NCAA FOOTBALL 2024
RULE 2- Definition
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.
b. An official’s signal [S] refers to the Official Football Signals 1 through 47
SECTION 2. THE BALL: LIVE, DEAD, LOOSE, READY FOR THE PLAY
Article 1 - Live Ball
A live ball is a ball in play. A pass, kick or fumble that has not yet touched the ground is a live ball in flight.
Article 2 - Dead Ball
A dead ball is a ball not in play.
Article 3 - Loose Ball
a. A loose ball is a live ball not in player possession during:
1. A running play.
2. A scrimmage 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. This interval is during a forward pass play, and any player eligible to touch the ball may bat it in any direction.
b. All players are eligible to touch, catch or recover a fumble (Exceptions: Rules 7-2-2-a-Exc.2 and 8-3-2-d-5) or a backward pass.
c. Eligibility to touch a kick is governed by kick rules (Rule 6).
d. Eligibility to touch a forward pass is governed by pass rules (Rule 7).
Article 4 - When Ball Is Ready for Play
A dead ball is ready for play when:
a. With the 40-second play clock running, an official places the ball at a hash mark or between the inbounds marks and is in position to officiate.
b. With the play clock set at 25 seconds, or at 40 seconds after an injury to or loss of helmet by a defensive team player, the referee sounds their whistle and either signals to start the game clock [S2] or signals that the ball is ready for play [S1]. (A.R. 4-1-4-I and II)
SECTION 3. BLOCKING
Article 1 - Blocking
a. Blocking is obstructing an opponent by intentionally contacting the opponent with any part of the blocker’s body.
b. Pushing is blocking an opponent with open hands.
Article 2 - Below Waist
a. A block below the waist is a block in which the force of the initial contact is below the waist of an opponent who has one or both feet on the ground. When in question, the contact is below the waist (Rule 9-1-6).
b. A blocker 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 9-1-6).
Article 3 - Chop Block
A chop block is a high-low or low-high combination block by any two players against an opponent (not the ball carrier) anywhere on the field, with or without a delay between blocks; the “low” component is at the opponent’s thigh or below. (A.R. 9-1-10-I-IV). It is not a foul if the blockers’ opponent initiates the contact. (A.R. 9-1-10-V)
Article 4 - Block in the Back
a. A block in the back is contact against an opponent occurring when the force of the initial contact is from behind and above the waist. When in question, the contact is at or below the waist (see Clipping, Rule 2-5) (Rule 9-3-5) (A.R. 9-3-3-I-VII and A.R. 10-2-2-XII).
b. The position of the blocker’s head or feet does not necessarily indicate the point of initial contact.
Article 5 - Frame of the Body
The frame of a player’s body is at the shoulders or below other than the back [Rule 9-3-3-a-1-(b) Exception].
Article 6 - Blocking Zone
a. The blocking zone is a rectangle centered on the middle lineman of the offensive formation and extending five yards laterally and three yards longitudinally in each direction.
b. The blocking zone disintegrates when the ball leaves the zone.
Article 7 - Blind-Side Block
A blind-side block is an open field block against an opponent that is initiated from outside the opponent’s field of vision, or otherwise in such a manner that the opponent cannot reasonably defend themselves against the block.
SECTION 4. CATCH, RECOVERY, POSSESSION
Article 1 - Possession
Possession refers to custody of (a) a live ball as described later in this article and (b) a dead ball to be snapped or free-kicked. It may refer either to player possession or team possession.
a. Player Possession.
The ball is in player possession when a player has the ball firmly in their grasp by holding or controlling it with hand(s) or arm(s) while contacting the ground inbounds.
b. Team Possession.
The ball is in team possession:
1. When one of its players has player possession, including when they are
attempting a punt, drop kick or place kick; or
2. While a forward pass thrown by a player of that team is in flight; or
3. During a loose ball if a player of that team last had player possession;
or
4. When the team is next to snap or free kick the ball.
c. A team is in legal possession if it has team possession when its players are eligible to catch or recover the ball.
Article 2 - Belongs to
“Belongs to,’’ as contrasted with “in possession,’’ denotes custody of a dead ball. Such custody may be temporary, because the ball must next be put in play in accordance with rules governing the existing situation.
Article 3 - Catch, Interception, Recovery
a. To catch a ball means that a player:
1. Secures firm control with the hand(s) or arm(s) of a live ball in flight before the ball touches the ground, and
2. Touches the ground inbounds with any part of the body, and then
3. Maintains control of the ball long enough to enable that player to perform an act common to the game, i.e., long enough to pitch or hand the ball, advance it, avoid or ward off an opponent, etc., and
4. Satisfies paragraphs b, c, and d below.
b. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent) the player must maintain complete and continuous control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or in the end zone. This is also required for a player attempting to make a catch at the sideline and going to the ground out of bounds. If the player loses control of the ball which
then touches the ground before they regain control, it is not a catch. If the player regains control inbounds prior to the ball touching the ground it is a catch.
c. If the player loses control of the ball while simultaneously touching the ground with any part of their body, or if there is doubt that the acts were simultaneous, it is not a catch. If a player has control of the ball, a slight movement of the ball, even if it touches the ground, will not be considered loss of possession; the player must lose control of the ball in order for there to be a loss of possession.
d. If the ball touches the ground after the player secures control and continues to maintain control, and the elements above are satisfied, it is a catch.
e. An interception is a catch of an opponent’s pass or fumble.
f. A catch by any kneeling or prone inbounds player is a completion or interception (Rules 7-3-6 and 7).
g. A player recovers a ball if they fulfill the criteria in paragraphs a, b, c, and d for catching a ball that is still alive after hitting the ground.
h. When in question, the catch, recovery or interception is not completed.
Article 4 - Simultaneous Catch or Recovery
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-I-II).
SECTION 5. CLIPPING
Article 1
a. Clipping is a block against an opponent in which the force of the initial contact is from behind and at or below the waist (Rule 9-1-5).
b. The position of the blocker’s head or feet does not necessarily indicate the point of initial contact.
SECTION 6. DELIBERATE DEAD-BALL ADVANCE
Deliberately advancing a dead ball is an attempt by a player to advance the ball after any part of their body, 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 7. DOWN, BETWEEN DOWNS AND LOSS OF DOWN
Article 1 - Down
A down is a unit of the game that starts after the ball is ready for play with a legal snap (scrimmage down) or legal free kick (free kick down) and ends when the ball becomes dead [Exception: The try is a scrimmage down that begins when the referee declares the ball ready for play (Rule 8-3-2-b)].
Article 2- Between Downs
Between downs is the interval during which the ball is dead.
Article 3 - Loss of Downs
“Loss of down” is an abbreviation meaning “loss of the right to repeat a down.”
SECTION 8. FAIR CATCH
Article 1 - Fair Catch
a. A fair catch of a scrimmage kick is a catch beyond the neutral zone by a Team B player who has made a valid signal during a scrimmage kick that is untouched beyond the neutral zone.
b. A fair catch of a free kick is a catch by a Team B player 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. The ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch or recovery. If the catch precedes the signal, the ball is dead when the signal is first given.
d. If the receiver shades their eyes from the sun without waving their hand(s), the ball is live and may be advanced.
Article 2 - Valid Signal
A valid signal is a signal given by a player of Team B who has obviously signaled their intention by extending one hand only clearly above their head and waving that hand from side to side of their body more than once.
Article 3 - Invalid Signal
An invalid signal is any waving signal by a player of Team B:
a. That does not meet the requirements of Article 2 (above); or
b. That is given after a scrimmage kick is caught beyond the neutral zone, strikes the ground or touches another player beyond the neutral zone (A.R. 6-5-3-III-V); or
c. That is given after a free kick is caught, strikes the ground or touches another player. [Exception: Rule 6-4-1-f]
SECTION 9. FORWARD, BEYOND AND FORWARD PROGRESS
Article 1 - Forward, Beyond
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.
Article 2 - Forward Progress
Forward progress is a term indicating the end of advancement by the ball carrier or airborne pass receiver of either team and applies to the position of the ball when it becomes 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-IX) (Exception: Rule 8-5-1-a, A.R. 8-5-1-I).
SECTION 10. FOUL AND VIOLATION
Article 1 - Foul
A foul is a rule infraction for which a penalty is prescribed.
Article 2 - Personal Foul
A personal foul is a foul involving illegal physical contact that endangers the safety of another player.
Article 3 - Flagrant Personal Foul
A flagrant personal foul is illegal physical contact so extreme or deliberate that it places an opponent in danger of catastrophic injury
Article 4 - Violation
A violation is a rule infraction for which no penalty is prescribed. Since it is not a foul, it does not offset a foul.
SECTION 11. FUMBLE, MUFF; BATTING AND TOUCHING THE BALL; BLOCKING A KICK
Article 1 - Fumble
To fumble the ball is to lose player possession by any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing (A.R. 2-19-2-I and A.R. 4-1-3-I). The status of the ball is a fumble.
Article 2 - Muff
To muff the ball is to touch the ball in an unsuccessful attempt to catch or recover it. Muffing the ball does not change its status.
Article 3 - Batting
Batting the ball is intentionally striking it or intentionally changing its direction with the hand(s) or arm(s). When in question, the ball is accidentally touched rather than batted. Batting the ball does not change its status.
Article 4 - Touching
a. Touching a ball not in player possession denotes any contact with the ball. It may be intentional or unintentional, and it always precedes possession and control.
b. Intentional touching is deliberate or intended touching.
c. Forced touching results when a player’s contact with the ball is due to (i) an opponent blocking that player into it, or (ii) the ball being batted or illegally kicked into that player by an opponent. If the touching is forced, the player in question by rule has not touched the ball (Rules 6-1-4 and 6-3-4)
d. When in question, a ball has not been touched on a kick or forward pass.
Article 5 - Blocking a Scrimmage Kick
Blocking a scrimmage kick is touching the kicked ball by an opponent of the kicking team in an attempt to prevent the ball from crossing the neutral zone (Rule 6-3-1-b).
SECTION 12. LINES
Article 1 - Sidelines
A sideline runs from end line to end line on each side of the field and separates the field of play from the area that is out of bounds. The entire sideline is out of bounds.
Article 2 - Goal Lines and Pylons
The goal line at each end of the field of play runs between the sidelines and is part of the vertical plane that separates the end zone from the field of play. The two goal lines are 100 yards apart. The plane of the goal line extends between and includes the pylons, which are out of bounds. The entire goal line is in the end zone. A team’s goal line is that which it is defending.
Article 3 - End Lines
An end line runs between the sidelines 10 yards behind each goal line and separates the end zone from the area that is out of bounds. The entire end line is out of bounds.
Article 4 - Boundary Lines
The boundary lines are the sidelines and the end lines. The area enclosed by the boundary lines is “inbounds,’’ and the area surrounding and including the boundary lines is “out of bounds.’’
Article 5 - Restraining Lines
A restraining line is part of a vertical plane that limits a team’s alignment for free kicks. The plane extends beyond the sidelines (A.R. 2-12-5-I).
Article 6 - Yard Lines
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.
Article 7 - Hash Marks
The two hash marks are 60 feet from the sidelines. Hash marks and short yard-line extensions shall measure 24 inches in length.
Article 8 - Nine-Yard Marks
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 13. 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 by the last player in possession [Exception: The snap (Rule 2-23-1-c)].
d. A backward handoff occurs when the ball carrier releases the ball before it is beyond the yard line where the ball carrier is positioned.
SECTION 14. HUDDLE
A huddle is two or more players grouped together after the ball is ready for play and before a snap or a free kick.
SECTION 15. HURDLING
Article 1
a. Hurdling is an attempt by a player to jump with one or both feet or knees foremost over an opponent while that opponent is still on their feet (Rule 9-1-13).
b. “On their feet’’ means that no part of the opponent’s body other than one or both feet is in contact with the ground.
SECTION 16. KICKS; KICKING THE BALL
Article 1 - Kicking the Ball; Legal and Illegal Kicks
a. Kicking the ball is intentionally striking the ball with the knee, lower leg or foot.
b. A legal kick is a punt, drop kick or place kick made according to the rules by a player of Team A before a change of team possession. Kicking the ball in any other manner is illegal (A.R. 6-1-2-I).
c. Any free kick or scrimmage kick continues to be a kick until it is caught or recovered by a player or becomes dead.
d. When in question, a ball is accidentally touched rather than kicked.
Article 2 - Punt
A punt is a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it before it touches the ground.
Article 3 - Drop Kick
A drop kick is a kick by a player who drops the ball and kicks it as it touches the ground.
Article 4 - Place Kick
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. (Rule 2-16-9)
b. A tee is a device that elevates the ball for kicking purposes. It may not elevate the ball’s lowest point more than one inch above the ground (A.R. 2-16-4-I). If utilized, a tee must be in contact with the ball for the kick to be legal.
c. 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. The ball may be positioned on the ground and contacting the tee.
d. No device or material may be used to mark the spot of a scrimmage place kick or to elevate the ball. This is a live-ball foul at the snap. (Rule 6-3-10- d)
Article 5 - Free Kick
a. A free 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.
b. A free kick after a safety may be a punt, drop kick or place kick.
Article 6 - Kickoff
A kickoff is a free kick that starts each half and follows each try or successful field goal attempt (Exception: In extra periods). It must be a place kick or a drop kick.
Article 7 - Scrimmage Kick
a. A scrimmage kick is a punt, drop kick, or field goal place kick. It is a legal kick if it is made by Team A in or behind the neutral zone during a scrimmage down before team possession changes.
b. A scrimmage kick has crossed the neutral zone when it touches the ground, a player, an official or anything beyond the neutral zone (Exception: Rule 6-3-1-b) (A.R. 6-3-1-I-IV).
c. A scrimmage kick made when the kicker’s entire body and the ball is or has been beyond the neutral zone is an illegal kick and a live-ball foul that causes the ball to become dead (Rule 6-3-10-c).
Article 8 - Return Kick
A return kick is a kick by a player of the team in possession after change of team possession during a down. It is an illegal kick and a live-ball foul that causes the ball to become dead (Rule 6-3-10-b).
Article 9 - Field Goal Attempt
A field goal attempt is a scrimmage kick. It may be a place kick or drop kick.
Article 10 - Scrimmage Kick Formation
a. A scrimmage kick formation is a formation with no player in position to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper’s legs, and with either (1) at least one player 10 or more yards behind the neutral zone; or (2) a potential holder and potential kicker seven or more yards behind the neutral zone in position for a place kick. For either (1) or (2) to qualify as a scrimmage kick formation, it must be obvious that a kick will be attempted (A.R. 9-1-14-I-III)
b. If Team A is in a scrimmage kick formation at the snap, any action by Team A during the down is deemed to be from a scrimmage kick formation.
SECTION 17. THE NEUTRAL ZONE
Article 1
a. The neutral zone is the space between the two scrimmage lines extended to the sidelines. (Rule 2-21-2) Its width is equal to the length of the ball.
b. 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.
c. The neutral zone exists until there is a change of team possession, until a scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone or until the ball is declared dead.
SECTION 18. ENCROACHMENT AND OFFSIDE
Article 1 - Encroachment
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 their knees) touching the ball before the snap. (Exception: When the ball is put in play, the snapper is not encroaching when in the neutral zone.)
Article 2 - Offside
After the ball is ready for play, offside occurs (Rule 7-1-5) when a defensive player:
a. Is in or beyond the neutral zone when the ball is legally snapped; or
b. Contacts an opponent beyond the neutral zone before the ball is snapped; or
c. Contacts the ball before it is snapped; or
d. Threatens an offensive lineman, causing an immediate reaction, before the ball is snapped (Rule 7-1-2-b-3-Exception, A.R. 7-1-3-V Note); or
e. Crosses the neutral zone and charges toward a Team A back (A.R. 7-1-5-III); or
f. Is not behind their restraining line when the ball is legally free-kicked (Rule 6-1-2). Offside occurs when one or more 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 offside when they are beyond their restraining line.)
SECTION 19. PASSES
Article 1 - Passing
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.
Article 2 - Forward and Backward Pass
a. A pass is forward if the ball first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything else beyond the spot where the ball is released. All other passes are backward passes. When in question a pass thrown in or behind the neutral zone is forward rather than a backward pass.(Exception: Games using Instant Replay)
b. When a Team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward toward the neutral zone, any intentional forward movement of the passer’s hand with the ball firmly in their control starts the forward pass unless the player clearly starts to bring the ball back with firm control to the passer’s body. 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. (Exception: Games using Instant Replay)
d. A snap becomes a backward pass when the snapper releases the ball, other
than via a hand-to-hand exchange (A.R. 2-23-1-I).
Article 3 - Crosses Neutral Zone
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 player has crossed the neutral zone if that player’s entire body has been beyond the neutral zone.
c. A legal forward pass is beyond or behind the neutral zone where it crosses the sideline.
Article 4 - Catchable Forward Pass
A catchable forward pass is an untouched legal forward pass beyond the neutral zone to an eligible player who has a reasonable opportunity to catch the ball. When in question, a legal forward pass is catchable
SECTION 20. PENALTY
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, disqualification, ejection, subtraction from the game clock (Rule 10-1-1-b).
SECTION 21. SCRIMMAGE
Article 1 - Scrimmage Down
A scrimmage down is the action between the two teams during a down that begins with a legal snap. Note: A try down is a scrimmage down that begins when the referee declares the ball ready for play (Rule 8-3-2-b)
Article 2 - Scrimmage Line
The scrimmage line for each team is established when the ball is ready for play. It is the yard line that defines the vertical plane passing through the point of the ball nearest a team’s own goal line.
SECTION 22. SHIFT
Article 1
a. A shift is a simultaneous change of position or stance by two or more offensive players after the ball is ready for play before the snap for a scrimmage down (A.R. 7-1-3-I-II and A.R. 7-1-2-I-IV).
b. The shift ends when all players have been motionless for one full second.
c. The shift continues if one or more players are in motion before the end of the one second interval.
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; the ball then becomes alive (Rule 4-1-1, A.R. 2-23-1-I-II, 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).
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 hash marks.
SECTION 24. SERIES AND POSSESSION SERIES
Article 1 - Series
A series comprises up to four consecutive downs that each begins with a snap (Rule 5-1-1).
Article 2 - Possession Series
A possession series is a team’s continuous possession of the ball in an extra period (Rule 3-1-3). It may consist of one or more series.
SECTION 25. SPOTS
Article 1 - Enforcement Spot
An enforcement spot is the point at which the penalty for a foul or the result of a violation is enforced.
Article 2 - Previous Spot
The previous spot is the point at which the ball was last put in play.
Article 3 - Succeeding Spot
The succeeding spot is the point at which the ball is next to be put in play.
Article 4 - Dead-Ball Spot
The dead-ball spot is the point at which the ball became dead.
Article 5 - Spot of the Foul
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 hash mark 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.
Article 6 - Out-of-Bounds Spot
The out-of-bounds spot is the point at which the ball becomes dead by rule because of going or being declared out of bounds.
Article 7 - Inbounds Spot
The inbounds spot is the intersection of the nearer hash mark line and the yard line passing through either the dead-ball spot or the spot where a penalty leaves the ball in a side zone.
Article 8 - Spot Where Run Ends
The spot where the run ends is the point:
a. Where the ball is declared dead in player possession.
b. Where player possession is lost on a fumble.
c. Where 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.
h. Where player possession is gained under provisions of the “momentum rule” (Rule 8-5-1-a Exceptions).
Article 9 - Spot Where Kick Ends
A scrimmage kick that crosses the neutral zone ends at the spot where it is caught or recovered or where the ball is declared dead by rule (Rule 2-16-1-c).
Article 10 - Basic Spot
The basic spot is a benchmark for locating the enforcement spot for penalties governed by the Three-and-One Principle (Rule 2-33). Basic spots for the various categories of plays are given in Rule 10-2-2-d.
Article 11 - Postscrimmage Kick Spot
The postscrimmage kick spot serves as the basic spot when postscrimmage kick enforcement applies (Rule 10-2-3).
a. When the kick ends in the field of play, other than in the special cases given below, the postscrimmage kick spot is the spot where the kick ends.
b. When the kick ends in Team B’s end zone, the postscrimmage kick spot is Team B’s 20-yard line.
Special cases:
1. On an unsuccessful field goal attempt, if the ball is untouched by Team B after crossing the neutral zone and is declared dead beyond the neutral zone, the postscrimmage kick spot is:
(a) The previous spot, if the previous spot is on or outside Team B’s 20-yard line; (A.R. 10-2-3-V)
(b) Team B’s 20-yard line, if the previous spot is between Team B’s 20-yard line and its goal line.
2. When Rule 6-3-11 is in effect, the postscrimmage kick spot is Team B’s 20-yard line.
3. When Rule 6-5-1-b is in effect, the postscrimmage kick spot is the spot where the receiver first touched the kick.
SECTION 26. TACKLING
Tackling is grasping or encircling an opponent with a hand(s) or arm(s).
SECTION 27. TEAM AND PLAYER DESIGNATIONS
Article 1 - Teams A and B
Team A is the team that is designated to put the ball in play, and Team B is the opponent. The teams retain these designations until the ball is next ready for play.
Article 2 - Offensive and Defensive Teams
The offensive team is the team in possession or the team to which the ball belongs; the defensive team is the opposing team.
Article 3 - Kicker and Holder
a. The kicker is any player who punts, drop kicks or place kicks according to rule. That player remains the kicker until they have had a reasonable time to regain their balance.
b. A holder is a player who controls the ball on the ground or on a kicking tee. During a scrimmage-kick play, that player 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 their balance.
Article 4 - Lineman and Back
a. Lineman.
1. A lineman is any Team A player legally on their scrimmage line (Rule 2-21-2).
2. A Team A player is legally on the scrimmage line when facing their opponent’s goal line with the line of their shoulders approximately parallel thereto and either (a) they are the snapper (Rule 2-27-8) or (b) their head breaks the plane of the line drawn through the waistline of the snapper.
b. Interior Lineman.
An interior lineman is a lineman who is not on the end of their scrimmage line.
c. Restricted Lineman.
A restricted lineman is any interior lineman, or any lineman wearing a number 50-79, whose hand(s) are below the knees.
d. Back.
1. A back is any Team A player who is not a lineman and whose head or shoulder does not break the plane of the line drawn through the waistline of the nearest Team A lineman.
2. A back is also the player in position to receive a hand-to-hand snap.
3. A lineman becomes a back before the snap when they move to a position as a back and stops.
Article 5 - Passer
The passer is the player who throws a forward pass. That player is a passer from the time the ball is released until the pass is complete, incomplete or intercepted, or until they move to participate in the play.
Article 6 - Player
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 because they have leapt, jumped, dove, launched, etc., in other than normal running action.
c. A departing player is a player leaving the field, having been replaced by a substitute.
Article 7 - Runner and Ball Carrier
a. The runner is a player in possession of a live ball or simulating possession of a live ball.
b. A ball carrier is a runner in possession of a live ball.
Article 8 - Snapper
The snapper is the player who snaps the ball. That player is established as the snapper when they take a position behind the ball and touches or simulates (hand[s] at or below their knees) touching the ball (Rule 7-1-3)
Article 9 - Substitute
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 they enter 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.
Article 10 - Replaced Player
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.
Article 11 - Player Vacancy
A player vacancy occurs when a team has fewer than 11 players in the game.
Article 12 - Disqualified Player and Ejected Player
a. Disqualified Player:
1. A disqualified player is one who is declared ineligible for further participation in the game and is allowed to remain in the team area.
2. A player serving a first-half suspension due to a disqualification in the team’s previous game may participate in pre-game warm-up activities. During the first half they may remain in the team area but may not participate in the first half of the game.
b. Ejected Player:
1. An ejected player is one who is declared ineligible for further participation in the game and is not allowed to remain in the team area. This player must leave the playing enclosure under the escort of team personnel before the next play after their ejection. They must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision for the duration of the game.
2. A player serving a first-half suspension due to an ejection in the team’s previous game may participate in pre-game warm-up activities. During the first half they must remain out of view of the field of play under team supervision.
Article 13 - Squad Member
A squad member is part of a group of potential players, in uniform, organized for participation in the ensuing football game or football plays.
Article 14 - Defenseless Player
A defenseless player is one who because of their physical position and focus of concentration is especially vulnerable to injury. When in question, a player is defenseless. Examples of defenseless players include but are not limited to:
a. A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass. This includes an offensive player in a passing posture with focus downfield.
b. A receiver attempting to catch a forward pass or in position to receive a backward pass, or one who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier.
c. A kicker in the act of or just after kicking a ball, or during the kick or the return.
d. A kick returner attempting to catch or recover a kick, or one who has completed a catch or recovery and has not had time to protect themselves or has not clearly become a ball carrier..
e. A player on the ground.
f. A player obviously out of the play.
g. A player who receives a blind-side block.
h. A ball carrier already in the grasp of an opponent and whose forward progress has been stopped.
i. A quarterback any time after a change of possession.
j. A ball carrier who has obviously given themselves up and is sliding feetfirst.
Article 15 - Player In Bounds and Out Of Bounds
a. Out of Bounds
1. A player is out of bounds when any part of their body touches anything other than another player or a game official on or outside a boundary line.
2. An out-of-bounds player who becomes airborne remains out of bounds until they touch the ground inbounds without simultaneously being out of bounds.
b. In Bounds
1. An inbounds player is a player who is not out of bounds.
2. An inbounds player who becomes airborne remains inbounds until they are out of bounds.
SECTION 28. TRIPPING
Tripping is intentionally using the lower leg or foot to obstruct an opponent below the knees (Rule 9-1-2-c).
SECTION 29. TIMING DEVICES
Article 1 - Game Clock
The game clock is any device under the direction of the appropriate official used to time the 60 minutes of the game.
Article 2 - Play Clock
Each stadium shall have a visual play clock at each end of the playing enclosure. The play clock must be capable of counting down from both 40 seconds and 25 seconds. It should automatically default to 40 seconds and start immediately upon being reset by the play clock operator. The play clock operator will consistently start the 40-second play clock within one second of any official signalling that the ball is dead after a play.
SECTION 30. PLAY CLASSIFICATION
Article 1 - Forward Pass Play
A legal forward pass play is the interval between the snap and when a legal forward pass is complete, incomplete or intercepted.
Article 2 - Free Kick Play
A free kick play is the action during the interval from the time the ball is legally kicked until it comes into player possession or is declared dead by rule.
Article 3 - Scrimmage Kick Play
A scrimmage kick play is the action during the interval between the snap and when a scrimmage kick comes into player possession or the ball is declared dead by rule.
Article 4 - Running Play and Run
a. A running play is any live-ball action other than that during a free kick play, a scrimmage kick play or a legal forward pass play.
b. A run is that segment of a running play during which a ball carrier has possession.
c. If a ball carrier loses possession by a fumble, backward pass or illegal forward pass, the spot where the run ends (Rule 2-25-8) is the yard line where the ball carrier loses possession. The running play includes the run and the loose-ball action before a player gains or regains possession or the ball is declared dead (A.R. 2-30-4-I and II).
d. A new running play begins when a player gains or regains possession.
SECTION 31. FIELD AREAS
Article 1 - The Field
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).
Article 2 - Field of Play
The field of play is the area enclosed by the sidelines and the goal lines.
Article 3 - End Zone
a. The end zone at each end of the field is the rectangle defined by the goal line, sidelines and end line.
b. The goal line and goal line pylons are in the end zone.
c. A team’s end zone is the one it is defending (A.R. 8-5-1-VII and A.R. 8-6- 1-I).
Article 4 - Playing Surface
The playing surface is the material or substance within the field of play, including the end zones.
Article 5 - Playing Enclosure
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.)
Article 6 - Side Zone
The side zone is the area between the hash marks and the near sideline.
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 any opponent to retaliate by fighting (Rules 9-2-1 and 9-5-1-a-c).
SECTION 33. THREE-AND-ONE PRINCIPLE
The Three-and-One Principle of penalty enforcement applies when the penalty statement for a foul does not specify the enforcement spot. Application of this principle is described in Rule 10-2-2-c.
SECTION 34. TACKLE BOX
Article 1
a. The tackle box is the rectangular area enclosed by the neutral zone, the two lines parallel to the sidelines five yards from the snapper, and Team A’s end line. (See Appendix D.)
b. The tackle box disintegrates when the ball leaves it.