American Football Rules

American football, at times simply referred to as Football, is a competitive team sport, wherein each team scores points by guiding the ball into the opposing teams end zone. According to the American football rules, there are two methods by which the ball can be guided to opposition's end zone - running play, wherein the ball is carried by the player, and passing play, wherein the ball is passed from one player to another. The information given below may be helpful to you, if you intend to learn American football rules, either to make it to the field or to enjoy the game from outside.

American Football Rules and Regulations

The first set of rules for American football were constituted in 1876, which have since then, undergone major changes to make the game free and fair. Below explained are some rules pertaining to the game, which are more than just some basic American football rules for dummies.

Field and Duration
An American football field is 360 by 160 feet in size. The 10 yard scoring area at each end is referred to as the 'End zone'. There are two goalposts at the end of each End Zone, each with a crossbar at 10 feet. The distance between the goal posts depends on the skill level of the players. The game is divided into four quarters, with a break of 12 minutes at the half time, i.e. after the end of the second quarter.

Teams and Positions
At any given point of time, the number of players on field should not exceed 11 players for each team. The positions are broadly categorized into two groups - offensive football positions such as the wide receiver, center, quarterback, offensive tackle, halfback, full back, etc, and defensive football positions such as the defensive end, nose guard, lineback, cornerback etc.

Toss and Kick Off
The toss decides which side will begin the game by kicking the ball, and which side will defend. The procedure is repeated again, at the beginning of the second half. The team winning the toss can either opt to kick off to begin, receive the opening kick off, choose the side or goal posts to defend, or allow the opposition to begin with a stipulation that they will begin the second half. The decision of the toss winner, in these regard, will be followed by the opposing team, which can choose from remaining options.

Scoring Rules of American Football
Though, scoring in American football may sound a bit intricate, understanding the basics can make the concept of scoring much simpler. Points can be scored by various methods including, touchdown and field goal. A touchdown, wherein the player runs with the ball into the oppositions zone or catches it there, earns the 6 points, plus a try. In a try, the team can attempt to kick the ball over oppositions crossbar, for a single point, or run and pass it into the end zone, for 2 points. Field goals are scored by kicking the ball into the opposition's goalposts, over the cross bars. Each field goal earns the team 3 valuable points.

These were some of the basic American football rules, intended to make the game easier for you to play as well as follow. Violation of these rules result in penalties for the offending team, most of which are directed towards moving the ball some yards towards the offending teams goal line. Although, these are the basic rules of the game, the rules used in various leagues do differ. For instance, the rules for National Football League are different than those followed by college football.