and sidelines, to its location at the end of the preceding period.
b. Possession of the ball, the number of the down and the distance to be
gained shall remain unchanged.
Extra Periods
ARTICLE 3. The NCAA tiebreaker system will be used when a game is tied
after four periods. NCAA football-playing rules apply, with the following
exceptions:
a. Immediately after the conclusion of the fourth quarter, officials will
instruct both teams to retire to their respective team areas. The officials
will assemble at the 50-yard line and review the tiebreaker procedures.
b. The officials will escort the captains (Rule 3-1-1) to the center of the field
for the coin toss. The referee shall toss a coin at midfield in the presence of
no more than four field captains from each team and another game official,
first designating the field captain of the visiting team to call the coin
toss. The winner of the toss shall choose one of the following options:
1. Offense or defense, with the offense at the opponent’s 25-yard line to
start the first series.
2. Which end of the field shall be used for both series of that overtime
period.
Note: The winner of the toss may not defer his choice.
c. The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first
extra period and shall have the first choice of the two options for subsequent
even-numbered extra periods.
d. Extra periods: An extra period shall consist of two series with each team
putting the ball in play by a snap on or between the inbounds lines on
the designated 25-yard line, which becomes the opponent’s 25-yard
line. The snap shall be from midway between the inbounds lines on the
25-yard line, unless a different position on or between the inbounds
lines is selected before the ready-for-play signal. After the ready-forplay
signal, the ball may be relocated after a charged team timeout,
unless preceded by a Team Afoul or offsetting penalties.
e. Team series: Each team retains the ball during a series until it scores or
fails to make a first down. The ball remains alive after a change of team
possession until it is declared dead. However, Team A may not have a
first and 10 if it again possesses the ball after a change of team possession.
Team Aand B designations are the same as defined in Rule 2-27-1.
RULE 3-1/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
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EXAMPLES:
1. After each team has put the ball in play by snap at the beginning of its series, the score is
tied or there has been no score. RULING: Begin the second extra period with the loser of
the toss at the beginning of the first extra period having the choice of the two options.
2. Other than on the try, Team B intercepts a pass or fumble for a touchdown or recovers a
fumble or a backward pass and scores a touchdown. RULING: Period and game are
ended, and Team B is the winner.
3. During the first series of a period, Team B intercepts a pass or fumble or recovers a fumble
or a backward pass and does not score a touchdown. RULING: Team A series is
ended and Team B, which becomes Team A, starts its series of that period.
4. During the first series of a period, Team A attempts a field goal and the kick is blocked.
Team Arecovers the kick, which never was beyond the neutral zone, and runs for a touchdown.
RULING: Six points for Team A, and Team B begins its series of the period after
the try.
5. Team A attempts a field goal and the kick is blocked. Team A recovers the kick, which
never was beyond the neutral zone, and runs for a first down. RULING: Team A’s ball,
first and 10.
6. Team Aattempts a field goal on first, second or third down, and the kick is blocked. Team
Arecovers the kick, which never crossed the neutral zone, and does not gain a first down.
RULING: Team A’s ball, next down.
7. Team A attempts a field goal and the kick is blocked. Team B recovers the kick and runs
it into Team A’s end zone. RULING: Touchdown, game is ended.
8. During the first series of a period, Team B—after gaining possession—loses possession to
Team A, which scores a touchdown. RULING: The score counts, and Team B begins its
series of the period after the try.
9. During the first series of a period, Team B—after gaining possession—loses possession to
Team A, which fails to score a touchdown. RULING: Team Aseries is ended, and Team B
begins its series of that period.
10. During the first series of a period, Team A fumbles into Team B’s end zone on second
down of a series. Team B recovers and downs the ball in its end zone. RULING: Team A
series of that period is ended. Team B series of the period begins.
11. During the first series of a period, B10 intercepts a forward pass on his three-yard line and
downs the ball in his end zone (no momentum involved). RULING: Score two points for
Team A. Team A’s series is over. Team B will put the ball in play, first and 10 on the 25-yard
line at the same end of the field.
12. Team A’s field-goal attempt is untouched beyond the neutral zone until it is muffed by
B17 at the five-yard line. A75 recovers at the three-yard line. RULING: First down for
Team Aat the three-yard line.
f. Scoring: The team scoring the greater number of points during the regulation
and extra periods shall be declared the winner. There shall be an
equal number of series, as defined in (e) above, in each extra period,
except if Team B scores during a period other than on the try. Beginning
with the third extra period, teams scoring a touchdown must attempt a
RULE 3-1/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
FR-61
two-point try. A one-point try by Team A (although not illegal) will not
score a point.
EXAMPLES:
1. On the first possession of a period, Team Ascores a touchdown. On the try, Team B intercepts
a pass and returns it for a two-point touchdown. RULING: Team B is awarded the
ball on the 25-yard line to start its series of the period with the overtime score 6-2.
2. If a touchdown is scored that determines the winning team in an extra period, the try is
canceled.
g. Fouls after Team B possession:
1. Distance penalties by either team are declined by rule in extra periods
(Exceptions: Dead-ball fouls, live-ball fouls penalized as deadball
fouls and flagrant personal fouls are enforced on the succeeding
play).
2. Scores by fouling teams are canceled.
3. If there are offsetting fouls, whether one or both occur after Team B
possession, the down is not replayed.
EXAMPLES:
1. After the end of the first series of a period by Team A, Team B commits a dead-ball foul.
RULING: Team B starts its series on the 40-yard line, first and 10.
2. During the first series of a period, Team Apasses and a Team Aback is illegally in motion
during the down. The pass is intercepted, and Team B commits a foul before scoring a
touchdown. RULING: Score not allowed. The series is ended, and Team B begins its series
on the 25-yard line.
3. During the second series of a period, Team B intercepts a pass and runs for a touchdown.
During the run, Team B clips at midfield. RULING: Nullify the score, and if the score is
tied, the next period will start with first and 10 at the 25-yard line.
h. Timeouts: Each team shall be allowed one timeout for each extra period.
Timeouts not used during the regulation periods may not be carried
over into the extra period(s). Unused extra-period timeouts may not be
carried over to other extra periods. Timeouts between periods shall be
charged to the succeeding period.
Radio and television timeouts are permitted only between extra periods
(first and second, second and third, etc.). Charged team timeouts may
not be extended for radio and television purposes. The extra period(s)
begins when the ball is first snapped.
SECTION 2. Playing Time and Intermissions
Length of Periods and Intermissions
ARTICLE 1. The total playing time in a collegiate game shall be 60 minutes,
divided into four periods of 15 minutes each, with one-minute intermis-
RULE 3-1/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
sions between the first and second periods (first half) and between the third
and fourth periods (second half) (Exception: A one-minute intermission
between the first and second and the third and fourth periods may be
extended for radio and television timeouts).
a. No period shall end until the ball is dead and the referee declares the
period ended [S14].
b. The intermission between halves, which begins when the field is clear
of all players and coaches, shall be 20 minutes.
c. The 20-minute intermission between halves may start immediately
after the second period ends if dictated by conference policy when both
teams are in the same conference, or by mutual agreement of the competing
teams.
Timing Adjustments
ARTICLE 2. Before the game starts, playing time and the intermission
between halves may be shortened by the referee if he is of the opinion that
darkness may interfere with the game. The four periods must be of equal
length if the game is shortened before its start.
a. Any time during the game, the playing time of any remaining period or
periods and the intermission between halves may be shortened by
mutual agreement of the opposing head coaches and the referee.
b. Timing errors on the game clock may be corrected but shall be corrected
only in the period in which they occur.
c. If the referee has positive knowledge of the elapsed time, he will reset
and appropriately start the game clock.
d. Timing errors on a 25-second clock may be corrected by the referee. The
25-second clock shall start again.
e. When the 25-second count is interrupted by circumstances beyond the
control of either team, a new 25-second count shall be started and the
game clock shall start on the snap.
f. The 25-second clock is not started when the game clock is running with
fewer than 25 seconds in a period.
g. The game clock should not be stopped if the 25-second clock is started
in conflict with Rule 3-2-2-f.
Extension of Periods
ARTICLE 3. Aperiod shall be extended until a down (other than a try), free
from live-ball fouls not penalized as dead-ball fouls, has been played when:
FR-62 RULE 3-2/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
FR-63
a. Apenalty is accepted for a live-ball foul(s) not penalized as a dead-ball
foul that occurs during a down in which time expires (Exception: Rule
10-2-2-g-1) (A.R. 3-2-3-I-VIII).
b. Offsetting fouls occur during a down in which time expires.
c. An inadvertent whistle is sounded or an official signals the ball dead
during a down in which time expires.
Timing Devices
ARTICLE 4. a. Playing time shall be kept with a game clock that may be
either a stop watch operated by the line judge, back judge, field judge
or side judge, or a game clock operated by an assistant under the direction
of the appropriate judge. The type of game clock shall be determined
by the game management.
b. The 25 seconds between the ready-for-play signal and the ball being put
in play shall be timed with a watch operated by the appropriate official
or with 25-second clocks at each end of the playing enclosure operated
by an assistant under the direction of the appropriate official. Visual
25-second clocks are mandatory (Exception: Visual 25-second clocks are
not mandatory for games played on the home field of an NCAA
Division III institution).
c. If a visual 25-second timing device becomes inoperative, both coaches
shall be notified by the referee immediately and both clocks shall be
turned off.
When Clock Starts
ARTICLE 5. When the ball is free-kicked, the game clock shall be started
when the ball is touched legally in the field of play or crosses the goal line
after being touched legally by Team B in its end zone. On a scrimmage
down, the game clock shall be started when the ball is snapped legally or
on prior signal by the referee. The game clock shall not run during a try,
during an extension of a period or during an extra period (A.R. 3-2-5-I-IV).
a. When the clock has been stopped, the referee shall declare the ball ready
for play (Rule 11-2-1-c) and the clock shall start on the snap unless it was
stopped because of one of the following situations (A.R. 7-3-2-I and A.R.
7-3-7-II):
1. When Team A is awarded a first down (Exception: After a legal
kick).
2. For a referee’s timeout for an injured player or official, or when the
runner’s helmet comes off, or for an extended timeout for radio or
television.
RULE 3-2/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
3. At the referee’s discretion (Rules 3-2-2-c and 3-4-3) (A.R. 3-3-2-II-IV).
4. To complete a penalty (Exception: After a delay foul by Team A
while in scrimmage-kick formation).
5. For an inadvertent whistle (Exception: During a legal kick).
6. For a head coach’s conference.
7. For a sideline warning.
8. For an illegal pass to conserve time (A.R. 7-3-2-II-VIII).
9. For a measurement.
10. For a ball in an official’s possession.
11. For a fumble out of bounds in advance of the spot of the fumble
(Exceptions: On legal kick downs and when Team B is awarded a
first down).
b. If the clock was stopped for incidents 1 through 11, it shall be started on
the ready-for-play signal.
c. If incidents 1 through 11 occur in conjunction with any other situation
that starts the clock on the snap, the clock will start on the snap.
d. The clock stops at the end of a legal kick down and starts on the snap
(Exception: When the next play is a free kick or a try).
e. When Team B is awarded a first down, the clock will be stopped and
will start on the snap.
When Clock Stops
ARTICLE 6. The game clock shall be stopped when each period ends. An
official shall signal timeout when the rules provide for stopping the clock
or when a timeout is charged to a team or to the referee (Exception: Rule
3-3-2-b). Other officials should repeat timeout signals (A.R. 3-2-6-I).
SECTION 3. Timeouts
How Charged
ARTICLE 1. a. The referee shall declare a timeout when he suspends play
for any reason. Each timeout shall be charged to one of the teams or designated
as a referee’s timeout.
b. When a team’s timeouts are exhausted and it requests a timeout, the
official should not acknowledge the request.
c. During a timeout, players shall not practice with a ball on the field of
play or the end zones (Exception: During the half-time intermission).
FR-64 RULE 3-2/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Timeout
ARTICLE 2. a. An official shall declare a referee’s timeout:
1. When there is a touchdown, field goal, touchback or safety.
2. When an injury timeout is allowed for one or more players or an
official (A.R. 3-3-2-I and A.R. 3-3-5-I-V).
3. When the clock is stopped to complete a penalty.
4. When a live ball goes out of bounds or is declared out of bounds.
5. When a forward pass becomes incomplete.
6. When Team Aor Team B is awarded a first down.
7. When an inadvertent whistle is sounded.
8. When there is a possible first-down measurement.
9. When a delay is caused by both teams (A.R. 3-3-2-II and IV).
10. When a charged timeout is granted (A.R. 3-3-4-I-IV).
11. When there is a sideline warning.
12. When the ball becomes illegal.
13. When the ball is in possession of an official.
14. When there is a mandatory equipment (Rule 1-4-4) or an illegal
equipment (Rule 1-4-5) violation.
15. When a legal kick down ends.
16. When a return kick is made.
17. When a scrimmage kick is made beyond the neutral zone.
18. When the 25-second count is interrupted by circumstances beyond
the control of either team.
19. When the runner’s helmet comes off.
b. The referee only shall declare a timeout:
1. When a head coach’s conference is requested.
2. When an unfair-noise timeout is required.
3. When a radio or television timeout is allowed.
4. When a discretionary timeout is declared.
Referee’s Discretionary Timeout
ARTICLE 3. a. The referee may suspend the game temporarily when conditions
warrant such action. The referee may declare and charge himself
with a timeout for any contingency not elsewhere covered by the rules
(A.R. 3-3-3-I and II).
FR-65 RULE 3-3/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
b. When the game is stopped by actions of a person(s) not subject to the
rules or for any other reasons not in the rules and cannot continue, the
referee shall:
1. Suspend play and direct the players to their team areas.
2. Refer the problem to those responsible for the game’s management.
3. Resume the game when he determines conditions are satisfactory.
c. If a game is suspended under Rules 3-3-3-a and b before the end of the
fourth period and cannot be resumed, conference policy shall determine
whether the game will be resumed at a later date, terminated or
forfeited (and the final score). If no conference policy is applicable to
both teams, the directors of athletics at the participating institutions or
designates, in consultation with the coaches, shall determine whether
the game will be resumed at a later date, terminated or forfeited (and
the final score).
d. If a game is suspended under Rules 3-3-3-a and b after four periods of
play and cannot be resumed, the game shall be ruled a tie. The final
score shall be the score at the end of the last completed period. (Note: If
a winner must be determined in a conference playoff game, conference
policy shall determine when and where the game will be resumed.)
e. A suspended game, if resumed, will begin with the same time remaining
and under the identical conditions of down, distance, field position
and player eligibility.
f. The referee’s discretionary timeout also applies to the following situations:
1. When there is undue delay by officials in placing the ball for the next
snap (A.R. 3-3-3-I).
2. When there is a consultation with team captains.
3. When conditions warrant temporary suspension.
4. When the offensive team believes it is unable to communicate its signals
to teammates other than players positioned more than seven
yards from the middle lineman of the offensive formation because of
crowd noise. Following are administrative procedures for unfair
noise (Rule 3-4-2-b-3):
(a) When the signal caller believes he is unable to communicate signals
to teammates because of crowd noise, he may raise his
hands and look to the referee to request a legal delay.
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(b) The referee may deny the request by pointing toward the defensive
team’s goal line or may charge himself with a timeout and
the offensive team may huddle.
(c) When the offensive team returns to the line of scrimmage, the
game clock will start on the snap. The referee shall declare the
ball ready for play by sounding his whistle with no hand signal.
The 25-second clock is not in operation (Rule 3-4-2-b-3).
(d) Should the signal caller then, or later in the game, request a second
legal delay by raising his hands and looking to the referee,
the referee will charge himself with a timeout again if, in his opinion,
the crowd noise makes it impossible to hear offensive signals.
(e) The referee then will request the defensive captain to ask the
crowd for quiet. This signals the public-address announcer to
request cooperation and courtesy to the offensive team. The
announcer will state that the defensive team will be charged a
timeout, or be penalized five yards if timeouts are exhausted, for
the next crowd-noise infraction.
(f) When the offensive team returns to the line of scrimmage, the
game clock will start on the snap. The referee shall declare the
ball ready for play by sounding his whistle with no hand signal.
The 25-second clock is not in operation (Rule 3-4-2-b-3).
(g) If the signal caller again during the game indicates by raising his
hands and looking to the referee to request a legal crowd-noise
delay and the referee agrees, a team timeout will be charged to
the defensive team. If the defensive team has exhausted its allotment
of timeouts, a five-yard penalty is assessed.
(h) After this timeout or the penalty, the defensive team will be
penalized five yards for each unsuccessful attempt to start a
play. VIOLATION—Rules 3-3-6 and 3-4-2-b [S3 or S21].
Summary of crowd-noise procedures:
Step No. 1—Referee’s timeout.
Step No. 2—Referee’s timeout plus captain’s notification and publicaddress
announcement.
Step No. 3—Timeout or five-yard penalty if timeouts are exhausted.
Step No. 4—Five-yard penalty for each additional infraction.
RULE 3-3/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Charged Team Timeouts
ARTICLE 4. When timeouts are not exhausted, an official shall allow
a charged team timeout when requested by any player or head
coach when the ball is dead (A.R. 3-3-4-I and II).
a. Each team is entitled to three charged team timeouts during each half.
b. After the ball is declared dead and before the snap, a legal substitute
may request a timeout if he is between the nine-yard marks (A.R.
3-3-4-III and IV).
c. A player who participated during the previous down may request a
timeout between the time the ball is declared dead and the snap without
being between the nine-yard marks (A.R. 3-3-4-I and II).
d. A head coach who is in, or in the vicinity of, his team area or coaching
box may request a timeout between the time the ball is declared dead
and the next snap.
e. Aplayer, incoming substitute or head coach may request a head coach’s
conference with the referee, if the coach believes a rule has been enforced
improperly. If the rule enforcement is not changed, the coach’s
team will be charged a timeout, or a delay penalty if all timeouts have
been used.
1. Only the referee may stop the clock for a head coach’s conference.
2. Arequest for a head coach’s conference must be made before the ball
is snapped or free-kicked for the next play and before the end of the
second or fourth period (Rules 5-2-10 and 11-1-1).
3. After a head coach’s conference, the full team timeout is granted if
charged by the referee.
Injury Timeout
ARTICLE 5. a. In the event of an injured player(s):
1. The referee may charge himself a timeout provided the player(s) for
whom the timeout is taken is removed from the game for at least one
down.
2. The player(s) may remain in the game if his team is charged a timeout
in the interval between downs or the period ends.
3. After a team’s charged timeouts have been exhausted, the injured
player(s) must leave for one down.
FR-68 RULE 3-3/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
FR-69
4. Whenever a participant suffers a laceration or wound where oozing
or bleeding occurs, the player or game official shall go to the team
area and be given appropriate medical treatment. He may not return
to the game without approval of medical personnel (A.R. 3-3-5-I-VII).
b. Any official may stop the clock for an injured player(s). When in question,
the clock shall be stopped for an injured player.
c. To curtail a possible time-gaining advantage by feigning injuries, attention
is directed to the strongly worded statement (page FR-14) in The
Football Code concerning the feigning of any injury.
d. An injury timeout may follow a charged team timeout.
e. The referee may charge himself with a timeout for an injured official.
Violation Timeouts
ARTICLE 6. For noncompliance with Rules 1-4-4, 1-4-5 or 9-2-2-d during a
down, or noncompliance with Rules 1-4-5-r, 1-4-6-b, 3-3-3-f-4-(g) or 3-3-4-e
while the ball is dead, a timeout shall be charged to a team at the succeeding
spot (Rule 3-4-2-b).
Length of Timeouts
ARTICLE 7. a. A charged team timeout requested by any player or head
coach shall not exceed one minute, 30 seconds (Exception: Rule 3-3-4-e-
3). Any charged team timeout shall be 30 seconds in duration upon a
visual signal of the hands touching the shoulders, made by the head
coach of the team requesting the timeout. The signal must be made
promptly after the timeout is requested. Other timeouts shall be no
longer than the referee deems necessary to fulfill the purpose for which
they are declared, including a radio or TV timeout, but any timeout may
be extended by the referee for the benefit of an injured player (Refer to
Appendix A [page FR-140] for the guidelines for game officials to use
during a serious on-field player injury).
b. If the team charged with a one-minute, 30-second team timeout wishes
to resume play before the expiration of one minute and its opponent
indicates readiness, the referee will declare the ball ready for play.
c. The length of a referee’s timeouts depends on the circumstances of each
timeout.
d. The field captain must exercise his penalty option before he or a teammate
consults with his coach on a sideline during a timeout.
e. The intermission after a safety, try or successful field goal shall be no
more than one minute. It may be extended for radio or television.
RULE 3-3/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
FR-70
Referee’s Notification
ARTICLE 8. The referee shall notify both teams 30 seconds before a
charged team timeout expires and five seconds later shall declare the ball
ready for play.
a. When a third timeout is charged to a team in either half, the referee shall
notify the field captain and head coach of that team.
b. Unless a visual game clock is the official timepiece, the referee also shall
inform each field captain and head coach when approximately two
minutes of playing time remain in each half. He may order the clock
stopped for that purpose.
1. The 25-second count is not interrupted.
2. The clock starts on the snap after the two-minute notification.
c. If a visual game clock is not the official timing device during the last two
minutes of each half, the referee or his representative shall notify each
captain and head coach of the time remaining each time the clock is
stopped by rule. Also, a representative may leave the team area along
the limit line to relay timing information under these conditions.
SECTION 4. Delays
Delaying the Start of a Half
ARTICLE 1. a. Each team shall have its players on the field for the opening
play at the scheduled time for the beginning of each half. When both
teams refuse to enter the field first for the start of either half, the home
team must be the first to enter.
PENALTY—15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21].
b. The home management is responsible for clearing the field of play and
end zones at the beginning of each half so the periods may start at the
scheduled time. Bands, speeches, presentations, homecoming and similar
activities are under the jurisdiction of home management, and a
prompt start of each half is mandatory.
PENALTY—10 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21].
Exception: The referee may waive the penalty for circumstances beyond
the control of the home management.
Illegal Delay of the Game
ARTICLE 2. a. The ball shall be declared ready for play consistently
throughout the game by the referee when the officials are in position.
Consuming more than 25 seconds to put the ball in play after it is
declared ready for play is an illegal delay.
RULE 3-3/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
FR-71 RULE 3-4/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
b. Illegal delay also includes:
1. Deliberately advancing the ball after it is dead.
2. When a team has expended its three timeouts and commits a Rule
1-4-4, 1-4-5, 1-4-6-b, 3-3-3-f-4-(g), 3-3-4-e or 9-2-2-d infraction.
3. When a team is not ready to play after an intermission between periods
(other than the half), after a score, after a radio/television/team
timeout or any time the referee orders the ball put in play (A.R. 3-4-2-I).
4. Defensive verbal tactics that disconcert offensive signals (Rule 7-1-5-
a-3).
5. Defensive actions designed to cause a false start (Rule 7-1-5-a-4).
PENALTY—Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21].
Unfair Game-Clock Tactics
ARTICLE 3. The referee shall order the game clock started or stopped whenever
either team conserves or consumes playing time by tactics obviously
unfair. This includes starting the clock on the snap if the foul is by the team
ahead in the score. The clock will start on the ready-for-play signal after an illegal
forward or backward pass that conserves time for Team A(A.R. 3-4-3-I-IV).
SECTION 5. Substitutions
Substitution Procedures
ARTICLE 1. Any number of legal substitutes for either team may enter the
game between periods, after a score or try, or during the interval between
downs only for the purpose of replacing a player(s) or filling a player
vacancy(ies).
Legal Substitutions
ARTICLE 2. A legal substitute may replace a player or fill a player vacancy
provided none of the following restrictions is violated:
a. No incoming substitute shall enter the field of play or an end zone while
the ball is in play (live-ball foul) [S22].
b. No player, in excess of 11, shall leave the field of play or an end zone
while the ball is in play (A.R. 3-5-2-I) (live-ball foul) [S22].
c. An incoming legal substitute must enter the field of play directly from
his team area, and a substitute, player or replaced player leaving must
depart at the sideline nearest his team area and proceed to his team area.
A player who is replaced must immediately leave the field of play,
including the end zones. A departing player who leaves the huddle or
FR-72
his position within three seconds, after a substitute becomes a player, is
considered to have left immediately. Team A may not break its huddle
with 12 or more players (A.R. 3-5-2-II-VIII, A.R. 9-1-4-VI-VIII and A.R.
9-2-2-IV) (dead-ball foul) [S7 and S22].
d. Substitutes who become players must remain in the game for one play
and replaced players must remain out of the game for one play, except
during the interval between periods, after a score, or when a timeout is
charged to a team or to the referee with the exception of a live-ball out of
bounds or an incomplete forward pass (A.R. 3-5-2-VI) (live-ball foul) [S22].
PENALTY—If the ball is dead: Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7
and S22]; otherwise, five yards from the previous spot
[S22].
e. While in the process of substitution or simulated substitution,
Team A is prohibited from rushing quickly to the line of scrimmage
with the obvious attempt of creating a defensive disadvantage. If
the ball has been declared ready for play, the game officials will
not permit the ball to be snapped until Team B has placed substitutes
in position and replaced players have left the field of play.
Team B must react promptly with its substitutes.
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Delay of game on Team B for not
completing its substitutions promptly, or delay of
game on Team A for causing the 25-second clock to
expire. Five yards from the previous spot [S7 and
S21]. The referee will then notify the head coach
that any further use of this tactic will result in an
unsportsmanlike conduct foul.
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. An official will sound his whistle
immediately. 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7
and S27].
RULE 3-5/PERIODS, TIME FACTORS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
SECTION 1. Ball in Play—Dead Ball
Dead Ball Becomes Alive
ARTICLE 1. After a dead ball has been declared ready for play, it becomes
a live ball when it is legally snapped or legally free-kicked. Aball snapped
or free-kicked before the ready for play remains dead (A.R. 2-15-4-I, A.R. 3-
2-6-I, A.R. 4-1-4-I and II, A.R. 7-1-3-VI, and A.R. 7-1-5-I and II).
Live Ball Becomes Dead
ARTICLE 2. a. A live ball becomes a dead ball as provided in the rules or
when an official sounds his whistle (even though inadvertently) or otherwise
signals the ball dead (A.R. 4-2-1-II and A.R. 4-2-4-I).
b. If an official sounds his whistle inadvertently or otherwise signals the
ball dead during a down (Rules 4-1-3-k and m):
1. When the ball is in player possession, then the team in possession may
elect to put the ball in play where declared dead or replay the down.
2. When the ball is loose from a fumble, backward pass or illegal pass,
then the team in possession may elect to put the ball in play where
possession was lost or replay the down.
3. During a legal forward pass or a free or scrimmage kick, then the ball
is returned to the previous spot and the down replayed.
4. After Team B gains possession on the try or during an extra period,
then the try is over or the extra-period series is ended.
c. If a foul occurs during any of the above downs, the penalty shall be
administered as in any other play situation if not in conflict with other
rules (A.R. 4-1-2-I and II).
Ball Declared Dead
ARTICLE 3. Alive ball becomes dead and an official shall sound his whistle
or declare it dead:
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RULE 4
Ball in Play, Dead Ball, Out of Bounds
FR-74
a. When it goes out of bounds other than a kick that scores a field goal
after touching the uprights or crossbar, when a runner is out of bounds,
or when a runner is so held that his forward progress is stopped. When
in question, the ball is dead (A.R. 4-2-1-II).
b. When any part of the runner’s body, except his hand or foot, touches the
ground or when the runner is tackled or otherwise falls and loses possession
of the ball as he contacts the ground with any part of his body,
except his hand or foot. (Exception: The ball remains alive when an
offensive player has simulated a kick or is in position to kick the ball
held for a place kick by a teammate. The ball may be kicked, passed or
advanced by rule) (A.R. 4-1-3-I).
c. When a touchdown, touchback, safety, field goal or successful try
occurs; when Team Acompletes an illegal forward pass in Team B’s end
zone; when Team Acompletes a forward pass to an ineligible player in
Team B’s end zone; or when an unsuccessful field goal attempt that has
crossed the neutral zone and is then untouched by Team B, lands in
Team B’s end zone or out of bounds (A.R. 6-3-9-I).
d. When, during a try, a dead-ball rule applies.
e. When a player of the kicking team catches or recovers any free kick or
a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone (A.R. 4-1-3-II).
f. When a free kick, scrimmage kick or any other loose ball comes to rest
and no player attempts to secure it.
g. When a free kick or scrimmage kick (beyond the neutral zone) is caught
or recovered by any player after a valid or invalid fair-catch signal; or
when an invalid fair-catch signal is made after a catch or recovery by
Team B (Rules 2-7-1, 2-7-2 and 2-7-3).
h. When a return kick or scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone is
made.
i. When a forward pass strikes the ground.
j. When, on fourth down before a change of team possession, a Team A
fumble is caught or recovered by a Team A player other than the fumbler
(Rules 7-2-2-a and b).
k. When a live ball not in player possession touches anything inbounds
other than a player, a player’s equipment, an official, an official’s equipment
or the ground (inadvertent-whistle provisions apply).
l. When a simultaneous catch or recovery of a live ball occurs.
RULE 4-1/BALL IN PLAY, DEAD BALL, OUT OF BOUNDS
FR-75
m. When the ball becomes illegal while in play (inadvertent-whistle provisions
apply).
n. When the ball is in possession of an official.
o. When a runner simulates placing his knee on the ground.
p. When an airborne pass receiver from either team is so held and subsequently
carried that he is prevented from immediately returning to the
ground (A.R. 7-3-6-IV).
q. When a runner’s helmet comes completely off. The ball belongs to the
runner’s team at that spot.
Ball Ready for Play
ARTICLE 4. No player shall put the ball in play until it is declared ready
for play (A.R. 4-1-4-I and II).
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and
S21].
25-Second Count
ARTICLE 5. The ball shall be put in play within 25 seconds after it is
declared ready for play, unless, during that interval, play is suspended. If
play is suspended, the 25-second count will start again (Exception: Unfair
crowd-noise situations).
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and
S21].
SECTION 2. Out of Bounds
Player Out of Bounds
ARTICLE 1. a. A player or an airborne player is out of bounds when any
part of his person touches anything, other than another player or game
official, on or outside a boundary line (A.R. 4-2-1-I and II).
b. Aplayer or an airborne player who touches a pylon is out of bounds.
Held Ball Out of Bounds
ARTICLE 2. A ball in player possession is out of bounds when either the
ball or any part of the runner touches the ground or anything else that
is on or outside a boundary line except another player or game official.
Ball Out of Bounds
ARTICLE 3. a. Aball not in player possession, other than a kick that scores
a field goal, is out of bounds when it touches the ground, a player, a
game official or anything else that is on or outside a boundary line.
RULE 4-1/BALL IN PLAY, DEAD BALL, OUT OF BOUNDS
FR-76
b. Aball that touches a pylon is out of bounds behind the goal line.
c. If a live ball not in player possession crosses a boundary line and then
is declared out of bounds, it is out of bounds at the crossing point.
Out of Bounds at Forward Point
ARTICLE 4. a. If a live ball is declared out of bounds and the ball does not
cross a boundary line, it is out of bounds at the ball’s most forward
point when it was declared dead (A.R. 4-2-4-I).
b. Atouchdown may be scored if the ball is inbounds and has broken the
plane of the goal line before or simultaneous to the runner going out of
bounds.
c. Areceiver who is in the opponent’s end zone and contacting the ground
is credited with a completion if he reaches over the sideline or end line
and catches a legal pass.
d. The most forward point of the ball when declared out of bounds
between the end lines is the point of forward progress (A.R. 8-2-1-II and
A.R. 8-5-1-X).
e. When a runner dives or jumps toward the sideline and is airborne as he
crosses the sideline, forward progress is determined by the position of
the ball as it crosses the sideline (A.R. 8-2-1-III and IV).
RULE 4-2/BALL IN PLAY, DEAD BALL, OUT OF BOUNDS
SECTION 1. A Series: Started,
Broken, Renewed
When to Award Series
ARTICLE 1. a. A series of four consecutive scrimmage downs shall be
awarded to the team that is next to put the ball in play by a snap after a
free kick, touchback, fair catch or change in team possession.
b. Anew series shall be awarded to Team Aif it is in legal possession of the
ball on or beyond its line to gain when the ball is declared dead.
c. A new series shall be awarded to Team B if, after fourth down, Team A
has failed to earn a first down (A.R. 5-1-1-I and A.R. 10-1-5-III).
d. A new series shall be awarded to Team B if Team A’s scrimmage kick
goes out of bounds or comes to rest and no player attempts to secure it
(Exception: Rule 8-5-1-a) (A.R. 8-5-1-II).
e. Anew series shall be awarded to the team in legal possession:
1. If a change of team possession occurs during the down.
2. If a player of Team B first touches a scrimmage kick that has crossed
the neutral zone (Exception: When the down is replayed).
3. If an accepted penalty awards the ball to the offended team.
4. If an accepted penalty mandates a first down.
f. A new series shall be awarded to Team B whenever Team B, after a
scrimmage kick, elects to take the ball at a spot of illegal touching
(Exception: When the down is replayed) (Rules 6-3-2-a and b).
Line to Gain
ARTICLE 2. The line to gain for a series shall be established 10 yards in
advance of the most forward point of the ball; but if this line is in the opponent’s
end zone, the goal line becomes the line to gain.
FR-77
RULE 5
Series of Downs, Line to Gain
FR-78
Forward Progress
ARTICLE 3. a. The most forward point of the ball when declared dead
between the end lines shall be the determining point in measuring distance
gained or lost by either team during any down. The ball always
shall be placed with its length axis parallel to the sideline before measuring
(A.R. 8-2-1-I-IV) (Exception: When an airborne pass receiver of
either team completes a catch inbounds after an opponent has driven
him backward and the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch, the
forward progress is where the player received the ball) (Rule 4-1-3-p)
(A.R. 5-1-3-I, III, IV and VI, and A.R. 7-3-6-VI).
b. Questionable distance for a first down should be measured without
request. Unnecessary measurements to determine first downs shall not
be granted.
c. No request for a measurement shall be granted after the ball is declared
ready for play.
Continuity of Downs Broken
ARTICLE 4. The continuity of a series of scrimmage downs is broken when:
a. Team possession of the ball changes during a down.
b. A player of Team B first touches a scrimmage kick that has crossed the
neutral zone.
c. Akick goes out of bounds.
d. Akick comes to rest and no player attempts to secure it.
e. At the end of a down, Team Ahas earned a first down.
f. After fourth down, Team A has failed to earn a first down (A.R.
8-7-2-VIII and IX and A.R. 10-1-6-II).
g. An accepted penalty mandates a first down.
h. There is a score.
i. Atouchback is awarded to either team.
j. The second period ends.
k. The fourth period ends.
RULE 5-1/SERIES OF DOWNS, LINE TO GAIN
FR-79
SECTION 2. Down and Possession
After a Penalty
Foul During Free Kick Down
ARTICLE 1. When a scrimmage follows the penalty for a foul committed
during a free kick down, the down and distance established by that penalty
shall be first down with a new line to gain.
Penalty Resulting in First Down
ARTICLE 2. It is a first down with a new line to gain:
a. After a penalty that leaves the ball in possession of Team A beyond its
line to gain.
b. When a penalty mandates a first down (A.R. 5-2-2-I).
Foul Before Change of Team Possession
ARTICLE 3. After a distance penalty between the goal lines incurred during
a scrimmage down and before any change of team possession during
that down, the ball belongs to Team A and the down shall be repeated,
unless the penalty also involves loss of a down, mandates a first down, or
leaves the ball on or beyond the line to gain (Exceptions: Rules 10-2-2-e
Exception 3 and 10-2-2-g).
If the penalty involves loss of a down, the down shall count as one of the
four in that series (A.R. 5-2-3-I and II, A.R. 10-1-6-IV, and A.R. 10-2-2-IX).
Foul After Change of Team Possession
ARTICLE 4. If a distance penalty is accepted for a foul incurred during a
down after change of team possession, the ball belongs to the team in possession
when the foul occurred. The down and distance established by any
distance penalty incurred after change of team possession during that
down shall be first down with a new line to gain (Exception: Rule 10-2-2-
g-1) (A.R. 5-2-4-I).
Penalty Declined
ARTICLE 5. If a penalty is declined, the number of the next down shall be
whatever it would have been if that foul had not occurred.
Foul Between Downs
ARTICLE 6. After a distance penalty incurred between downs, the number
of the next down shall be the same as that established before the foul
occurred, unless enforcement for a foul by Team B leaves the ball on or
beyond the line to gain or a penalty mandates a first down (Rules 9-1-1 and
9-1-2) (A.R. 5-2-6-I and II and A.R. 10-1-5-I-VI).
RULE 5-2/SERIES OF DOWNS, LINE TO GAIN
FR-80
Foul Between Series
ARTICLE 7. The penalty for any dead-ball foul (including live-ball fouls
penalized as dead-ball fouls and fouls after a free kick down) incurred after
a series ends and before the next ready-for-play signal shall be enforced
before the line to gain is established. The penalty for any dead-ball foul
incurred after the ready-for-play signal shall be enforced after the line to
gain is established (A.R. 5-2-7-I-VI).
Fouls by Both Teams
ARTICLE 8. If offsetting fouls occur during a down, that down shall be
repeated (Rule 10-1-4 Exceptions) (A.R. 10-1-4-II-X).
Fouls During a Loose Ball
ARTICLE 9. Live-ball fouls not penalized as dead-ball fouls when the ball
is loose shall be penalized from the basic or previous spot (Exception: Rule
10-2-2-g-1) (Rules 10-2-2-c, d, e and f) (A.R. 10-2-2-IV-IX).
Rule Decisions Final
ARTICLE 10. No rule decision may be changed after the ball is next legally
snapped, legally free-kicked or the second or fourth periods have ended
(Rules 3-2-1-a, 3-3-4-e-2 and 11-1-1).
RULE 5-2/SERIES OF DOWNS, LINE TO GAIN
SECTION 1. Free Kicks
Restraining Lines
ARTICLE 1. For any free kick formation, the kicking team’s restraining line
shall be the yard line through the most forward point from which the ball
shall be kicked, and the receiving team’s restraining line shall be the yard
line 10 yards beyond that point. Unless relocated by a penalty, the kicking
team’s restraining line on a kickoff shall be its 35-yard line, and for a free
kick after a safety, its 20-yard line.
Free Kick Formation
ARTICLE 2. A ball from a free kick formation must be kicked legally and
from some point on Team A’s restraining line and on or between the
inbounds lines. After the ball is ready for play and for any reason it falls
from the tee, Team A shall not kick the ball and the official shall sound his
whistle immediately. When the ball is kicked (A.R. 6-1-2-I-IV):
a. Each Team A player, except the holder and kicker of a place kick, must
be behind the ball (A.R. 6-1-2-V and VI) [S19].
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot, five
yards from the spot where the dead ball belongs to
Team B after Team B’s run, or the spot where the ball
is placed after a touchback [S19].
b. All players of each team must be inbounds [S18 or S19].
c. At least four Team Aplayers must be on each side of the kicker [S19].
d. After a safety, when a punt or drop kick is used, the ball may be kicked
from behind the kicking team’s restraining line. If a yardage penalty for
a live-ball foul is enforced from the previous spot, administration is
from the 20-yard line, unless the kicking team’s restraining line has been
relocated by a previous penalty [S19].
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RULE 6
Kicks
FR-82
e. All Team B players must be behind their restraining line [S18].
f. All players of Team A must have been between the nine-yard marks
after the ready-for-play signal [S19].
g. ATeam Aplayer who goes out of bounds during a free kick down may
not return inbounds during the down (Exception: This does not apply
to a Team Aplayer who is blocked out of bounds and attempts to return
inbounds immediately) [S19].
h. No Team A player may block an opponent until Team A is eligible to
touch a free-kicked ball [S19].
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S18 or S19].
Free Kick Recovery
ARTICLE 3. ATeam Aplayer may touch a free-kicked ball:
a. After it touches a Team B player (Exception: Rule 6-1-4).
b. After it breaks the plane of and remains beyond Team B’s restraining
line (Exception: Rule 6-4-1) (A.R. 2-11-2-I).
c. After it touches any player, the ground, an official or anything beyond
Team B’s restraining line.
Thereafter, all players of Team A become eligible to touch, recover or
catch the kick. Illegal touching of a free kick is a violation that, when the
ball becomes dead, gives the receiving team the privilege of taking the ball
at the spot of the violation. However, if there are offsetting fouls or if a
penalty incurred by either team before the ball becomes dead is enforced,
this privilege is canceled (A.R. 6-1-3-I).
Forced Touching Disregarded
ARTICLE 4. a. A player blocked by an opponent into a free kick is not,
while inbounds, deemed to have touched the kick.
b. An inbounds player touched by a ball batted by an opponent is not
deemed to have touched the ball.
Free Kick at Rest
ARTICLE 5. If a free kick comes to rest inbounds and no player attempts to
secure it, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team at the
dead-ball spot.
Free Kick Caught or Recovered
ARTICLE 6. a. If a free kick is caught or recovered by a player of the receiving
team, the ball continues in play (Exceptions: Rules 4-1-3-g, 6-1-7, and
6-5-1 and 2). If caught or recovered by a player of the kicking team, the
ball becomes dead (A.R. 4-1-3-II and A.R. 6-1-6-I).
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b. When opposing players, each eligible to touch the ball, simultaneously
recover a rolling kick or catch a free kick, the simultaneous possession
makes the ball dead. Akick declared dead in joint possession is awarded
to the receiving team.
Touching Ground On or Behind Goal Line
ARTICLE 7. The ball becomes dead and belongs to the team defending its
goal line when a free kick is untouched by Team B before touching the
ground on or behind Team B’s goal line.
SECTION 2. Free Kick Out of Bounds
Kicking Team
ARTICLE 1. Afree kick out of bounds between the goal lines untouched by
an inbounds player of Team B is a foul (A.R. 6-2-1-I-IV).
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot or the
receiving team may put the ball in play 30 yards beyond
Team A’s restraining line at the inbounds spot [S19].
Receiving Team
ARTICLE 2. When a free kick goes out of bounds between the goal lines,
the ball belongs to the receiving team at the inbounds spot. When a free
kick goes out of bounds behind the goal line, the ball belongs to the team
defending that goal line (A.R. 6-2-2-I-IV).
SECTION 3. Scrimmage Kicks
Behind the Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 1. a. Ascrimmage kick that fails to cross the neutral zone continues
in play. All players may catch or recover the ball behind the neutral
zone and advance it (A.R. 6-3-1-I-III).
b. The blocking of a scrimmage kick by an opponent of the kicking team
who is no more than three yards beyond the neutral zone is considered
to have occurred within or behind that zone (Rule 2-10-5).
Beyond the Neutral Zone
ARTICLE 2. a. No inbounds player of the kicking team shall touch a scrimmage
kick that has crossed the neutral zone before it touches an opponent.
Such illegal touching is a violation that, when the ball becomes
dead, gives the receiving team the privilege of taking the ball at the spot
of the violation (Exception: Rule 6-3-4) (A.R. 2-11-1-I and A.R. 6-3-2-I).
b. If a penalty incurred by either team before the ball becomes dead is
enforced or there are offsetting fouls, the privilege is canceled
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(Exceptions: Rules 6-3-11 and 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 6-3-2-I-VI, A.R. 6-3-11-I and
A.R. 10-1-4-VIII).
c. Illegal touching in Team A’s end zone is ignored.
All Become Eligible
ARTICLE 3. When a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone
touches a player of the receiving team who is inbounds, any player may
catch or recover the ball (Rule 6-3-1-b) (Exception: Rule 6-3-4).
Forced Touching Disregarded
ARTICLE 4. a. Aplayer blocked by an opponent into a scrimmage kick that
has crossed the neutral zone shall not, while inbounds, be deemed to
have touched the kick (A.R. 6-3-4-I, II and IV).
b. An inbounds player touched by a ball batted by an opponent is not
deemed to have touched the ball (A.R. 6-3-4-III).
Catch or Recovery by Receiving Team
ARTICLE 5. If a scrimmage kick is caught or recovered by a player of the
receiving team, the ball continues in play (Exceptions: Rules 4-1-3-g, 6-3-9,
and 6-5-1 and 2) (A.R. 8-4-2-IX).
Catch or Recovery by Kicking Team
ARTICLE 6. a. If a player of the kicking team catches or recovers a scrimmage
kick that has crossed the neutral zone, the ball becomes dead
(A.R. 6-3-1-V).
b. When opposing players, each eligible to touch the ball, simultaneously
recover a rolling kick or catch a scrimmage kick, the simultaneous possession
makes the ball dead. Akick declared dead in joint possession of
opposing players is awarded to the receiving team (Rules 2-2-8 and 4-1-
3-l).
Out of Bounds Between Goal Lines or at Rest Inbounds
ARTICLE 7. If a scrimmage kick goes out of bounds between the goal lines
or comes to rest inbounds and no player attempts to secure it, the ball
becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team at the dead-ball spot
(Exception: Rule 8-4-2-b).
Out of Bounds Behind Goal Line
ARTICLE 8. If a scrimmage kick (other than one that scores a field goal)
goes out of bounds behind a goal line, the ball becomes dead and belongs
to the team defending that goal line (Rule 8-4-2-b).
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FR-85
Touching Ground On or Behind Goal Line
ARTICLE 9. The ball becomes dead and belongs to the team defending its
goal line when a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone is subsequently
untouched by Team B before touching the ground on or behind
Team B’s goal line (Rule 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 6-3-9-I-III and A.R. 8-4-2-IV).
Legal and Illegal Kicks
ARTICLE 10. a. A legal scrimmage kick is a punt, drop kick or place kick
made according to rule.
b. Areturn kick is an illegal kick and a live-ball foul that causes the ball to
become dead.
PENALTY—For a return kick (live-ball foul): Five yards from the spot of
the foul [S31].
c. A scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone is a live-ball foul that causes
the ball to become dead.
PENALTY—For an illegal kick beyond the neutral zone (live-ball foul):
Five yards from the previous spot and loss of down [S31
and S9].
d. Any device or material used to mark the spot of a scrimmage place kick
or elevate the ball makes the kick illegal.
PENALTY—For an illegal kick (live-ball foul): Five yards from the previous
spot [S31].
Loose Behind the Goal Line
ARTICLE 11. If a Team A player bats a scrimmage kick in Team B’s end
zone that was untouched by Team B after the kick crossed the neutral zone,
it is a violation. Team B may elect a touchback when the ball is declared
dead (A.R. 6-3-11-I). VIOLATION—Touchback [S16 and S7] (Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 2-11-1-I).
Out-of-Bounds Player
ARTICLE 12. No Team A player who goes out of bounds during a scrimmage
kick down may return inbounds during the down (Exception: This
does not apply to a Team A player who is blocked out of bounds and
attempts to return inbounds immediately).
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S19].
SECTION 4. Opportunity to Catch a Kick
Interference With Opportunity
ARTICLE 1. A player of the receiving team within the boundary lines
attempting to catch a kick, and so located that he could have caught a free
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kick or a scrimmage kick that is beyond the neutral zone, must be given an
unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick (A.R. 6-3-1-III, A.R. 6-4-1-V and
A.R. 6-4-1-X).
a. This protection terminates when the kick touches the ground or is
touched by any player of Team B beyond the neutral zone (Rule 6-5-1-
a) (A.R. 6-4-1-IV).
b. If interference with a potential receiver is the result of a player being
blocked by an opponent, it is not a foul.
c. It is an interference foul if the kicking team contacts the potential receiver
before, or simultaneous to, his first touching the ball (A.R. 6-4-1-II, III,
VII and IX). When in question, it is an interference foul.
PENALTY—For foul between the goal lines: Receiving team’s ball, first
down, 15 yards beyond the spot of the foul for an interference
foul [S33]. For foul behind the goal line: Award a touchback
and penalize from the succeeding spot. Flagrant offenders
shall be disqualified [S47].
SECTION 5. Fair Catch
Dead Where Caught
ARTICLE 1. a. When a Team B player makes a fair catch, the ball becomes
dead where caught and belongs to Team B at that spot (Exception:
When a valid fair catch signal is made, the unimpeded opportunity to
catch a free or scrimmage kick is extended to a player who muffs the
kick and still has an opportunity to complete the catch. This protection
terminates when the kick touches the ground. If the player subsequently
catches the kick, the ball is placed where it was first touched) (A.R. 6-
5-1-I-IV).
b. Rules pertaining to a fair catch apply only when a scrimmage kick
crosses the neutral zone or during free kicks.
c. The purpose of the fair catch provision is to protect the receiver who, by
his fair catch signal, agrees he or a teammate will not advance after the
catch (A.R. 6-5-5-III).
d. The ball shall be put in play by a snap by the receiving team at the spot
of the catch if the ball is caught (Exceptions: Rules 6-5-1-a Exception, 7-
1-2 and 8-6-1-b).
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No Advance
ARTICLE 2. No Team B player shall carry a caught or recovered ball more
than two steps in any direction after a valid or invalid fair catch signal by
any Team B player (A.R. 6-5-2-I-IV and A.R. 10-1-5-II).
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and
S21].
Invalid Signals
ARTICLE 3. a. During a down in which a kick is made, no player of Team
B shall make any invalid fair catch signal during a free kick or beyond
the neutral zone during a scrimmage kick. Any signal is invalid after a
scrimmage kick is caught beyond the neutral zone, strikes the ground
or touches another player beyond the neutral zone. A signal is invalid
after a free kick is caught, strikes the ground or touches another player
(A.R. 6-5-3-IV-VI).
b. A catch after an invalid signal is not a fair catch, and the ball is dead
where caught. If the signal follows a catch, the ball is dead when the signal
is first given (A.R. 6-5-1-II).
c. Invalid signals beyond the neutral zone apply only to Team B (A.R. 6-5-
3-II).
d. An invalid signal beyond the neutral zone is possible only when the ball
has crossed the neutral zone (Rule 2-15-7) (A.R. 6-5-3-I).
Illegal Block or Contact
ARTICLE 4. Aplayer of Team B who has made a valid or invalid signal for
a fair catch and does not touch the ball shall not block or foul an opponent
during that down (A.R. 6-5-4-I and II).
PENALTY—Free kick: Receiving team’s ball 15 yards from the spot of
the foul (Rule 10-2-2-e) [S40].
Scrimmage kick: 15-yard penalty, postscrimmage kick enforcement
or basic spot enforcement (Rule 10-2-2-e) [S40].
No Tackling
ARTICLE 5. No player of the kicking team shall tackle or block an opponent
who has completed a fair catch. Only the player making a fair catch
signal has this protection (A.R. 6-5-5-I and III).
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Receiving team’s ball 15 yards from the succeeding
spot [S7 and S38].
RULE 6-5/KICKS
SECTION 1. The Scrimmage
Starting With a Snap
ARTICLE 1. The ball shall be put in play by a legal snap unless the rules
provide for a legal free kick (A.R. 4-1-4-I and II).
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and
S19].
Not Outside an Inbounds Line
ARTICLE 2. The ball may not be snapped between an inbounds line and
the nearer sideline. If the starting point for any scrimmage down is
between an inbounds line and the nearer sideline, it shall be transferred to
the inbounds spot.
Offensive Team Requirements
ARTICLE 3. The offensive team requirements are as follows:
a. After the ball is ready for play and before the ball is snapped:
1. (a) The snapper, after assuming his position for the succeeding snap
and touching or simulating (hand[s] at or below his knees)
touching the ball, may not move to a different position.
(b) The snapper may not lift the ball, move it beyond the neutral
zone or simulate the start of a play.
(c) The snapper may take his hand(s) off the ball if it does not simulate
the start of a play.
(d) Infractions of (a), (b) and (c) may be penalized whether or not
the ball is snapped, and the penalty for any resulting offside by
an opponent shall be canceled [S7 and S19] (A.R. 7-1-3-V and
VI).
RULE 7
Snapping andPassing the Ball
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2. (a) Each substitute of Team Ashall have been between the nine-yard
marks. Team A players who participated in the previous down
shall have been between the nine-yard marks after the previous
down and before the next snap (A.R. 3-3-4-III and IV) [S19].
(b) All Team Aplayers shall have been between the nine-yard marks
after a team timeout, an injury timeout, a radio timeout, a television
timeout or the end of a period [S19].
3. No player of the offensive team shall be in or beyond the neutral
zone after the snapper touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below his
knees) touching the ball [Exceptions: (1) Substitutes and departing
players; and (2) offensive players in a scrimmage kick formation
who, after the snapper touches the ball, point at opponents and
break the neutral zone with their hand(s)] [S7 and S19].
4. No offensive player shall contact an opponent or make a false start,
which includes (A.R. 7-1-3-IV) [S7 and S19]:
(a) Feigning a charge.
(b) Ashift or movement that simulates the beginning of a play. This
includes the snapper who, after assuming a position for the succeeding
snap and touching or simulating (hand[s] at or below
his knees) touching the ball, moves to another position.
(c) Alineman between the snapper and the player on the end of the
line, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground (below
the knees), moving his hand(s) or making any quick movement;
or a lineman other than the snapper wearing number 50 through
79, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the ground (below
the knees), moving his hand(s) or making any quick movement
(A.R. 7-1-3-VII, VIII, X and XI).
Exception: It is not a false start if any player on the line of
scrimmage immediately reacts when threatened by a Team B
player in the neutral zone (Rule 7-1-5-a-2) (A.R. 7-1-3-VIII and
IX).
(d) An offensive player between the snapper and the player on the
end of the line, neither legally in the backfield nor legally on the
line of scrimmage, after having placed a hand(s) on or near the
ground (below the knees), moving his hand(s) or making any
quick movement.
5. An official shall sound his whistle when (A.R. 4-1-4-I):
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(a) There is a false start (A.R. 3-2-6-I and A.R. 7-1-3-VII-IX).
(b) An offensive player is in or beyond the neutral zone after the
snapper touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below his knees)
touching the ball.
Note: An infraction of this rule may be penalized whether or not the ball
is snapped, and the penalty for any resulting offside by an opponent shall
be canceled [S7 and S19].
b. When the snap starts: The offensive team must be in a formation that
meets these requirements:
1. At least seven players legally on their scrimmage line, not less than
five of whom shall be numbered 50 through 79. The remaining players
must be either on their scrimmage line or legally positioned as a
back (A.R. 2-27-4-I) [S19].
Exceptions:
1. Rule 1-4-2-b (A.R. 1-4-2-I).
2. One player may be between his scrimmage line and the backs if
in a position to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the
snapper’s legs. When in such position, that player may receive
the snap himself or it may go directly to any player legally a back
[S19].
2. The player on each side of and next to the snapper may lock legs
with the snapper, but any other lineman must have both feet outside
the outside foot of the player next to him when the ball is snapped
[S19].
3. All players must be inbounds, and only the snapper may be encroaching
on the neutral zone; but no part of his person may be
beyond the neutral zone, and his feet must be stationary behind the
ball [S19].
4. One player may be in motion, but not in motion toward his opponent’s
goal line. A lineman may not be in motion at the snap. Other
players must be stationary in their positions without movement of
the feet, body, head or arms [S20] (A.R. 7-1-3-I, III and XII-XIV).
PENALTY—For dead-ball fouls: Five yards from the succeeding spot.
For live-ball fouls: Five yards from the previous spot [S7,
S19 or S20].
Shifts and False Starts
ARTICLE 4. a. If a snap is preceded by a huddle or shift, all players of the
offensive team must come to an absolute stop and remain stationary in
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their positions, without movement of the feet, body, head or arms, for
at least one full second before the ball is snapped (A.R. 7-1-4-I) [S20].
b. It is not intended that Rule 7-1-4-a should prohibit smooth, rhythmical
shifts if properly executed. Asmooth cadence shift or unhurried motion is
not an infraction. However, it is the responsibility of an offensive player
who moves before the snap to do so in a manner that in no way simulates
the beginning of a play. After the ball is ready for play and all players are
in scrimmage formation, no offensive player shall make a quick, jerky
movement before the snap, including but not limited to (A.R. 7-1-4-II-IV):
1. A lineman moving his foot, shoulder, arm, body or head in a quick,
jerky motion in any direction [S19].
2. The snapper shifting or moving the ball or moving his thumb or fingers,
flexing his elbows, jerking his head, or dipping his shoulders or
buttocks [S19].
3. The quarterback “chucking’’ his hands at the snapper, flexing his
elbows under the snapper, jerking his head or dropping his shoulders
quickly just before the snap [S19].
4. A player, before the snap, simulating receiving the ball by “chucking’’
his hands toward the snapper or quarterback or making any
quick, jerky movement that simulates the beginning of a play [S19].
PENALTY—For fouls before the ball is snapped: Five yards from the
succeeding spot. For fouls when the ball is snapped: Five
yards from the previous spot [S7, S19 or S20].
Defensive Team Requirements
ARTICLE 5. The defensive team requirements are as follows:
a. After the ball is ready for play and before the ball is snapped:
1. No player may touch the ball except when moved illegally as in Rule
7-1-3-a-1, nor may any player contact an opponent or in any other
way interfere with him. An official shall sound his whistle immediately
(A.R. 7-1-5-I-III) [S7 and S18].
2. No player may enter the neutral zone causing an offensive lineman
to react immediately. An official shall sound his whistle immediately
[Rules 2-18-2 and 7-1-3-a-4-(c) Exception] (A.R. 7-1-3-VIII and IX)
[S7 and S18].
3. No player shall use words or signals that disconcert opponents
when they are preparing to put the ball in play. No player may call
defensive signals that simulate the sound or cadence of (or otherwise
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interfere with) offensive starting signals. An official shall sound his
whistle immediately [S7 and S21].
4. Player(s) aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line
of scrimmage may not make quick or abrupt actions that are not part
of normal defensive player movement in an obvious attempt to
cause an offensive player(s) to foul (false start). An official shall
sound his whistle immediately [S7 and S21].
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7, S18
or S21].
b. When the snap starts:
1. No player may be in or beyond the neutral zone at the snap.
2. All players must be inbounds.
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S18].
Handing the Ball Forward
ARTICLE 6. No player may hand the ball forward except during a scrimmage
down as follows:
a. A Team A player who is behind his scrimmage line may hand the ball
forward to a backfield teammate who is also behind that line.
b. A Team A player who is behind his scrimmage line may hand the ball
forward to a teammate who was on his scrimmage line when the ball
was snapped, provided that teammate left his line position by a movement
of both feet that faced him toward his own end line and was at
least two yards behind his scrimmage line when he received the ball
(A.R. 7-1-6-I).
PENALTY—Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of a down if
by Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage
down [S35 and S9].
Planned Loose Ball
ARTICLE 7. ATeam Aplayer may not advance a planned loose ball in the
vicinity of the snapper.
PENALTY—Five yards from the previous spot and loss of down [S19
and S9].
RULE 7-1/SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL
FR-93 RULE 7-2/SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL
SECTION 2. Backward Pass and Fumble
During Live Ball
ARTICLE 1. A runner may hand or pass the ball backward at any time,
except to throw the ball intentionally out of bounds to conserve time.
PENALTY—Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of down if by
Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage
down (A.R. 3-4-3-III) [S35 and S9].
Caught or Recovered
ARTICLE 2. A backward pass or fumble may be caught or recovered by
any inbounds player.
a. If caught, the ball continues in play (A.R. 7-2-2-I and II).
Exceptions:
1. Rule 8-3-2-d-5.
2. When on fourth down, before a change of team possession, a Team
A fumble is caught in advance of the fumble by a Team A player
other than the fumbler, the ball is dead and returned to the spot of
the fumble. If the fumble is caught behind the spot of the fumble by
a Team A player other than the Team A fumbler, the ball is dead at
that spot.
b. If recovered by the fumbling or passing team, the ball continues in play
(A.R. 2-23-1-I).
Exceptions:
1. Rule 8-3-2-d-5.
2. When on fourth down, before a change of team possession, a Team
A fumble is recovered in advance of the fumble by a Team A player
other than the fumbler, the ball is dead and returned to the spot of
the fumble. If the fumble is recovered behind the spot of the fumble
by a Team A player other than the Team A fumbler, the ball is dead
at that spot.
c. If recovered by an opponent of the fumbling team, the ball continues in
play.
d. If recovered by an opponent of the passing team, the ball continues in
play.
e. If a backward pass or fumble is caught or recovered simultaneously by
opposing players, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the team last in
FR-94
possession (Exceptions: Rules 7-2-2-a Exception 2, 7-2-2-b Exception 2
and 8-3-2-d-5).
After the Ball Is Snapped
ARTICLE 3. No offensive lineman may receive a hand-to-hand snap.
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. Five yards from the previous spot [S19].
Out of Bounds
ARTICLE 4. a. When a backward pass goes out of bounds between the goal
lines, the ball belongs to the passing team at the out-of-bounds spot; if
out of bounds behind a goal line, it is a touchback or a safety.
b. When a fumble is out of bounds in advance of the spot of the fumble,
the ball is returned to the fumbling team at the spot of the fumble.
Fumbles out of bounds behind the spot of the fumble belong to the fumbling
team at the out-of-bounds spot. If a fumble is out of bounds
behind a goal line, it is a touchback or a safety (Rules 8-5-1 and 8-6-1)
(A.R. 7-2-4-I, A.R. 8-6-1-I and A.R. 8-7-2-VIII-IX).
At Rest
ARTICLE 5. When a backward pass or fumble comes to rest inbounds and
no player attempts to secure it, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the
passing or fumbling team at the dead-ball spot.
SECTION 3. Forward Pass
Legal Forward Pass
ARTICLE 1. Team A may make one forward pass during each scrimmage
down before team possession changes, provided the pass is thrown from a
point in or behind the neutral zone.
Illegal Forward Pass
ARTICLE 2. Aforward pass is illegal:
a. If thrown by a Team A player who is beyond the neutral zone [S35 and
S9].
b. If thrown by a Team B player or if thrown by a Team Aplayer after team
possession has changed during the down [S35].
c. If it is the second forward pass by Team A during the same down [S35
and S9].
d. If, to conserve time, the pass is not thrown immediately after the ball is
first controlled after the snap or is thrown after the ball has touched the
ground. If, to conserve time, the pass is thrown where no eligible Team
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Aplayer has a reasonable opportunity to catch it (A.R. 7-3-2-II-VIII) [S35
and S9].
e. If thrown from in or behind the neutral zone after a runner in possession
of the ball has gone beyond the neutral zone [S35 and S9].
PENALTY—Five yards from the spot of the foul; also loss of down if by
Team A before team possession changes during a scrimmage
down (A.R. 3-4-3-IV and A.R. 7-3-2-II) [S35 and S9].
f. If, to save loss of yardage, a forward pass is thrown where no eligible
Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch it. When in question,
the Team A player has a reasonable opportunity to catch the pass
(A.R. 7-3-2-I) [S36 and S9].
Exceptions:
1. It is not a foul when the passer, who is five or more yards toward a
sideline from the position of the ball at the snap, throws the ball so
that it lands in or out of bounds beyond the neutral zone. (A.R. 7-3-
2-IX).
2. It is not a foul when the passer, who is five or more yards toward a
sideline from the position of the ball at the snap, throws the ball so
that it touches a player, an official, or anything beyond the neutral
zone.
PENALTY—Loss of down at the spot of the foul [S36 and S9].
Eligibility to Touch Legal Pass
ARTICLE 3. Eligibility rules apply during a down when a legal forward
pass is thrown. All Team B players are eligible to touch or catch a pass.
When the ball is snapped, the following Team Aplayers are eligible:
a. Each player who is in an end position on his scrimmage line and who
is wearing a number other than 50 through 79 (A.R. 7-3-3-I).
b. Each player who is legally positioned as a back wearing a number other
than 50 through 79.
c. A player wearing a number other than 50 through 79 in position to
receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper’s legs.
Eligibility Lost by Going Out of Bounds
ARTICLE 4. No eligible offensive player who goes out of bounds during a
down shall touch a legal forward pass in the field of play or end zones or
while airborne until it has been touched by an opponent or official (A.R. 7-
3-4-I-III).
RULE 7-3/SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL
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Exception: This does not apply to an eligible offensive player who
attempts to return inbounds immediately after being blocked out of
bounds by an opponent (A.R. 7-3-4-IV).
PENALTY—Loss of down at the previous spot [S16 and S9].
Eligibility Gained or Regained
ARTICLE 5. When a Team B player or an official touches a legal forward
pass, all players become eligible (A.R. 7-3-5-I).
Completed Pass
ARTICLE 6. Any forward pass is completed when caught by a player of the
passing team who is inbounds, and the ball continues in play unless completed
in the opponent’s end zone or the pass has been caught
simultaneously by opposing players. If a forward pass is caught simultaneously
by opposing players inbounds, the ball becomes dead and belongs
to the passing team (Rule 2-2-7) (A.R. 2-2-7-III and A.R. 7-3-6-I-IX).
Incompleted Pass
ARTICLE 7. a. Any forward pass is incomplete when the pass touches the
ground or is out of bounds by rule. It also is incomplete when a player
leaves his feet and receives the pass but first lands on or outside a
boundary line, unless his progress has been stopped in the field of play
or end zone (Rule 4-1-3-p) (A.R. 2-2-7-III and A.R. 7-3-7-I).
b. When a legal forward pass is incomplete, the ball belongs to the passing
team at the previous spot.
c. When an illegal forward pass is incomplete, the ball belongs to the passing
team at the spot of the pass (Exception: If any illegal pass is thrown
from the end zone, the offended team may accept a safety or decline the
penalty and accept the result of the play) (A.R. 7-3-7-II-IV).
Illegal Contact and Pass Interference
ARTICLE 8. a. During a down in which a legal forward pass crosses the
neutral zone, illegal contact by Team A and Team B players is prohibited
from the time the ball is snapped until it is touched by any player or
an official (A.R. 7-3-8-II and III).
b. Offensive pass interference by a Team Aplayer beyond the neutral zone
during a legal forward pass play in which a forward pass crosses the
neutral zone is contact that interferes with a Team B eligible player. It is
the responsibility of the offensive player to avoid the opponents. It is
not offensive pass interference (A.R. 7-3-8-VI, VII, XIII, XVIII and XIX):
1. When, after the snap, a Team A ineligible player immediately
charges and contacts an opponent at a point not more than one yard
FR-97 RULE 7-3/SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL
beyond the neutral zone and does not continue the contact more
than three yards beyond the neutral zone.
2. When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and
bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the pass. Eligible players of
either team have equal rights to the ball (A.R. 7-3-8-XII).
3. When the pass is in flight and two or more eligible players are in the
area where they might receive or intercept the pass and an offensive
player in that area impedes an opponent, and the pass is not catchable.
c. Defensive pass interference is contact beyond the neutral zone by a
Team B player whose intent to impede an eligible opponent is obvious
and it could prevent the opponent the opportunity of receiving a catchable
forward pass. When in question, a legal forward pass is catchable.
Defensive pass interference occurs only after a legal forward pass is
thrown. It is not defensive pass interference (A.R. 7-3-8-I, IV, V, IX-XI,
XIV and XV):
1. When, after the snap, opposing players immediately charge and
establish contact with opponents at a point that is within one yard
beyond the neutral zone.
2. When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and
bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the pass. Eligible players of
either team have equal rights to the ball (A.R. 7-3-8-XII).
3. When a Team B player legally contacts an opponent before the pass
is thrown (A.R. 7-3-8-XIII).
4. When a Team A potential kicker, from scrimmage kick formation,
simulates a scrimmage kick by throwing the ball high and
deep, and contact by a Team B player occurs.
PENALTY—Pass interference by Team A: 15 yards from the previous
spot [S33].
Pass interference by Team B: Team A’s ball at the spot of the
foul, first down, if the foul occurs less than 15 yards beyond
the previous spot. If the foul occurs 15 or more yards
beyond the previous spot, Team A’s ball, first down, 15
yards from the previous spot [S33].
When the ball is snapped between the Team B 17-yard line
and the Team B two-yard line and the spot of the foul is
FR-98 RULE 7-3/SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL
beyond the two-yard line, the penalty from the previous
spot shall place the ball at the two-yard line, first down
(A.R. 7-3-8-XVII).
No penalty enforced from outside the two-yard line may
place the ball inside the two-yard line (Exception: Rule
10-2-2-g-2).
If the previous spot was on or inside the two-yard line, first
down halfway between the previous spot and the goal line
(Rule 10-2-3 Exception).
Contact Interference
ARTICLE 9. a. Either Team A or Team B legally may interfere with opponents
behind the neutral zone.
b. Players of either team legally may interfere beyond the neutral zone
after the pass has been touched (A.R. 7-3-9-II).
c. Defensive players legally may contact opponents who have crossed the
neutral zone if the opponents are not in a position to receive a catchable
forward pass.
1. Those infractions that occur during a down when a forward pass
crosses the neutral zone are pass interference infractions only if the
receiver had the opportunity to receive a catchable forward pass.
2. Those infractions that occur during a down when a forward pass
does not cross the neutral zone are Rule 9-3-4 infractions and are
penalized from the previous spot.
d. Pass interference rules apply only during a down in which a legal forward
pass crosses the neutral zone (Rules 2-19-3 and 7-3-8-a and c) (A.R.
10-2-2-XXXVII).
e. Contact by Team B with an eligible receiver involving a personal foul
that interferes with the reception of a catchable pass may be penalized
either as pass interference or as a 15-yard personal foul enforced from
the previous spot. Rule 7-3-8 is specific about contact during a pass.
However, if the interference involves an act that ordinarily would result
in disqualification, the fouling player must leave the game.
f. Physical contact is required to establish interference.
g. Each player has territorial rights, and incidental contact is ruled under
“attempt to reach…the pass’’ in Rule 7-3-8. If opponents who are
beyond the line collide while moving toward the pass, a foul by one or
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both players is indicated only if intent to impede the opponent is obvious.
It is pass interference only if a catchable forward pass is involved
(A.R. 7-3-9-I).
h. Pass interference rules do not apply after the pass has been touched
anywhere inbounds by an inbounds player or has touched an official. If
an opponent is fouled, the penalty is for the foul and not pass interference
(A.R. 7-3-9-II).
i. After the pass has been touched, any player may execute a legal block
during the remaining flight of the pass.
j. Tackling or grasping a receiver or any other intentional contact before
he touches the pass is evidence that the tackler is disregarding the ball
and is therefore illegal.
k. Tackling or running into a receiver when a forward pass obviously is
underthrown or overthrown is disregarding the ball and is illegal. This
is not pass interference but a violation of Rule 9-1-2-f and is penalized
15 yards from the previous spot plus a first down. Flagrant offenders
shall be disqualified.
Ineligibles Downfield
ARTICLE 10. No originally ineligible receiver shall be or have been beyond
the neutral zone until a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone has
been thrown (A.R. 7-3-10-I and II).
Exceptions:
1. When, after the snap, a Team A ineligible receiver immediately
charges and contacts an opponent at a point not more than one yard
beyond the neutral zone and does not continue the contact more
than three yards beyond the neutral zone.
2. When contact that has driven an opponent no more than three yards
from the neutral zone is lost by a player who was ineligible at the
snap, he must remain stationary at that spot until the pass is thrown.
PENALTY—Five yards from the previous spot [S37].
Illegal Touching
ARTICLE 11. No originally ineligible player while inbounds shall intentionally
touch a legal forward pass until it has touched an opponent or an
official (A.R. 5-2-3-I and A.R. 7-3-11-I-III).
PENALTY—Five yards from the previous spot [S16].
RULE 7-3/SNAPPING AND PASSING THE BALL
SECTION 1. Value of Scores
Scoring Plays
ARTICLE 1. The point value of scoring plays shall be:
Touchdown .............................................................6 Points
Field Goal ................................................................ 3 Points
Safety (points awarded to opponent).................2 Points
Touchdown.................................2 Points Successful Try
Field Goal or Safety..................1 Point
Forfeited Games
ARTICLE 2. The score of a forfeited game, or a suspended game that later
results in a forfeiture, shall be: Offended Team—1, Opponent—0. If the
offended team is ahead at the time of forfeit, the score stands (Rules 3-3-3-
a and b, and Rules 9-2-3-a and b).
SECTION 2. Touchdown
How Scored
ARTICLE 1. Atouchdown shall be scored when:
a. A runner advancing from the field of play is legally in possession of a
live ball when it penetrates the opponent’s goal line (plane) (Exception:
Rule 4-2-4-e) (A.R. 2-23-1-I and A.R. 8-2-1-I-IV).
b. An eligible receiver catches a legal forward pass in the opponent’s end
zone (A.R. 5-1-3-I and II).
c. Afumble or backward pass is recovered, caught, intercepted or awarded
in the opponent’s end zone (Exceptions: Rules 7-2-2-a Exception 2,
7-2-2-b Exception 2 and 8-3-2-d-5) (A.R. 7-2-4-I).
d. Afree kick is legally caught or recovered in the opponent’s end zone.
e. A scrimmage kick is legally caught or recovered in the opponent’s end
zone (A.R. 6-3-9-VI).
RULE 8
Scoring
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FR-101
f. The referee awards a touchdown under the provisions of Rule 9-1-4
Penalty or Rule 9-2-3 Penalty.
SECTION 3. Try Down
How Scored
ARTICLE 1. The point or points shall be scored according to the point values
in Rule 8-1-1 if the try results in what would be a touchdown, safety
(Exception: Rule 8-3-4-a) or field goal under rules governing play at other
times (A.R. 8-3-1-I-III; A.R. 8-3-2-I-III, V and VIII; and A.R. 10-1-7-XII-XXI).
Opportunity to Score
ARTICLE 2. A try is an opportunity for either team to score one or two
points while the game clock is stopped and is a special interval in a game
which, for purposes of penalty enforcement only, includes both a down
and the “ready’’ period that precedes it.
a. The ball shall be put in play by the team that scored a six-point touchdown.
If a touchdown is scored during a down in which time in the
fourth period expires, the try is mandatory unless the team behind in
the score leaves the field of play.
b. The try, which is a scrimmage down, begins when the ball is ready for
play.
c. The snap will be midway between the inbounds lines on the opponent’s
three-yard line or from any other point on or between the inbounds
lines on or behind the opponent’s three-yard line if the position of the
ball is selected by the team designated to put the ball in play before the
ready-for-play signal. The ball may be relocated after a charged timeout
to either team unless preceded by a Team A foul or offsetting penalties
(Rules 8-3-3-a and 8-3-3-c-1).
d. The try ends when:
1. Either team scores.
2. The ball is dead by rule (A.R. 8-3-2-IV and VI).
3. An accepted penalty results in a score.
4. ATeam Aloss-of-down penalty is accepted (Rule 8-3-3-c-2).
5. Before a change of team possession, a Team Aplayer fumbles and the
ball is caught or recovered by any Team Aplayer other than the fumbler.
There is no Team Ascore (A.R. 8-3-2-IX-XI).
RULE 8-2/SCORING
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Fouls During a Try Before Team B Possession
ARTICLE 3. a. Offsetting fouls: The down shall be replayed if offsetting
fouls occur. Any replay after offsetting penalties must be from the previous
spot (A.R. 8-3-3-II and A.R. 10-1-7-XVI).
b. Fouls by Team B on a try:
1. Team Ashall have the option of declining the score and repeating the
try after enforcement, or declining the penalty(ies) and accepting the
score. Team A may accept the score with personal fouls against the
snapper (in a scrimmage kick formation), holder, kicker or passer
enforced on the succeeding kickoff or from the succeeding spot in
extra periods (A.R. 3-2-3-VII; A.R. 8-3-2-II; A.R. 8-3-3-I; and A.R. 10-1-
7-XIV, XV and XVII).
2. Areplay after a penalty against Team B may be from any point on or
between the inbounds lines on or behind the yard line where the
penalty leaves the ball.
c. Fouls by Team A on a try:
1. After a foul by Team Aon a successful try, the ball shall be put in play
at the spot where the penalty leaves it (A.R. 8-3-3-I and III).
2. Penalties against Team A on a try, which include loss of down only
or loss of down and yardage, nullify the score and any yardage is not
penalized on the succeeding kickoff or from the succeeding spot in
extra periods.
3. If a player of Team Afouls before Team B gains possession and there
is no other change of team possession during the down, the penalty
is declined or becomes an offsetting foul.
d. Dead-ball enforcement:
1. Fouls occurring after the ready-for-play signal and before the snap
are penalized before the next snap.
2. Live-ball fouls penalized as dead-ball fouls occurring during the try
down are penalized on the succeeding kickoff or from the succeeding
spot in extra periods (A.R. 3-2-3-VIII).
e. Roughing or running into kicker or holder: Roughing or running into
the kicker or holder is a live-ball foul.
f. Kick-catch interference: The penalty for interference with a kick catch
is declined or becomes an offsetting foul (a score by Team Ais canceled).
RULE 8-3/SCORING
FR-103 RULE 8-3/SCORING
Fouls During a Try After Team B Possession
ARTICLE 4. a. Distance penalties against either team are declined by rule
(Exception: Rule 8-3-3-d-2) (A.R. 8-3-4-I and II).
b. Scores by fouling teams are canceled (A.R. 8-3-2-VII).
c. If there are offsetting fouls, whether one or both occur after Team B possession,
the down is not replayed.
Fouls After a Try
ARTICLE 5. Fouls after a try are enforced on the succeeding kickoff or from
the succeeding spot in extra periods (Exception: Rule 10-1-6) (A.R. 10-1-7-
XIX and XX).
Next Play
ARTICLE 6. After a try, the ball shall be put in play by a kickoff or at the
succeeding spot in extra periods. The team scoring the six-point touchdown
shall kick off.
SECTION 4. Field Goal
How Scored
ARTICLE 1. a. A field goal shall be scored for the kicking team if a drop
kick or place kick passes over the crossbar between the uprights of the
receiving team’s goal before it touches a player of the kicking team or
the ground. The kick shall be a scrimmage kick but may not be a free
kick.
b. If a legal field goal attempt passes over the crossbar between the
uprights and is dead beyond the end line or is blown back but does not
return over the crossbar and is dead anywhere, it shall score a field goal.
The crossbar and uprights are treated as a line, not a plane, in determining
forward progress of the ball.
Next Play
ARTICLE 2. a. After a field goal is scored, the ball shall be put in play by a
kickoff or at the succeeding spot in extra periods. The team scoring the
field goal shall kick off.
b. After an unsuccessful field goal attempt that has crossed the neutral
zone, the ball, untouched by Team B after it crossed the neutral zone
and subsequently declared dead beyond the neutral zone, will next be
put in play at the previous spot, or extra-period rules govern. If the previous
spot was between Team B’s 20-yard line and the goal line, the
ball shall next be put in play at Team B’s 20-yard line on or between the
inbounds lines by a snap, or extra-period rules govern. The snap shall
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be from midway between the inbounds lines on the 20-yard line,
unless a different position on or between the inbounds lines is selected
by Team B before the ready-for-play signal. After the ready-for-play
signal, the ball may be relocated after a charged team timeout, unless
preceded by a Team A foul or offsetting penalties. Otherwise, all rules
pertaining to scrimmage kicks apply (A.R. 6-3-4-III, A.R. 8-4-2-I-X and
A.R. 10-2-2-XXV).
SECTION 5. Safety
How Scored
ARTICLE 1. It is a safety when:
a. The ball becomes dead out of bounds behind a goal line, except from an
incompleted forward pass, or becomes dead in the possession of a player
on, above or behind his own goal line (or becomes dead by rule), and
the defending team is responsible for the ball being there (A.R. 6-3-1-IV
and V; A.R. 7-2-4-I; A.R. 8-5-1-I-III, VIII and XI; A.R. 8-7-2-V; and A.R. 9-
4-1-IX).
When in question, it is a touchback, not a safety.
b. An accepted penalty for a foul leaves the ball on or behind the offending
team’s goal line (Exception: Rule 8-3-4) (A.R. 8-5-1-IV and A.R. 10-
2-2-XIII and XIV).
Exceptions:
1. When a Team B player intercepts a forward pass, fumble or backward
pass or catches a scrimmage or free kick between his five-yard line and
the goal line and the runner’s original momentum carries him into the
end zone, where the ball is declared dead in his team’s possession, the
ball belongs to Team B at the spot where the pass or fumble was intercepted
or the kick was caught (A.R. 8-5-1-V-VII).
2. When a Team B player recovers an opponent’s fumble, backward pass,
scrimmage kick or free kick between his five-yard line and the goal line
and the runner’s original momentum carries him into the end zone,
where the ball is declared dead in his team’s possession, the ball belongs
to Team B at the spot where the fumble, backward pass or kick was
recovered (A.R. 8-5-1-V).
3. When, following a change of team possession, a Team A player intercepts
an illegal forward pass, or intercepts or recovers a fumble or backward
pass between Team A’s five-yard line and the goal line, and the
runner’s original momentum carries him into the end zone, where the
RULE 8-4/SCORING
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ball is declared dead in his team’s possession, the ball belongs to Team Aat
the spot where the illegal forward pass, fumble or backward pass was
intercepted or recovered.
Kick After Safety
ARTICLE 2. After a safety is scored, the ball belongs to the defending team
at its own 20-yard line, and that team shall put the ball in play on or
between the inbounds lines by a free kick that may be a punt, drop kick or
place kick (Exception: Extra-period rules).
SECTION 6. Touchback
When Declared
ARTICLE 1. It is a touchback when:
a. The ball becomes dead out of bounds behind a goal line, except from an
incompleted forward pass, or becomes dead in the possession of a player
on, above or behind his own goal line and the attacking team is
responsible for the ball being there (A.R. 6-3-9-IV, A.R. 7-2-4-I, A.R. 8-6-
1-I and II, and A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIX) (Rules 7-2-4-a and b).
b. Akick becomes dead by rule behind the defending team’s goal line and
the attacking team is responsible for the ball being there (Exception:
Rule 8-4-2-b) (A.R. 6-3-4-IV).
c. Aviolation by the kicking team occurs in the receiving team’s end zone.
Snap After a Touchback
ARTICLE 2. After a touchback is declared, the ball belongs to the defending
team at its own 20-yard line, and that team shall put the ball in play on
or between the inbounds lines by a snap (Exception: Extra-period rules).
The snap shall be from midway between the inbounds lines on the 20-yard
line, unless a different position on or between the inbounds lines is selected
by the team designated to put the ball in play before the ready-for-play
signal. After the ready-for-play signal, the ball may be relocated after a
charged team timeout, unless preceded by a Team A foul or offsetting
penalties.
SECTION 7. Responsibility and Impetus
Responsibility
ARTICLE 1. The team responsible for the ball being out of bounds behind
a goal line or being dead in the possession of a player on, above or behind
a goal line is the team whose player carries the ball or imparts an impetus
to it that forces it on, above or across the goal line, or is responsible for a
loose ball being on, above or behind the goal line (A.R. 6-3-4-I).
RULE 8-5/SCORING
FR-106 RULE 8-7/SCORING
Initial Impetus
ARTICLE 2. a. The impetus imparted by a player who kicks, passes, snaps
or fumbles the ball shall be considered responsible for the ball’s
progress in any direction even though its course is deflected or reversed
after striking the ground or after touching an official or a player of either
team (A.R. 6-3-4-IV; A.R. 8-5-1-II, III, VIII, IX and XI; and A.R. 8-7-2-IIX).
b. Initial impetus is considered expended and the responsibility for the
ball’s progress is charged to a player:
1. If he kicks a ball not in player possession or bats a loose ball after it
strikes the ground (Exception: The original impetus is not changed
when a loose ball is batted or kicked in the end zone) (A.R. 8-7-2-V).
2. If the ball comes to rest and he gives it new impetus by any contact
with it.
Exceptions:
1. Rules 6-1-4-a and 6-3-4-a (A.R. 6-3-4-I-IV).
2. The original impetus is not changed when a ball at rest in the end
zone is moved when touched by an official or a player.
c. Aloose ball retains its original status when there is new impetus.
SECTION 1. Contact and Interference Fouls
Flagrant Fouls
ARTICLE 1. Before the game, during the game and between periods, all
flagrant fouls require disqualification. Team B disqualification personal
fouls require first downs if not in conflict with other rules.
Persons Subject to the Rules Restrictions
ARTICLE 2. No person subject to the rules shall commit a personal foul
before the game, during the game or between the periods. Any act prohibited
hereunder or any other act of unnecessary roughness is a personal foul.
a. No person subject to the rules shall strike an opponent with the knee;
strike an opponent’s helmet (including the face mask), neck, face or any
other part of the body with an extended forearm, elbow, locked hands,
palm, fist, or the heel, back or side of the open hand; or gouge an opponent
(A.R. 9-1-2-I and II).
b. No person subject to the rules shall strike an opponent with his foot or
any part of his leg that is below the knee.
c. There shall be no tripping (Exception: Against the runner).
d. There shall be no clipping (A.R. 9-1-2-III).
Exceptions:
1. When offensive players are on the line of scrimmage at the snap
within a rectangular area centered on the middle lineman of the
offensive formation and extending five yards laterally and three
yards longitudinally in each direction, they legally may clip in the
rectangular area.
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RULE 9
Conduct of Players
and Others
Subject to Rules
FR-108
(a) A player on the line of scrimmage within the legal clipping zone
may not leave the zone and return and legally clip.
(b) The legal clipping zone exists until the ball is touched outside the
legal clipping zone or the ball is outside the legal clipping zone
after a fumble or muff from inside the clipping zone.
2. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed
himself in intent and direction or movement.
3. When a player attempts to reach a runner or legally attempts to
recover or catch a fumble, a muff, a backward pass, a kick or a
touched forward pass, he may push an opponent below the waist at
or to the buttocks (Rule 9-3-3-c Exception 3) (A.R. 6-3-1-III).
4. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent
below the waist at or to the buttocks to get to a forward pass
(Rule 9-3-3-c Exception 5).
e. Blocking below the waist is permitted except as follows (A.R. 9-1-2-IV-XI):
1. Offensive linemen at the snap positioned more than seven yards
from the middle lineman of the offensive formation are prohibited
from blocking below the waist toward the original position of the
ball in or behind the neutral zone and within 10 yards beyond the
neutral zone.
2. Backs at the snap positioned with the frame of their body completely
outside the frame of the body of the normal tackle (second player
from the snapper) position in either direction toward a sideline, or in
motion at the snap, are prohibited from blocking below the waist
toward the original position of the ball in or behind the neutral zone
and within 10 yards beyond the neutral zone. The frame of the body
does not include arms or legs extended sideways (A.R. 9-1-2-XXVI).
3. During a scrimmage down, defensive players are prohibited from
blocking an eligible Team A receiver below the waist beyond the
neutral zone unless attempting to get at the ball or runner. A Team
A receiver remains eligible until a legal forward pass is no longer
possible by rule.
4. During a down in which there is a free kick or scrimmage kick from
a scrimmage kick formation, all players are prohibited from blocking
below the waist, except against the runner.
5. After any change of team possession, all players are prohibited from
blocking below the waist, except against the runner.
RULE 9-1/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-109
6. A Team A player behind the neutral zone and in position to receive
a backward pass shall not be blocked below the waist or contacted
by way of a personal foul (A.R. 9-1-2-XXV).
f. No player shall tackle or run into a receiver when a forward pass to him
obviously is not catchable. This is a personal foul and not pass interference.
g. There shall be no piling on, falling on or throwing the body on an opponent
after the ball becomes dead (A.R. 9-1-2-XII).
h. No opponent shall tackle or block the runner when he is clearly out of
bounds or throw him to the ground after the ball becomes dead (A.R. 9-
1-2-XIII).
i. There shall be no hurdling (Exception: The runner may hurdle an opponent.)
j. No player shall run into or throw himself against an opponent obviously
out of the play either before or after the ball is dead (A.R. 9-1-2-XIX
and XX).
k. No player shall continuously contact an opponent’s helmet (including
the face mask) with hand(s) or arm(s) (Exception: By or against the runner).
l. No player intentionally shall use his helmet (including the face mask) to
butt or ram an opponent (A.R. 9-1-2-XVI).
m. There shall be no spearing (A.R. 9-1-2-XVII).
n. No player intentionally shall strike a runner with the crown or the top
of his helmet.
o. No defensive player shall charge into a passer or throw him to the
ground when it is obvious the ball has been thrown. This is roughing
the passer, and the penalty is added to the end of the last run
when it ends beyond the neutral zone and there is no change of
team possession during the down (Exception: A defensive player
who is blocked by a Team A player[s] with a force so that he
has no opportunity to avoid contact with the passer. However,
this does not relieve the defensive player of responsibility for personal
fouls as described in Rule 9-1-2-a.) (A.R. 2-30-4-I and II;
A.R. 9-1-2-XIV, XXVII and XXVIII; and A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIII, XXXV
and XXXVI).
RULE 9-1/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-110
p. There shall be no chop blocking.
q. No defensive player, in an attempt to gain an advantage, may
step, jump or stand on an opponent. No defensive player who
runs forward from beyond the neutral zone and leaps in an obvious
attempt to block a field goal or try may land on an opponent.
r. When a team is in scrimmage kick formation, a defensive player may
not initiate contact with the snapper until one second has elapsed after
the snap (A.R. 9-1-2-XXII-XXIV).
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot or succeeding spot for deadball
fouls and a first down for Team B fouls if the first
down is not in conflict with other rules (Exception:
Offensive team personal fouls behind the neutral zone are
enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs
behind Team A’s goal line) [S7, S24, S34, S38, S39, S40, S41
or S46]. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47].
s. No player shall grasp the face mask or any helmet opening of an opponent.
The open hand may be used legally on the mask (A.R. 9-1-2-XV).
PENALTY—Live-ball foul, basic spot. Defensive team: Five yards for
incidental grasping (not an automatic first down) [S45]; 15
yards for twisting, turning or pulling; and a first down for
Team B fouls if the first down is not in conflict with other
rules. Offensive team: 15 yards from the basic spot
(Exception: Offensive team facemask fouls behind the neutral
zone are enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the
foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line). All dead-ball fouls:
15 yards from the succeeding spot and a first down for a
Team B foul if the first down is not in conflict with other
rules [S7, S38 and S45]. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified
[S47]. When in question, it is twisting, turning or
pulling.
Roughing or Running Into Kicker or Holder
ARTICLE 3. a. When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, no
opponent shall run into or rough the kicker or the holder of a place kick
(A.R. 5-2-2-I and A.R. 9-1-3-I, III and VI).
1. Roughing is a personal foul that endangers the kicker or holder.
RULE 9-1/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-111 RULE 9-1/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
2. Running into the kicker or holder is a foul that occurs when the kicker
or holder is displaced from his kicking or holding position but is
not roughed (A.R. 9-1-3-II).
3. Incidental contact with a kicker or holder is not a foul.
4. The kicker and holder must be protected from injury, but contact
that occurs when or after a scrimmage kick has been touched is not
roughing or running into the kicker or holder.
5. The kicker of a scrimmage kick loses protection as a kicker when he
has had a reasonable time to regain his balance (A.R. 9-1-3-IV).
6. A defensive player legally blocked into the kicker or holder by a
member of the kicking team is not exempt from fouls for running
into or roughing the kicker or holder. A defensive player illegally
blocked into the kicker or holder by a member of the kicking team is
exempt from fouls for running into or roughing the kicker or holder.
7. When a player, other than one who blocks a scrimmage kick, runs
into or roughs the kicker or holder, it is a foul.
8. When in question whether the foul is “running into’’ or “roughing,’’
the foul is “roughing.’’
PENALTY—Five yards from the previous spot for running into the kicker
or holder [S30]. Fifteen yards from the previous spot and
a first down for roughing the kicker or holder if the first
down is not in conflict with other rules [S38 and S30].
Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47].
b. A kicker or holder simulating being roughed or run into by a defensive
player commits an unsportsmanlike act (A.R. 9-1-3-V).
PENALTY—15 yards from the previous spot [S27].
c. The kicker of a free kick may not be blocked until he has advanced five
yards beyond his restraining line or the kick has touched a player, an
official or the ground.
PENALTY—15 yards from the previous spot [S40].
Illegal Interference
ARTICLE 4. a. No substitute, coach, authorized attendant or any person
subject to the rules, other than a player or official, may interfere in any
way with the ball or a player while the ball is in play.
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot. The referee may enforce any
penalty he considers equitable, including awarding a score
[S27].
FR-112 RULE 9-1/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
b. Participation by 12 or more players is illegal participation (A.R.
9-1-4-I-VIII).
PENALTY—15 yards from the previous spot [S28].
c. No person not subject to the rules may interfere in any way with the ball
or a player while the ball is in play.
d. When anything other than persons subject to the rules and those not
subject to the rules interferes in any way with a player or the ball in
play, it is illegal interference.
PENALTY—The referee may replay the down or take any action he
deems equitable, including awarding a score [S27].
Game Administration Interference
ARTICLE 5. a. While the ball is in play, coaches, substitutes and authorized
attendants in the team area may not be between the sideline and coaching
line.
b. The procedure for enforcement of Rule 9-1-5-a is as follows:
1. Any game official may stop the clock to give a sideline warning [S15].
2. The head coach is informed by a game official that he is receiving a
first or second warning because the area between the sideline and
coaching line has been violated by coaches, players or persons
authorized in the team area.
3. Each official will record the time and period of each warning.
4. After a second warning, a game official will notify the head coach
that he has had two warnings and that the next infraction will result
in a five-yard penalty.
5. After a five-yard penalty, a game official will notify the head coach
that he has had two warnings and a five-yard penalty, and will
receive a 15-yard penalty for the next infraction.
PENALTY—Penalize as a dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding
spot after two official warnings from a game official and 15
yards from the succeeding spot for each additional foul [S7
and S29].
SECTION 2. Noncontact Fouls
Unsportsmanlike Acts
ARTICLE 1. There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that
interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substiFR-
113
tutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the
rules, before the game, during the game or between periods.
a. Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:
1. No player, substitute, coach or other person subject to the rules shall
use abusive, threatening or obscene language or gestures, or engage
in such acts that provoke ill will or are demeaning to an opponent,
to game officials or to the image of the game, including:
(a) Pointing the finger(s), hand(s), arm(s) or ball at an opponent, or
imitating the slashing of the throat.
(b) Taunting, baiting or ridiculing an opponent verbally.
(c) Inciting an opponent or spectators in any other way.
(d) Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by
which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon
himself (or themselves).
(e) Obviously altering stride as an unopposed runner approaches
the opponent’s goal line, or diving into the end zone when unopposed.
(f) Removal of a player’s helmet before he is in the team area
(Exceptions: Team, media or injury timeouts; equipment adjustment;
through play; between periods; and during a measurement
for a first down).
2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately
must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball
spot. This prohibits:
(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the
field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(b) Spiking the ball to the ground [Exception: A forward pass to conserve
time (Rule 7-3-2-d)].
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. 15 yards [S7, S27] from the succeeding spot.
Flagrant offenders, if players or substitutes, shall be disqualified
[S47]. If a player or an identified squad member
in uniform commits two unsportsmanlike fouls in the same
game, he shall be disqualified.
b. Other prohibited acts include:
RULE 9-2/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-114 RULE 9-2/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
1. During the game, coaches, substitutes and authorized attendants in
the team area shall not be on the field of play or outside the 25-yard
lines without permission from the referee unless legally entering or
leaving the field (Exceptions: Rules 1-2-4-g and 3-3-8-c).
2. No disqualified person shall enter the field of play or end zones.
3. No person or mascot subject to the rules, except players, officials and
eligible substitutes, shall be on the field of play or end zones during
any period without permission from the referee. If a player is
injured, attendants may come inbounds to attend him, but they must
obtain recognition from an official.
4. No substitute(s) may enter the field of play or end zones for purposes
other than replacing a player(s) or to fill a player vacancy(ies).
This includes demonstrations after any play (A.R. 9-2-1-I).
5. Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create any
noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals (Rule 1-1-6).
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. 15 yards [S7, S27] from the succeeding spot.
Flagrant offenders, if players or substitutes, shall be disqualified
[S47].
Unfair Tactics
ARTICLE 2. a. No player shall conceal the ball in or beneath his clothing or
equipment or substitute any other article for the ball.
b. No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse
opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution
process may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 3-5-2-e) (A.R. 9-2-2-IVII).
c. No equipment may be used to confuse opponents (Rule 1-4-2-e).
PENALTY—Live-ball foul. 15 yards from the previous spot [S27].
Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified [S47].
d. No player may play with cleats more than 1/2-inch in length (Rules 1-4-
5-e and f).
PENALTY—Disqualification for the remainder of the game and the
team’s next game [S27, S47]. Penalize as a dead-ball foul at
the succeeding spot, and Team B fouls do not require a first
down. Team timeout. VIOLATION—Rules 3-3-6 and 3-4-2-
b [S23, S3 or S21]. If the disqualification occurs during the
last game of a season, players with eligibility remaining
FR-115 RULE 9-2/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
will serve the next-game disqualification during the first
game of the next season for which they are eligible.
e. The referee will notify (in writing) his assigning agent of all disqualifications
for illegal cleats. The assigning agency becomes responsible for
implementation of the penalty.
Unfair Acts
ARTICLE 3. The following are unfair acts:
a. If a team refuses to play within two minutes after ordered to do so by
the referee.
b. If a team repeatedly commits fouls that can be penalized only by halving
the distance to its goal line.
c. If an obviously unfair act not specifically covered by the rules occurs
during the game (A.R. 4-2-1-II).
PENALTY—The referee may take any action he considers equitable,
including assessing a penalty, awarding a score, or suspending
or forfeiting the game.
Contacting an Official
ARTICLE 4. Intentionally contacting a game official physically during the
game by persons subject to the rules is a foul.
PENALTY—Penalize as a dead-ball foul. Fifteen yards from the succeeding
spot and disqualification [S7, S27 and S47].
SECTION 3. Blocking, Use of Hands or Arms
Who May Block
ARTICLE 1. Players of either team may block opponents, provided it is not
forward-pass interference, interference with the opportunity to catch a kick
or a personal foul (Exception: Rule 6-1-2-h).
Interfering for or Helping the Runner or Passer
ARTICLE 2. a. The runner or passer may use his hand or arm to ward off
or push opponents.
b. The runner shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team
shall grasp, push, lift or charge into him to assist him in forward
progress.
c. Teammates of the runner or passer may interfere for him by blocking
but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one
another in any manner while contacting an opponent.
FR-116 RULE 9-3/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
PENALTY—Five yards from the basic spot [S44].
Use of Hands or Arms by Offense
ARTICLE 3. a. A teammate of a runner or a passer legally may block with
his shoulders, his hands, the outer surface of his arms or any other part
of his body under the following provisions.
1. The hand(s) shall be:
(a) In advance of the elbow.
(b) Inside the frame of the opponent’s body (Exception: When the
opponent turns his back to the blocker) (A.R. 9-3-3-VI and VII).
(c) At or below the shoulder(s) of the blocker and the opponent
(Exception: When the opponent squats, ducks or submarines).
(d) Apart and never in a locked position.
2. The hand(s) shall be open with the palm(s) facing the frame of the
opponent or closed or cupped with the palms not facing the opponent
(A.R. 9-3-3-I-IV and VI-VIII).
PENALTY—10 yards from the basic spot (Exception: Offensive team illegal
use of hands fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced
from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind
Team A’s goal line) [S42].
b. Holding or illegal obstruction by a teammate of the runner or passer
applies to Rule 9-3-3-a:
1. The hand(s) and arm(s) shall not be used to grasp, pull or encircle in
any way that illegally impedes or illegally obstructs an opponent.
2. The hand(s) or arm(s) shall not be used to hook, clamp or otherwise
illegally impede or illegally obstruct an opponent (A.R. 9-3-3-I).
PENALTY—10 yards from the basic spot (Exception: Offensive team
holding fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from
the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s
goal line) [S42].
c. A block in the back is illegal (A.R. 9-1-2-XXI, A.R. 9-3-3-VII, A.R.
9-3-4-III and A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIV).
Exceptions:
1. When offensive players are on the line of scrimmage at the snap
within a rectangular area centered on the middle lineman of the
offensive formation and extending five yards laterally and three
FR-117
yards longitudinally in each direction, they may legally block in the
back in the rectangular area.
(a) A player on the line of scrimmage within this blocking zone may
not leave the zone and return and legally block in the back.
(b) The blocking zone exists until the ball is touched outside the
zone or the ball is outside the zone after a fumble or muff from
inside the zone.
2. When a player turns his back to a potential blocker who has committed
himself in intent and direction or movement.
3. When a player attempts to reach a runner or legally attempts to
recover or catch a fumble, a muff, a backward pass, a kick or a
touched forward pass, he may push an opponent in the back above
the waist (Rule 9-1-2-d Exception 3) (A.R. 6-3-1-III).
4. When the opponent turns his back to the blocker under Rule
9-3-3-a-1-(b).
5. When an eligible player behind the neutral zone pushes an opponent
in the back above the waist to get to a forward pass (Rule 9-1-
2-d Exception 4).
PENALTY—10 yards from the basic spot (Exception: Offensive team illegal
block fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from
the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s
goal line) [S43].
d. The following acts by a teammate of the runner or passer are illegal:
1. The fist(s) and arm(s) shall not be used to deliver a blow (Rule 9-1-2-
a) (A.R. 9-3-3-IV).
2. Continuous contact to an opponent’s helmet (including the face
mask) with hand(s) or arm(s) (Rule 9-1-2-k).
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot (Exception: Offensive team personal
fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced from the
previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s
goal line) [S38]. Disqualification if flagrant [S47].
e. A player on the kicking team may:
1. During a scrimmage kick play, use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to
ward off an opponent attempting to block him when he is beyond
the neutral zone.
RULE 9-3/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-118
2. During a free kick play, use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to ward off an
opponent who is attempting to block him.
3. During a scrimmage kick play or a free kick play, when he is eligible
to touch the ball, legally use his hand(s) and/or arm(s) to push an
opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball.
f. An eligible player of the passing team legally may use his hand(s)
and/or arm(s) to ward off or push an opponent in an attempt to reach
a loose ball after a legal forward pass has been touched by any player
or official (Rules 7-3-5, 7-3-8, 7-3-9 and 7-3-11).
Use of Hands or Arms by Defense
ARTICLE 4. a. Defensive players may use hands and arms to push, pull,
ward off or lift offensive players when attempting to reach the runner.
b. Defensive players may not use hands and arms to tackle, hold or otherwise
illegally obstruct an opponent other than a runner.
PENALTY—10 yards from the basic spot [S42].
c. Defensive players may use hands and arms to push, pull, ward off or
lift offensive players obviously attempting to block them. Defensive
players may ward off or legally block an eligible pass receiver until that
player occupies the same yard line as the defender or until the opponent
could not possibly block him. Continuous contact is illegal (A.R.
9-3-4-I, II and IV).
PENALTY—Five, 10 or 15 yards from the basic spot [S38, S42, S43 or
S45].
d. When no attempt is being made to get at the ball or the runner, defensive
players must comply with Rules 9-3-3-a, b, c and d.
PENALTY—Five, 10 or 15 yards from the basic spot [S38, S42, S43 or
S45].
e. When a legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone during a forwardpass
play and a contact foul that is not pass interference is committed,
the enforcement spot is the previous spot. This includes Rule 9-3-4-c
(A.R. 7-3-9-II and A.R. 9-3-4-I and II).
PENALTY—Five, 10 or 15 yards from the basic spot, plus first down if
the foul occurred against an eligible receiver prior to the
pass being touched [S38, S42, S43 or S45].
f. A defensive player legally may use his hand or arm to ward off or block
an opponent in an attempt to reach a loose ball (Rule 9-1-2-d Exceptions
3 and 4 and Rule 9-3-3-c Exceptions 3 and 5):
RULE 9-3/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-119
1. During a backward pass, fumble or kick that he is eligible to touch.
2. During any forward pass that crossed the neutral zone and has been
touched by any player or official.
g. A defensive player may not continuously contact an opponent’s helmet
(including the face mask) with hand(s) or arm(s) (Exception: Against
the runner).
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot and a first down for Team B
fouls if the first down is not in conflict with other rules
[S38].
Player Restrictions
ARTICLE 5. a. No player may position himself with his feet on the back or
shoulders of a teammate before the snap.
PENALTY—Dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot [S27].
b. No defensive player, in an attempt to block, bat or catch a kick, may:
1. Step, jump or stand on a teammate.
2. Place a hand(s) on a teammate to get leverage for additional height.
3. Be picked up by a teammate.
PENALTY—15 yards from the previous spot [S27].
When Ball Is Loose
ARTICLE 6. When the ball is loose, no player shall hold an opponent, illegally
block an opponent in the back, grasp an opponent’s face mask or any
helmet opening, illegally use his hands or commit a personal foul (A.R. 7-
3-9-II).
PENALTY—Five, 10 or 15 yards from the basic spot (Exception: These
offensive team fouls behind the neutral zone are enforced
from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind
Team A’s goal line) (Rules 10-2-2-c, d, e and f) [S38, S42, S43
or S45].
SECTION 4. Batting and Kicking
Batting a Loose Ball
ARTICLE 1. a. While a pass is in flight, any player eligible to touch the ball
may bat it in any direction (Exception: Rule 9-4-2).
b. Any player may block a scrimmage kick in the field of play or the end
zone.
RULE 9-3/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-120
c. No player shall bat other loose balls forward in the field of play or in
any direction if the ball is in the end zone (Exception: Rule 6-3-11) (A.R.
6-3-11-I, A.R. 9-4-1-I-XI and A.R. 10-2-2-IV).
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot and loss of down if the loss of
down is not in conflict with other rules [S31 and S9]
[Exception: No loss of down if the foul occurs when a legal
scrimmage kick is beyond the neutral zone (Rules 10-2-2-c,
d, e and f)].
Batting a Backward Pass
ARTICLE 2. A backward pass in flight shall not be batted forward by the
passing team in an attempt to gain yardage.
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot (Rule 10-2-2-c) [S31].
Batting Ball in Possession
ARTICLE 3. A ball in player possession may not be batted forward by a
player of that team.
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot (Rule 10-2-2-c) [S31].
Illegally Kicking Ball
ARTICLE 4. A player shall not kick a loose ball, a forward pass or a ball
being held for a place kick by an opponent. These illegal acts do not change
the status of the loose ball or forward pass; but if the player holding the ball
for a place kick loses possession during a scrimmage down, it is a fumble
and a loose ball; if during a free kick, the ball remains dead (A.R. 8-7-2-VII).
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot and loss of down if the loss of
down is not in conflict with other rules (Rules 10-2-2-c, d, e
and f) [S31 and S9] (Exception: No loss of down if the foul
occurs when a legal scrimmage kick is beyond the neutral
zone).
SECTION 5. Fighting
ARTICLE 1. a. Before the game, squad members in uniform or coaches
shall not participate in a fight (Rule 2-32-1).
During the first half, players shall not participate in a fight.
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot or the succeeding spot, first
down for Team B fouls if the first down is not in conflict
with other rules, and disqualification for the remainder of
the game [S7, S27 or S38, and S47].
RULE 9-4/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
FR-121 RULE 9-5/CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND OTHERS SUBJECT TO RULES
b. During the half-time intermission, squad members in uniform or coaches
shall not participate in a fight.
During the second half, players shall not participate in a fight.
PENALTY—15 yards from the basic spot or the succeeding spot, first
down for Team B fouls if the first down is not in conflict
with other rules, and disqualification for the remainder of
the game and the first half of the next game [S7, S27 or S38,
and S47]. For fights that occur in the last game of a season,
squad members in uniform, coaches and players with eligibility
remaining will serve fight-related suspensions during
the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.
c. During either half, coaches or substitutes shall not leave their team area
to participate in a fight, nor shall they participate in a fight in their team
area.
PENALTY—15 yards from the succeeding spot, first down for Team B
fouls if the first down is not in conflict with other rules, and
disqualification for the remainder of the game and for the
next game [S7, S27 or S38, and S47]. For fights that occur in
the last game of a season, coaches and substitutes with eligibility
remaining will serve fight-related suspensions during
the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.
ARTICLE 2. a. If the squad member, coach or player is disqualified for
fighting a second time during that season, he shall be disqualified for
that game and suspended for the remainder of the season.
b. If a second fighting suspension occurs in the final game of a season, he
shall be suspended for the first game of the next season for which he is
eligible. This suspension is considered to be his first fight of that season.
ARTICLE 3. The referee will notify (in writing) his assigning agency of all
disqualifications for fighting. The assigning agency becomes responsible
for implementation of the penalty.
FR-122
SECTION 1. Penalties Completed
How and When Completed
ARTICLE 1. a. Apenalty is completed when it is accepted, declined or canceled
according to rule or when the choice is obvious to the referee.
b. Any penalty may be declined, but a disqualified player must leave the
game.
c. When a foul is committed, the penalty shall be completed before the ball
is declared ready for play for any ensuing down.
d. Penalties as stated are not enforced if in conflict with other rules (A.R.
9-4-1-XI and A.R. 10-1-1-I).
Simultaneous With Snap
ARTICLE 2. A foul that occurs simultaneously with a snap or free kick is
considered as occurring during that down (Exception: Rule 3-5-2-e).
Live-Ball Fouls by the Same Team
ARTICLE 3. When two or more live-ball fouls by the same team are reported
to the referee, the referee shall explain the alternative penalties to the
field captain of the offended team, who then may elect only one of these
penalties [Exception: When a foul(s) for unsportsmanlike conduct (noncontact
fouls) occurs, the penalty(ies) is administered from the succeeding
spot as established by the acceptance or declination of the penalty for any
other foul] (A.R. 10-1-3-I).
Offsetting Fouls
ARTICLE 4. If live-ball fouls by both teams are reported to the referee, each
such foul is an offsetting foul, the penalties cancel each other, and the down
is replayed (A.R. 10-1-4-II, IX and X).
Exceptions:
1. When there is a change of team possession during a down or at the
end of a down by rule, the team last gaining possession may decline
offsetting fouls and thereby retain possession after completion of the play.
RULE 10
Penalty Enforcement
FR-123
penalty for its infraction if it had not fouled before last gaining possession
(A.R. 10-1-4-I-VIII).
2. When Team B’s foul calls for postscrimmage kick enforcement, Team
B may decline offsetting fouls and accept postscrimmage kick
enforcement.
3. When a live-ball foul is administered as a dead-ball foul, it does not
offset and is enforced in order of occurrence.
4. Rule 8-3-4-c (during a try after Team B possession).
Dead-Ball Fouls
ARTICLE 5. Penalties for dead-ball fouls are administered separately and
in order of occurrence (A.R. 10-1-5-I-VIII) [Exception: When unsportsmanlike
or dead-ball personal fouls by both teams are reported to the referee
and before any of the penalties have been completed or the order of occurrence
cannot be determined, the fouls offset, the number or type of down
established before the fouls occurred is unaffected, and the penalties are
cancelled, except that any disqualified player must leave the game (Rules
5-2-6 and 10-2-2-a)].
Live-Ball—Dead-Ball Fouls
ARTICLE 6. When a live-ball foul by one team is followed by one or more
dead-ball fouls (including live-ball fouls penalized as dead-ball fouls) by
an opponent or by the same team, the penalties are administered separately
and in the order of occurrence (A.R. 10-1-6-I-VII).
Interval Fouls
ARTICLE 7. Fouls that occur between the end of the fourth period and the
start of the extra period for overtime are enforced from the 25-yard line, the
spot of the first series (Exception: Rule 10-2-2-g) (A.R. 10-1-7-I and IVXVIII).
SECTION 2. Enforcement Procedures
Spots
ARTICLE 1. The enforcement spots are: the previous spot, the spot of the
foul, the succeeding spot and the spot where the run or scrimmage kick
ends.
Procedures
ARTICLE 2. The following procedures apply:
a. Dead ball—The enforcement spot for a foul committed when the ball is
dead is the succeeding spot (A.R. 10-2-2-XI, XV, XVII and XXVI).
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b. Snap or free kick—The enforcement spot for fouls occurring simultaneously
with a snap or free kick is the previous spot (A.R. 10-2-2-I).
c. Running plays—The basic enforcement spots for fouls that occur during
running plays in the field of play or end zone are as follows (A.R.
10-2-2-V-VII and XXXIV):
1. When the run ends beyond the neutral zone, the basic enforcement
spot is the end of the related run (Exceptions: Offensive team facemask,
illegal use of hands, holding, illegal block and personal fouls,
behind the neutral zone, are enforced from the previous spot. Safety
if the foul occurs behind Team A’s goal line) (Rules 2-25-10-a and 2-
30-4) (A.R. 10-2-2-XVI, XXVIII, XXIX, XXXI and XXXII).
2. When the run ends behind the neutral zone before a change of team
possession, the basic enforcement spot is the previous spot
(Exceptions: Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding,
illegal block and personal fouls, behind the neutral zone, are
enforced from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind
Team A’s goal line) (Rules 2-25-10-b and 2-30-4) (A.R. 10-2-2-XXVII).
3. When there is no neutral zone, the basic enforcement spot is the end
of the related run (Exception: Rule 8-5-1 Exceptions) (Rules 2-25-10-c
and 2-30-2, 3 and 4) (A.R. 10-2-2-X, XII and XXXVI).
d. Pass plays—The basic enforcement spot for fouls during a legal forward
pass play is the previous spot (Rules 2-25-10-d and 2-30-1).
Exceptions:
1. Team B pass interference spot fouls.
2. Roughing-the-passer enforcement on a completed forward pass
from the end of the last run when that run ends beyond the neutral
zone and there is no change of team possession during the down
(A.R. 10-2-2-XXXIII and XXXV).
3. Illegal touching.
4. Enforce facemask, illegal use of hands, holding, illegal block and
personal fouls, occurring behind the neutral zone by the offensive
team from the previous spot (Exception: Safety if the foul occurs
behind Team A’s goal line).
e. Kick plays—The basic enforcement spot for fouls that occur during a
legal free or scrimmage kick play before possession is gained or
regained or the ball is declared dead by rule is the previous spot (Rules
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2-25-10-e and 2-30-2 and 3) (A.R. 6-1-2-V and VI, 8-7-2-VII and A.R. 10-
2-2-II, III, VIII, XIII, XIV and XIX-XXI).
Exceptions:
1. Interference with the opportunity to make a catch—spot foul (Rule
6-4-1).
2. A block or foul after a valid or invalid signal for a fair catch by a
Team B player who signaled for a fair catch during a free kick and
had not touched the ball—spot foul (Rule 6-5-4).
3. Postscrimmage kick enforcement: The enforcement spot is the spot
where the kick ends when Team B fouls occur (Rule 2-25-11):
(a) During scrimmage kick plays other than a try, and during extra
periods.
(b) During a scrimmage kick play in which the ball crosses the neutral
zone.
(c) Three yards or more beyond the neutral zone.
(d) Before the end of the kick (A.R. 10-2-2-IX, XXII and XXV).
(e) When Team A does not have possession of the ball when the
down ends.
Team B fouls behind the postscrimmage kick spot are spot fouls.
4. Offensive team facemask, illegal use of hands, holding, illegal block
and personal fouls, occurring behind the neutral zone, are enforced
from the previous spot. Safety if the foul occurs behind Team A’s
goal line.
5. Encroachment by Team A on a free kick may be enforced from
the previous spot or from the spot where the dead ball belongs
to Team B after Team B’s run (Rule 6-1-2-a).
f. Behind the goal line:
1. The enforcement spot is the goal line for fouls by the opponents of
the team in possession after a change of team possession (not on a
try) in the field of play when the run ends behind the goal line
(Exception: Rule 8-5-1 Exceptions).
2. The basic enforcement spot is the 20-yard line for fouls that occur
after a change of team possession (not on a try) in the end zone and
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the ball remains in the end zone where it is declared dead (A.R.
10-2-2-XXXVIII-XL).
3. The enforcement spot is the goal line for fouls by the opponents of the
team in possession after a change of team possession in the end zone
(not on a try) when the run ends behind the goal line and any subsequent
loose ball is recovered in the field of play (A.R. 10-2-2-XLI).
g. Fouls during or after a touchdown, field goal or try:
1. Personal-foul penalties for fouls by opponents of the scoring team
during a down that ends in a touchdown are penalized on the try
or the succeeding kickoff. The captain of the offended team has the
choice (A.R. 10-2-2-XLIII).
2. Defensive pass interference fouls on a try from the three-yard line
are penalized one-half the distance to the goal line or, if the try is successful,
the penalty is declined.
3. When a foul(s) occurs after a touchdown and before the ball is ready
for play on the try or there was a live-ball foul penalized as a deadball
foul on the touchdown play, enforcement is on the try or the succeeding
kickoff. The captain of the offended team has the choice
(A.R. 3-2-3-VI).
4. Live-ball fouls during field goal plays will be penalized by rule. To
accept points on a successful field goal, Team A must decline Team
B live-ball fouls. A successful field goal may be canceled and the
penalty(ies) enforced by rule (Exception: Rule 10-2-2-e Exception 3).
Live-ball fouls penalized as dead-ball fouls and dead-ball fouls after
a field goal down will be enforced at the succeeding spot.
5. Fouls during and after a try down are penalized under Rules 8-3-3,
8-3-4 and 8-3-5 (A.R. 3-2-3-VII-VIII).
h. Distance penalties for fouls by the receiving team may not extend the
receiving team’s restraining line behind its five-yard line. Penalties that
place the restraining line of the receiving team behind its five-yard line
are enforced from the next succeeding spot.
Half-Distance Enforcement Procedures
ARTICLE 3. No distance penalty, including tries from on or inside the
three-yard line, shall exceed half the distance from the enforcement spot to
the offending team’s goal line [Exceptions: (1) Scrimmage downs, other
than tries, under Rule 7-3-8 Penalty for Team B interference; and (2) on
tries, defensive pass interference when the ball is snapped from outside the
three-yard line].
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SECTION 1. General Duties
RULE 11
Jurisdiction of Officials
ARTICLE 1. The officials’ jurisdiction begins 60 minutes before the scheduled
kickoff and ends when the referee declares the score final [S14].
Number of Officials
ARTICLE 2. The game shall be played under the supervision of four, five,
six or seven officials.
a. A four-man crew will consist of a referee, an umpire, a linesman and a
line judge.
b. A five-man crew will consist of a referee, an umpire, a linesman, a line
judge and a back judge.
c. A six-man crew will consist of a referee, an umpire, a linesman, a line
judge, a field judge and a side judge.
d. Aseven-man crew will consist of a referee, an umpire, a linesman, a line
judge, a back judge, a field judge and a side judge.
Responsibilities
ARTICLE 3. a. Each official is responsible for knowing the yardage to gain
and the number of the down, granting timeouts, declaring the ball
dead, starting the clock on free kicks, determining scores, using proper
signals, and mastering NCAA playing rules. Officials shall use the current
Football Officials Manual published by the Collegiate
Commissioners Association.
b. Designated officials shall report the position or number of the player
who fouled to the player’s coach.
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