NFL

Rules

1. The Field: A standard NFL field is 100 yards long (excluding the two 10-yard end zones) and 53.3 yards wide.
2. 11-Man Rule: Each team is allowed exactly 11 players on the field at a time. Having 12 is a 5-yard penalty.
3. The Downs System: The offense has 4 attempts (downs) to advance the ball 10 yards. If they succeed, they get a "First Down" and a fresh set of 4 downs.
4. Game Timing: Games consist of four 15-minute quarters. If tied after 60 minutes, the game goes to Overtime.
5. The Line of Scrimmage: An imaginary line where the ball sits before a play. Teams must stay on their respective sides until the ball is snapped.
6. The Snap: A play begins when the Center "snaps" the ball between his legs to the Quarterback.
7. Forward Pass: Only one forward pass is allowed per play, and it must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage.
8. Laterals: A player can throw the ball backward or sideways (a lateral) an unlimited number of times anywhere on the field.
9. Change of Possession: If the defense catches a pass (Interception) or picks up a dropped ball (Fumble), they take control of the ball.
10. The Play Clock: The offense has 40 seconds from the end of the previous play to snap the ball, or they are penalized for "Delay of Game."
11. Touchdown (6 Points): Carrying the ball into or catching it in the opponent's end zone.
12. Extra Point (1 Point): A kick through the uprights after a touchdown.
13. Two-Point Conversion (2 Points): Running or passing the ball back into the end zone after a touchdown instead of kicking.
14. Field Goal (3 Points): Kicking the ball through the uprights during a regular down (usually on 4th down).
15. Safety (2 Points): Awarded to the defense if they tackle the offensive ball-carrier inside the offense's own end zone.
16. Holding: You cannot grab or hook an opponent who doesn't have the ball. (Offense: 10 yards; Defense: 5 yards + Automatic First Down).
17. Pass Interference (PI): A defender cannot significantly contact a receiver while the ball is in the air. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul.
18. False Start: An offensive player cannot move abruptly after they are set before the snap. (5 yards).
19. Offside/Encroachment: A defender cannot be across the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. (5 yards).
20. Roughing the Passer: You cannot hit the Quarterback late, at their knees, or in the head after they have thrown the ball. (15 yards).
21. Face Mask: Grabbing the opening of a player's helmet is strictly prohibited. (15 yards).
22. Targeting/Helmet-to-Helmet: Leading with the crown of the helmet or hitting a "defenseless" player in the head is a major foul and can lead to ejection.
23. Horse-Collar Tackle: Grabbing the inside collar of the jersey or shoulder pads to pull a runner down. (15 yards).
24. Intentional Grounding: A Quarterback cannot throw the ball away just to avoid a sack unless they are outside the "pocket" and the ball reaches the line of scrimmage.
25. The New "Hip-Drop" Tackle: As of 2024, players cannot grab a runner with both hands and "unweight" themselves by dropping their hips onto the runner's legs. (15 yards).