🏈 Football Game Field Rules

1. Field Boundaries

• The field has sidelines and end zones.

• If a player steps out of bounds, the play is over.

• The ball must stay inside the field during play.

2. Start of the Game

• Each game begins with a kickoff from one team to the other.

• Teams line up on opposite sides of the ball before each play.

3. Scoring

• Touchdown: 6 points if a team carries or catches the ball in the opponent’s end zone.

• Extra Point: 1 point for a kick, 2 points for running/passing into the end zone after a touchdown.

• Field Goal: 3 points if the ball is kicked through the goalposts.

• Safety: 2 points if the other team gets tackled in their own end zone.

4. Basic Play Rules

• The offense has 4 downs to move the ball 10 yards.

• If they succeed, they get 4 more downs.

• If they fail, the other team gets the ball.

5. Player Contact

• Blocking is allowed, but no dangerous hits.

• No grabbing facemasks, tripping, or tackling high.

• Don’t push after the whistle.

6. Ball Handling

• The ball can be passed once per play from behind the line of scrimmage.

• Fumbles are live—if the ball is dropped, anyone can pick it up.

• If a pass hits the ground, it's incomplete and the play restarts.

7. Penalties

• Offside: Player crosses the line early.

• Holding: Grabbing someone illegally.

• Pass Interference: Blocking someone from catching.

• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Trash talking or rough behavior.

Penalties usually move the ball forward or backward a set number of yards.

8. Time & Game Control

• The game is played in halves or quarters depending on age group.

• When the whistle blows, the play stops.

• Only coaches or referees can call timeouts.

9. Sportsmanship

• Respect teammates, opponents, and officials.

• No arguing with referees.

• Play fair and stay safe.

10. Safety Rules

• Wear proper gear (helmets, pads) if it's a tackle version.

• No tackling from behind in dangerous ways.

• If someone gets hurt, stop the game immediately.