official NFL DIGEST OF RULES. I don't have time to format it, but here it is.
Skins
This Digest of Rules of the National Football League has been
prepared to aid players, fans, and members of the press, radio,
and television media in their understanding of the game.
It is not meant to be a substitute for the official rule book. In
any case of conflict between these explanations and the official
rules, the rules always have precedence.
In order to make it easier to coordinate the information in
this digest, the topics discussed generally follow the order of
the rule book.
OFFICIALS’ JURISDICTIONS, POSITIONS, AND DUTIES
Referee—General oversight and control of game. Gives signals
for all fouls and is final authority for rule interpretations. Takes a
position in backfield 10 to 12 yards behind line of scrimmage,
favors right side (if quar terback is right-handed passer).
Determines legality of snap, observes deep back(s) for legal
motion. On running plays, observes quarterback during and after
handoff, remains with him until action has cleared away, then
proceeds downfield, checking on runner and contact behind him.
When runner is downed, Referee determines forward progress
from wing official and, if necessary, adjusts final position of ball.
On pass plays, drops back as quarterback begins to fade back,
picks up legality of tackle on Head Linesman’s side. Changes to
complete concentration on quarterback as defenders approach.
Primarily responsible to rule on possible roughing action on
passer and if ball becomes loose, rules whether ball is free on a
fumble or dead on an incomplete pass. Shares responsibility with
Umpire, Linesman, and Line Judge on intentional grounding.
During kicking situations, Referee has primary responsibility to
rule on kicker’s actions and whether or not any subsequent
contact by a defender is legal. During punt plays, Referee’s
position is parallel to kicker and wide. The Referee will announce
on the microphone when each period is ended, penalties, a
charged team time out, and when the two-minute warning for
each half is reached.
Umpire—Primary responsibilities are to rule on players’ conduct
and actions on scrimmage line, as well as check on their
equipment. Lines up approximately four to five yards downfield,
varying position from the outside shoulder of one guard to outside
shoulder of opposite guard. Looks for possible false start by
offensive linemen. Observes legality of contact by both offensive
linemen while blocking and by defensive players while they
attempt to ward off blockers. Is prepared to call rule infractions if
they occur on offense or defense. Moves forward to line of
scrimmage when pass play develops in order to insure that
interior linemen do not move illegally downfield. If offensive
linemen indicate screen pass is to be attempted, Umpire shifts his
attention toward screen side, picks up potential receiver in order
to insure that he will legally be permitted to run his pattern and
continues to rule on action of blockers. Umpire is to assist in
ruling on incomplete or trapped passes when ball is thrown
overhead or short. On field goal and try-kick attempts, he will
become a second umpire with the Side Judge.
Head Linesman—Primarily responsible for ruling on offside,
encroachment, and actions pertaining to scrimmage line prior to
or at snap. Takes a position straddling the line of scrimmage. Keys
on closest setback on his side of the field. On pass plays,
Linesman is responsible to clear his receiver approximately seven
yards downfield as he moves to a point five yards beyond the line.
Linesman’s secondary responsibility is to rule on any illegal
action taken by defenders on any delay receiver moving
downfield. Has full responsibility for ruling on sideline plays on his
side, e.g., pass receiver or runner in or out of bounds. Together
with Referee, Linesman is responsible for keeping track of number
of downs and is in charge of mechanics of his chain crew in
connection with its duties.
Linesman must be prepared to assist in determining forward
progress by a runner on play directed toward middle or into his
side zone. He, in turn, is to signal Referee or Umpire what forward
point ball has reached. Linesman is also responsible to rule on
legality of action involving any receiver who approaches his side
zone. He is to call pass interference when the infraction occurs
and is to rule on legality of blockers and defenders on plays
involving ball carriers, whether it is entirely a running play, a
combination pass and run, or a play involving a kick. Also assists
referee with intentional grounding.
Line Judge—Straddles line of scrimmage on side of field
opposite Linesman. Keeps time of game as a backup for official
clock operator. However, should official clock malfunction or be
operated improperly, the time kept by the Line Judge is official.
Along with Linesman is responsible for offside, encroachment,
and actions pertaining to scrimmage line prior to or at snap. Line
Judge keys on closest setback on his side of field. Line Judge is
to observe his receiver until he moves at least seven yards
downfield. He then moves toward backfield side, being especially
alert to rule on any back in motion and on flight of ball when pass
is made (he must rule whether forward or backward). Line Judge
has primary responsibility to rule whether or not passer is behind
or beyond line of scrimmage when pass is made. He also assists
in observing actions by blockers and defenders who are on his
side of field. After pass is thrown, Line Judge directs attention
toward activities that occur in back of Umpire. During punting
situations, Line Judge remains at line of scrimmage to be sure that
only the end men move downfield until kick has been made. He
also rules whether or not the kick crossed line and then observes
action by members of the kicking team who are moving downfield
to cover the kick. The Line Judge will advise the Referee when
time has expired at the end of each period.
Field Judge—Operates on same side of field as Line Judge, 20
yards deep. Keys on widest receiver on his side. Concentrates on
path of end or back, observing legality of his potential block(s) or
of actions taken against him. Is prepared to rule from deep
position on holding or illegal use of hands by end or back or on
defensive infractions committed by player guarding him. Has
primary responsibility to make decisions involving sideline on his
side of field, e.g., pass receiver or runner in or out of bounds.
Field Judge makes decisions involving catching, recovery, or
illegal touching of a loose ball beyond line of scrimmage. Rules on
plays involving pass receiver, including legality of catch or pass
interference. Assists in covering actions of runner, including
blocks by teammates and that of defenders. Rules on blocking
during punt returns and, together with Back Judge, rules whether
or not field goal and try-kick attempts are successful.
Side Judge—Operates on same side of field as Linesman, 20
yards deep. Keys on widest receiver on his side. Concentrates on
path of this receiver, observing legality of his potential block(s) or
of actions taken against him. Is prepared to rule from deep
position on holding or illegal use of hands by the receiver or on
defensive infractions committed by player defending him. Has
primary responsibility to make decisions involving sideline on his
side of field, e.g., pass receiver or runner in or out of bounds.
Side Judge makes decisions involving catching, recovery, or
illegal touching of a loose ball beyond line of scrimmage. Rules on
plays involving pass receiver, including legality of catch or pass
interference. Assists in covering actions of runner, including
blocks by teammates and that of defenders and rules on blocking
during punt returns. On field goals and try-kick attempts, he
becomes a second umpire.
Back Judge—Takes a position 25 yards downfield. In general,
favors the tight end’s side of field. Usually keys on tight end,
concentrates on his path and observes legality of tight end’s
potential block(s) or of actions taken against him. Is prepared to
rule from deep position on holding or illegal use of hands by end
or back or on defensive infractions committed by player defending
him.
Back Judge times interval between plays on 40/25-second
clock plus intermission between two periods of each half. Makes
decisions involving catching, recovery, or illegal touching of a
loose ball beyond line of scrimmage. Is responsible to rule on
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plays involving end line. Calls pass interference, fair-catch
infractions, and blocking during kick returns and, together with
Field Judge, rules whether or not field goal and try-kick attempts
are successful.
DEFINITIONS
1. Chucking: Warding off an opponent who is in front of a
defender by contacting him with a quick extension of arm
or arms, followed by the return of arm(s) to a flexed position,
thereby breaking the original contact.
2. Clipping: Throwing the body across the back of an opponent’s
leg or hitting him from the back below the waist while
moving up from behind unless the opponent is a runner or
the contact is above the knee in close line play.
3. Close Line Play: The area between the positions normally
occupied by the offensive tackles, extending three yards on
each side of the line of scrimmage. It is legal to clip above
the knee.
4. Crackback: Eligible receivers who take or move to a position
more than two yards outside the tackle or a player in a
backfielf position may not block an opponent below the
waist toward the ball at the snap and within five yards of the
line of scrimmage.
5. Dead Ball: Ball not in play.
6. Double Foul: A foul by each team during the same down.
7. Down: The period of action that starts when the ball is put
in play and ends when it is dead.
8. Encroachment: When a defensive player enters the neutral
zone and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is
snapped.
9. Fair Catch: An unhindered catch of a kick by a member of
the receiving team who must raise one arm a full length
above his head and wave his arm from side to side while
the kick is in flight.
10. Foul: Any violation of a playing rule.
11. Free Kick: A kickoff or safety kick. It may be a placekick,
dropkick, or punt, except a punt may not be used on a kickoff
following a touchdown, successful field goal, or to begin
each half or overtime period. A tee cannot be used on a faircatch
or safety kick.
12. Fumble: The unintentional loss of player possession of the
ball.
13. Game Clock: Scoreboard game clock.
14. Impetus: The action of a player that gives momentum to the
ball and sends it into the end zone.
15. Live Ball: A ball legally free-kicked or snapped. It continues
in play until the down ends.
16. Loose Ball: A live ball not in possession of any player.
17. Muff: The touching of a loose ball by a player in an unsuccessful
attempt to obtain possession.
18. Neutral Zone: The space the length of a ball between the
two scrimmage lines. The offensive team and defensive
team must remain behind their end of the ball.
Exception: The offensive player who snaps the ball.
19. Offside: A player is offside when any part of his body is
beyond his scrimmage or free kick line when the ball is
snapped or kicked. Exception: Snapper, holder of placekick
or kicker.
20. Own Goal: The goal a team is defending.
21. Play Clock: 40/25 second clock.
22. Pocket Area: Applies from a point two yards outside of
either offensive tackle and includes the tight end if he drops
off the line of scrimmage to pass protect. Pocket extends
longitudinally behind the line back to offensive team’s own
end line. For purposes of intentional grounding, the pocket
is considered tackle to tackle.
23. Possession of a Pass: When a player controls the ball
throughout the act of clearly touching both feet, or any other
part of his body other than his hand(s), to the ground
inbounds.
24. Post-Possession Foul: A foul by the receiving team that
occurs after a ball is legally kicked from scrimmage prior to
possession changing. The ball must cross the line of scrimmage
and the receiving team must retain the kicked ball
unless it is part of a double foul.
25. Punt: A kick made when a player drops the ball and kicks it
while it is in flight.
26. Safety: The situation in which the ball is dead on or behind
a team’s own goal if the impetus comes from a player on
that team. Two points are scored for the opposing team.
27. Shift: The movement of two or more offensive players at
the same time before the snap.
28. Striking: The act of swinging, clubbing, or propelling the
arm or forearm in contacting an opponent.
29. Sudden Death: The continuation of a tied game into sudden
death overtime in which the team scoring first (by safety,
field goal, or touchdown) wins.
30. Touchback: When a ball is dead on or behind a team’s own
goal line, provided the impetus came from an opponent and
provided it is not a touchdown or a missed field goal
attempt when the ball was kicked outside the 20-yard line.
31. Touchdown: When any part of the ball, legally in possession
of a player inbounds, breaks the plane of the opponent’s
goal line, provided it is not a touchback.
32. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any act contrary to the generally
understood principles of sportsmanship.
SUMMARY OF PENALTIES
Automatic First Down
1. Awarded to offensive team on all defensive fouls with these
exceptions:
(a) Offside.
(b) Encroachment.
© Delay of game.
(d) Illegal substitution.
(e) Excessive time out(s).
(f) Incidental grasp of facemask.
(g) Neutral zone infraction.
(h) Running into the kicker.
(i) More than 11 players on the field at the snap for either
team.
Five Yards
1. Defensive holding or illegal use of hands (automatic first
down).
2. Delay of game on offense or defense.
3. Delay of kickoff.
4. Encroachment.
5. Excessive time out(s).
6. False start.
7. Illegal formation.
8. Illegal shift.
9. Illegal motion.
10. Illegal substitution.
11. First onside kickoff out of bounds between goal lines and
untouched or last
touched by kickers.
12. Invalid fair catch signal.
13. More than 11 players on the field at snap for either team.
14. Less than seven men on offensive line at snap.
15. Offside.
16. Failure to pause one second after shift or huddle.
17. Running into kicker.
18. More than one man in motion at snap.
19. Grasping facemask of the ball carrier or quarterback.
20. Player out of bounds at snap.
21. Ineligible member(s) of kicking team going beyond line of
scrimmage before ball is kicked.
22. Illegal return.
23. Failure to report change of eligibility.
24. Neutral zone infraction.
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767 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
25. Loss of team time out(s) or five-yard penalty on the defense
for excessive crowd noise. Offensive team’s quarterback
can be penalized if he does not make every effort to put the
ball in play.
26. Ineligible player downfield during passing down.
27. Second forward pass behind the line.
28. Forward pass is first touched by eligible receiver who has
gone out of bounds and returned.
29. Forward pass touches or is caught by an ineligible receiver
on or behind line.
30. Forward pass thrown from behind line of scrimmage after
ball once crossed the line.
31. Kicking team player voluntarily out of bounds during a punt.
32. Twelve (12) men in the huddle.
Ten Yards
1. Offensive pass interference.
2. Holding, illegal use of hands, arms, or body by offense.
3. Tripping by a member of either team.
4. Helping the runner.
5. Deliberately batting or punching a loose ball.
6. Deliberately kicking a loose ball.
7. Illegal block above the waist.
Fifteen Yards
1. Chop block.
2. Clipping below the waist.
3. Fair catch interference.
4. Illegal crackback block by offense.
5. Piling on.
6. Roughing the kicker.
7. Roughing the passer.
8. Twisting, turning, or pulling an opponent by the facemask.
9. Unnecessary roughness.
10. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
11. Delay of game at start of either half.
12. Illegal low block.
13. A tackler using his helmet to butt, spear, or ram an opponent.
14. Any player who uses the top of his helmet unnecessarily.
15. A punter, placekicker, or holder who simulates being
roughed by a defensive player.
16. Leaping.
17. Leverage.
18. Any player who removes his helmet after a play while on the
field.
19. Taunting.
Five Yards and Loss of Down (Combination Penalty)
1. Forward pass thrown from beyond line of scrimmage.
Ten Yards and Loss of Down (Combination Penalty)
1. Intentional grounding of forward pass (safety if passer is in
own end zone). If foul occurs more than 10 yards behind
line, play results in loss of down at spot of foul.
Fifteen Yards and Loss of Coin Toss Option
1. Team’s late arrival on the field prior to scheduled kickoff.
2. Captains not appearing for coin toss.
Fifteen Yards (and disqualification if flagrant)
1. Striking opponent with fist.
2. Kicking or kneeing opponent.
3. Striking opponent on head or neck with forearm, elbow, or
hands whether or not the initial contact is made below the
neck area.
4. Roughing kicker.
5. Roughing passer.
6. Malicious unnecessary roughness.
7. Unsportsmanlike conduct.
8. Palpably unfair act. (Distance penalty determined by the
Referee after consultation with other officials.)
Fifteen Yards and Automatic Disqualification
1. Using a helmet (not worn) as a weapon.
2. Striking or purposely shoving a game official.
Suspension From Game For One Down
1. Illegal equipment. (Player may return after one down when
legally equipped.)
Touchdown Awarded (Palpably Unfair Act)
1. When Referee determines a palpably unfair act deprived a
team of a touchdown. (Example: Player comes off bench
and tackles runner apparently en route to touchdown.)
FIELD
1. Sidelines and end lines are out of bounds. The goal line is
actually in the end zone. A player with the ball in his
possession scores a touchdown when the ball is on, above,
or over the goal line.
2. The field is rimmed by a white border, six feet wide, along the
sidelines. All of this is out of bounds.
3. The hashmarks (inbound lines) are 70 feet, 9 inches from
each sideline.
4. Goal posts must be single-standard type, offset from the end
line and painted bright gold. The goal posts must be 18 feet,
6 inches wide and the top face of the crossbar must be 10
feet above the ground. Vertical posts extend at least 30 feet
above the crossbar. A ribbon 4 inches by 42 inches long is to
be attached to the top of each post. The actual goal is the
plane extending indefinitely above the crossbar and between
the outer edges of the posts.
5. The field is 360 feet long and 160 feet wide. The end zones
are 30 feet deep. The line used in try-for-point plays is two
yards out from the goal line.
6. Chain crew members and ball boys must be uniformly
identifiable.
7. All clubs must use standardized sideline markers. Pylons
must be used for goal line and end line markings.
8. End zone markings and club identification at 50 yard line
must be approved by the Commissioner to avoid any
confusion as to delineation of goal lines, sidelines, and end
lines.
BALL
1. The home club shall have 36 balls for outdoor games and 24
for indoor games available for testing with a pressure gauge
by the referee two hours prior to the starting time of the game
to meet with League requirements. Twelve (12) new footballs,
sealed in a special box and shipped by the manufacturer, will
be opened in the officials’ locker room two hours prior to the
starting time of the game. These balls are to be specially
marked with the letter “k” and used exclusively for the kicking
game.
COIN TOSS
1. The toss of coin will take place within three minutes of kickoff
in center of field. The toss will be called by the visiting captain
before the coin is flipped. The winner may choose one of two
privileges and the loser gets the other:
(a) Receive or kick
(b) Goal his team will defend
2. Immediately prior to the start of the second half, the captains
of both teams must inform the officials of their respective
choices. The loser of the original coin toss gets first choice.
TIMING
1. The stadium game clock is official. In case it stops or is
operating incorrectly, the Line Judge takes over the official
timing on the field.
2. Each period is 15 minutes. The intermission between the
periods is two minutes. Halftime is 12 minutes, unless
otherwise specified.
3. On charged team time outs, the Back Judge starts watch and
blows whistle after 1 minute 50 seconds, unless television
does not utilize the time for commercial. In this case the
length of the time out is reduced to 30 seconds.
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768 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
4. The Referee will allow necessary time to attend to an injured
player, or repair a legal player’s equipment.
5. Each team is allowed three time outs each half.
6. Time between plays will be 40 seconds from the end of a
given play until the snap of the ball for the next play, or a 25-
second interval after certain administrative stoppages and
game delays.
7. Clock will start running when ball is snapped following all
changes of team possession.
8. With the exception of the last two minutes of the first half and
the last five minutes of the second half, the game clock will
be restarted following a player going out of bounds on a play
from scrimmage, or after declined penalties when
appropriate on the referee’s signal.
9. Consecutive team time outs can be taken by opposing teams
but the length of the second time out will be reduced to 30
seconds.
10. When, in the judgment of the Referee, the level of crowd noise
prevents the offense from hearing its signals, he can institute
a series of procedures which can result in a loss of team time
outs or a five-yard penalty against the defensive team.
11. On kickoff, clock does not start until the ball has been legally
touched by player of either team in the field of play.
SUDDEN DEATH
1. The sudden death system of determining the winner shall
prevail when score is tied at the end of the regulation playing
time of all NFL games. The team scoring first during overtime
play shall be the winner and the game automatically ends
upon any score (by safety, field goal, or touchdown) or when
a score is awarded by Referee for a palpably unfair act.
2. At the end of regulation time the Referee will immediately toss
coin at center of field in accordance with rules pertaining to
the usual pregame toss. The captain of the visiting team will
call the toss prior to the coin being flipped.
3. Following a three-minute intermission after the end of the
regulation game, play will be continued in 15-minute periods
or until there is a score. There is a two-minute intermission
between subsequent periods. The teams change goals at the
start of each period. Each team has three time outs per half
and all general timing provisions apply as during a regular
game. Disqualified players are not allowed to return.
Exception: In preseason and regular season games there
shall be a maximum of 15 minutes of sudden death with two
time outs instead of three. General provisions that apply for
the fourth quarter will prevail. Try not attempted if touchdown
scored.
TIMING IN FINAL TWO MINUTES OF EACH HALF
1. A team cannot buy an excess time out for a penalty. However,
a fourth time out is allowed without penalty for an injured
player, who must be removed immediately. A fifth time out or
more is allowed for an injury and a five-yard penalty is
assessed. Additionally, if the clock was running and the score
is tied or the team in possession is losing, the ball cannot be
put in play for at least 10 seconds on the fourth or more time
out. The half or game can end while those 10 seconds are run
off on the clock.
2. If the defensive team is behind in the score and commits a
foul when it has no time outs left in the final 40 seconds of
either half, the offensive team can decline the penalty for the
foul and have the time on the clock expire.
3. Fouls that occur in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter
as well as the last two minutes of the first half will result in the
clock starting on the snap.
TRY
1. After a touchdown, the scoring team is allowed a try during
one scrimmage down. The ball may be spotted anywhere
between the inbounds lines, two or more yards from the goal
line. The successful conversion counts one point by kick; two
points for a successful conversion by touchdown; or one
point for a safety.
2. The defensive team never can score on a try. As soon as
defense gets possession or the kick is blocked or a
touchdown is not scored, the try is over.
3. Any distance penalty for fouls committed by the defense that
prevent the try from being attempted can be enforced on the
succeeding try or succeeding kickoff. Any foul committed on
a successful try will result in a distance penalty being
assessed on the ensuing kickoff.
4. Only the fumbling player can recover and advance a fumble
during a try.
PLAYERS-SUBSTITUTIONS
1. Each team is permitted 11 men on the field at the snap.
2. Unlimited substitution is permitted. However, players may
enter the field only when the ball is dead. Players who have
been substituted for are not permitted to linger on the field.
Such lingering will be interpreted as unspor tsmanlike
conduct.
3. Players leaving the game must be out of bounds on their own
side, clearing the field between the end lines, before a snap or
free kick. If player crosses end line leaving field, it is delay of
game (five-yard penalty).
4. Offensive substitutes who remain in the game must move
onto the field as far as the inside of the field numerals before
moving to a wide position.
5. With the exception of the last two minutes of either half, the
offensive team, while in the process of substitution or
simulated substitution, is prohibited from rushing quickly to
the line and snapping the ball with the obvious attempt to
cause a defensive foul; i.e., too many men on the field.
6. There never can be 12 or more players in the offensive
huddle.
KICKOFF
1. The kickoff shall be from the kicking team’s 30-yard line at
the start of each half and after a field goal and try. A kickoff is
one type of free kick.
2. A one-inch tee may be used (no tee permitted for field goal,
safety kick, or try attempt) on a kickoff. The ball is put in play
by a placekick.
3. A kickoff may not score a field goal.
4. A kickoff is illegal unless it travels 10 yards OR is touched by
the receiving team. Once the ball is touched by the receiving
team or has gone 10 yards, it is a free ball. Receivers may
recover and advance. Kicking team may recover but NOT
advance UNLESS receiver had possession and lost the ball.
5. When a kickoff goes out of bounds between the goal lines
without being touched by the receiving team, the ball belongs
to the receivers 30 yards from the spot of the kick or at the
out-of-bounds spot unless the ball went out-of-bounds the
first time an onside kick was attempted. In this case, the
kicking team is penalized five yards and the ball must be
kicked again.
6. When a kickoff goes out of bounds between the goal lines and
is touched last by receiving team, it is receiver’s ball at outof-
bounds spot.
7. If the kicking team either illegally kicks off out of bounds or is
guilty of a short free kick on two or more consecutive onside
kicks, receivers may take possession of the ball at the dead
ball spot, out-of-bounds spot, or spot of illegal touch.
SAFETY
1. In addition to a kickoff, the other free kick is a kick after a
safety (safety kick). A punt may be used (a punt may not be
used on a kickoff).
2. On a safety kick, the team scored upon puts ball in play by a
punt, dropkick, or placekick without tee. No score can be
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769 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
made on a free kick following a safety, even if a series of
penalties places team in position. (A field goal can be scored
only on a play from scrimmage or a free kick after a fair
catch.)
FAIR CATCH KICK
1. After a fair catch, the receiving team has the option to put the
ball in play by a snap or a fair catch kick (field goal attempt),
with fair catch kick lines established ten yards apart. All
general rules apply as for a field goal attempt from
scrimmage. The clock starts when the ball is kicked. (No tee
permitted.)
FIELD GOAL
1. All field goals attempted (kicker) and missed from beyond the
20-yard line will result in the defensive team taking
possession of the ball at the spot of the kick. On any field goal
attempted and missed where the spot of the kick is on or
inside the 20-yard line, ball will revert to defensive team at the
20-yard line.
SAFETY
1. The important factor in a safety is impetus. Two points are
scored for the opposing team when the ball is dead on or
behind a team’s own goal line if the impetus came from a
player on that team.
Examples of Safety:
(a) Blocked punt goes out of kicking team’s end zone.
Impetus was provided by punting team. The block only
changes direction of ball, not impetus.
(b) Ball carrier retreats from field of play into his own end
zone and is downed. Ball carrier provides impetus.
© Offensive team commits a foul and spot of enforcement
is behind its own goal line.
(d) Player on receiving team muffs punt and, trying to get
ball, forces or illegally kicks (creating new impetus) it into
end zone where it goes out of the end zone or is
recovered by a member of the receiving team in the end
zone.
Examples of Non-Safety:
(a) Player intercepts a pass with both feet inbounds in the
field of play and his momentum carries him into his own
end zone. Ball is put in play at spot of interception.
(b) Player intercepts a pass in his own end zone and is
downed in the end zone, even after recovering in the end
zone. Impetus came from passing team, not from
defense. (Touchback)
© Player passes from behind his own goal line. Opponent
bats down ball in end zone. (Incomplete pass)
MEASURING
1. The forward point of the ball is used when measuring.
POSITION OF PLAYERS AT SNAP
1. Offensive team must have at least seven players on line.
2. Offensive players, not on line, must be at least one yard back
at snap.
(Exception: player who takes snap.)
3. No interior lineman may move abruptly after taking or
simulating a three-point stance.
4. No player of either team may enter neutral zone before snap.
5. No player of offensive team may charge or move abruptly,
after assuming set position, in such manner as to lead
defense to believe snap has star ted. No player of the
defensive team within one yard of the line of scrimmage may
make an abrupt movement in an attempt to cause the offense
to false start.
6. If a player changes his eligibility, the Referee must alert the
defensive captain after player has reported to him.
7. All players of offensive team must be stationary at snap,
except one back who may be in motion parallel to scrimmage
line or backward (not forward).
8. After a shift or huddle all players on offensive team must
come to an absolute stop for at least one second with no
movement of hands, feet, head, or swaying of body.
9. Quarterbacks can be called for a false start penalty (five
yards) if their actions are judged to be an obvious attempt to
draw an opponent offside.
10. Offensive linemen are permitted to interlock legs.
USE OF HANDS, ARMS, AND BODY
1. No player on offense may assist a runner except by blocking
for him. There shall be no interlocking interference.
2. A runner may ward off opponents with his hands and arms
but no other player on offense may use hands or arms to
obstruct an opponent by grasping with hands, pushing, or
encircling any part of his body during a block. Hands (open
or closed) can be thrust forward to initially contact an
opponent on or outside the opponent’s frame, but the blocker
immediately must work to bring his hands on or inside the
frame.
Note: Pass blocking: Hand(s) thrust forward that slip outside
the body of the defender will be legal if blocker immediately
worked to bring them back inside. Hand(s) or arm(s) that
encircle a defender—i.e., hook an opponent—are to be
considered illegal and officials are to call a foul for holding.
Blocker cannot use his hands or arms to push from behind,
hang onto, or encircle an opponent in a manner that restricts
his movement as the play develops.
3. Hands cannot be thrust forward above the frame to contact
an opponent on the neck, face or head.
Note: The frame is defined as the part of the opponent’s body
below the neck that is presented to the blocker.
4. A defensive player may not tackle or hold an opponent other
than a runner. Otherwise, he may use his hands, arms, or
body only:
(a) To defend or protect himself against an obstructing
opponent.
Exception: An eligible receiver is considered to be an
obstructing opponent ONLY to a point five yards beyond
the line of scrimmage unless the player who receives the
snap clearly demonstrates no further intention to pass
the ball. Within this five-yard zone, a defensive player
may chuck an eligible player in front of him. A defensive
player is allowed to maintain continuous and unbroken
contact within the five-yard zone until a point when the
receiver is even with the defender. The defensive player
cannot use his hands or arms to push from behind, hang
onto, or encircle an eligible receiver in a manner that
restricts movement as the play develops. Beyond this
five-yard limitation, a defender may use his hands or
arms ONLY to defend or protect himself against
impending contact caused by a receiver. In such
reaction, the defender may not contact a receiver who
attempts to take a path to evade him.
(b) To push or pull opponent out of the way on line of
scrimmage.
© In actual attempt to get at or tackle runner.
(d) To push or pull opponent out of the way in a legal attempt
to recover a loose ball.
(e) During a legal block on an opponent who is not an eligible
pass receiver.
(f) When legally blocking an eligible pass receiver above the
waist.
Exception: Eligible receivers lined up within two yards of
the tackle, whether on or immediately behind the line,
may be blocked below the waist at or behind the line of
scrimmage. NO eligible receiver may be blocked below
the waist after he goes beyond the line. (Illegal cut)
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770 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
Note: Once the quarterback hands off or pitches the ball
to a back, or if the quarterback leaves the pocket area,
the restrictions (illegal chuck, illegal cut) on the defensive
team relative to the offensive receivers will end, provided
the ball is not in the air.
5. A defensive player may not contact an opponent above the
shoulders with the palm of his hand except to ward him off on
the line. This exception is permitted only if it is not a repeated
act against the same opponent during any one contact. In all
other cases the palms may be used on head, neck, or face
only to ward off or push an opponent in legal attempt to get
at the ball.
6. Any offensive player who pretends to possess the ball or to
whom a teammate pretends to give the ball may be tackled
provided he is crossing his scrimmage line between the ends
of a normal tight offensive line.
7. An offensive player who lines up more than two yards outside
his own tackle or a player who, at the snap, is in a backfield
position and subsequently takes a position more than two
yards outside a tackle may not clip an opponent anywhere
nor may he contact an opponent below the waist if the
blocker is moving toward the ball and if contact is made
within an area five yards on either side of the line. (crackback)
8. A player of either team may block at any time provided it is
not pass interference, fair catch interference, or unnecessary
roughness.
9. A player may not bat or punch:
(a) A loose ball (in field of play) toward his opponent’s goal
line or in any direction in either end zone.
(b) A ball in player possession.
Note: If there is any question as to whether a defender is
stripping or batting a ball in player possession, the
official(s) will rule the action as a legal act (stripping the
ball).
Exception: A forward or backward pass may be batted,
tipped, or deflected in any direction at any time by either
the offense or the defense.
Note: A pass in flight that is controlled or caught may
only be thrown backward, if it is thrown forward it is
considered an illegal bat.
10. No player may deliberately kick any ball except as a punt,
dropkick, or placekick.
FORWARD PASS
1. A forward pass may be touched or caught by any eligible
receiver. All members of the defensive team are eligible.
Eligible receivers on the offensive team are players on either
end of line (other than center, guard, or tackle) or players at
least one yard behind the line at the snap. A T-formation
quarterback is not eligible to receive a forward pass during a
play from scrimmage.
Exception: T-formation quarterback becomes eligible if pass
is previously touched by an eligible receiver.
2. An offensive team may make only one forward pass during
each play from scrimmage (Loss of 5 yards).
3. The passer must be behind his line of scrimmage (Loss of
down and five yards, enforced from the spot of pass).
4. Any eligible offensive player may catch a forward pass. If a
pass is touched by one eligible offensive player and touched
or caught by a second offensive player, pass completion is
legal. Further, all offensive players become eligible once a
pass is touched by an eligible receiver or any defensive
player.
5. The rules concerning a forward pass and ineligible receivers:
(a) If ball is touched accidentally by an ineligible receiver on
or behind his line: loss of five yards.
(b) If ineligible receiver is illegally downfield: loss of five
yards.
© If touched or caught (intentionally or accidentally) by
ineligible receiver beyond the line: loss of 5 yards.
6. The player who first controls and continues to maintain
control of a pass will be awarded the ball even though his
opponent later establishes joint control of the ball.
7. Any forward pass becomes incomplete and ball is dead if:
(a) Pass hits the ground or goes out of bounds.
(b) Pass hits the goal post or the crossbar of either team.
8. A forward pass is complete when a receiver clearly
possesses the pass and touches the ground with both feet
inbounds while in possession of the ball. If a receiver would
have landed inbounds with both feet but is carried or pushed
out of bounds while maintaining possession of the ball, pass
is complete at the out-of-bounds spot.
9. If a personal foul is committed by the defense prior to the
completion of a pass, the penalty is 15 yards from the spot
where ball becomes dead.
10. If a personal foul is committed by the offense prior to the
completion of a pass, the penalty is 15 yards from the
previous line of scrimmage.
INTENTIONAL GROUNDING OF FORWARD PASS
1. Intentional grounding of a forward pass is a foul: loss of down
and 10 yards from previous spot if passer is in the field of
play or loss of down at the spot of the foul if it occurs more
than 10 yards behind the line or safety if passer is in his own
end zone when ball is released.
2. Intentional grounding will be called when a passer, facing an
imminent loss of yardage due to pressure from the defense,
throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of
completion.
3. Intentional grounding will not be called when a passer, while
out of the pocket and facing an imminent loss of yardage,
throws a pass that lands at or beyond the line of scrimmage,
even if no offensive player(s) have a realistic chance to catch
the ball (including if the ball lands out of bounds over the
sideline or end line).
PROTECTION OF PASSER
1. By interpretation, a pass begins when the passer—with
possession of ball—starts to bring his hand forward. If ball
strikes ground after this action has begun, play is ruled an
incomplete pass. If passer loses control of ball prior to his
bringing his hand forward, play is ruled a fumble.
2. When a passer is holding the ball to pass it forward, any
intentional movement forward of his hand starts a forward
pass. If a defensive player contacts the passer or the 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.
3. No defensive player may run into a passer of a legal forward
pass after the ball has left his hand (15 yards). The Referee
must determine whether opponent had a reasonable chance
to stop his momentum during an attempt to block the pass or
tackle the passer while he still had the ball.
4. No defensive player who has an unrestricted path to the
quarterback may hit him flagrantly in the area of the knee(s)
or below when approaching in any direction.
5. Officials are to blow the play dead as soon as the quarterback
is clearly in the grasp and control of any tackler, and his safety
is in jeopardy.
6. No defensive player may hit the quarterback in the head, face,
or neck.
PASS INTERFERENCE
1. There shall be no interference with a forward pass thrown
from behind the line. The restriction for the passing team
starts with the snap. The restriction on the defensive team
star ts when the ball leaves the passer’s hand. Both
restrictions end when the ball is touched by anyone.
2. The penalty for defensive pass interference is an automatic
first down at the spot of the foul. If interference is in the end
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771 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
zone, it is first down for the offense on the defense’s 1-yard
line. If previous spot was inside the defense’s 1-yard line,
penalty is half the distance to the goal line.
3. The penalty for offensive pass interference is 10 yards from
the previous spot.
4. It is pass interference by either team when any player
movement beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders
the progress of an eligible player of such player’s opportunity
to catch the ball. Offensive pass interference rules apply from
the time the ball is snapped until the ball is touched. Defensive
pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is thrown
until the ball is touched.
Actions that constitute defensive pass interference include
but are not limited to:
(a) Contact by a defender who is not playing the ball and
such contact restricts the receiver’s opportunity to make
the catch.
(b) Playing through the back of a receiver in an attempt to
make a play on the ball.
© Grabbing a receiver’s arm(s) in such a manner that
restricts his opportunity to catch a pass.
(d) Extending an arm across the body of a receiver thus
restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless of
whether the defender is playing the ball.
(e) Cutting off the path of a receiver by making contact with
him without playing the ball.
(f) Hooking a receiver in an attempt to get to the ball in such
a manner that it causes the receiver’s body to turn prior
to the ball arriving.
Actions that do not constitute pass interference include but
are not limited to:
(a) Incidental contact by a defender’s hands, arms, or body
when both players are competing for the ball, or neither
player is looking for the ball. If there is any question
whether contact is incidental, the ruling shall be no
interference.
(b) Inadvertent tangling of feet when both players are playing
the ball or neither player is playing the ball.
© Contact that would normally be considered pass
interference, but the ball is clearly uncatchable by the
involved players.
(d) Laying a hand on a receiver that does not restrict the
receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball.
(e) Contact by a defender who has gained position on a
receiver in an attempt to catch the ball.
Actions that constitute offensive pass interference include
but are not limited to:
(a) Blocking downfield by an offensive player prior to the ball
being touched.
(b) Initiating contact with a defender by shoving or pushing
off thus creating a separation in an attempt to catch a
pass.
© Driving through a defender who has established a
position on the field.
Actions that do not constitute offensive pass interference
include but are not limited to:
(a) Incidental contact by a receiver’s hands, arms, or body
when both players are competing for the ball or neither
player is looking for the ball.
(b) Inadvertent touching of feet when both players are
playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball.
© Contact that would normally be considered pass
interference, but the ball is clearly uncatchable by
involved players.
Note 1: If there is any question whether player contact is
incidental, the ruling should be no interference.
Note 2: Defensive players have as much right to the path of the
ball as eligible offensive players.
Note 3: Pass interference for both teams ends when the pass is
touched.
Note 4: There can be no pass interference at or behind the line of
scrimmage, but defensive actions such as tackling a
receiver can still result in a 5-yard penalty for defensive
holding, if accepted.
Note 5: Whenever a team presents an apparent punting
formation, defensive pass interference is not to be called
for action on the end man on the line of scrimmage, or an
eligible receiver behind the line of scrimmage who is
aligned or in motion more than one yard outside the end
man on the line. Defensive holding, such as tackling a
receiver, still can be called and result in a 5-yard penalty
and automatic first down from the previous spot, if
accepted. Offensive pass interference rules still apply.
BACKWARD PASS
1. Any pass not forward is regarded as a backward pass. A
pass parallel to the line is a backward pass. A runner may
pass backward at any time.
2. A backward pass that strikes the ground can be recovered
and advanced by either team.
3. A backward pass caught in the air can be advanced by either
team.
4. A backward pass in flight may not be batted forward by an
offensive player.
FUMBLE
1. The distinction between a fumble and a muff should be kept
in mind in considering rules about fumbles. A fumble is the
loss of player possession of the ball. A muff is the touching
of a loose ball by a player in an unsuccessful attempt to
obtain possession.
2. A fumble may be advanced by any player on either team
regardless of whether recovered before or after ball hits the
ground.
3. A fumble that goes forward and out of bounds will return to
the fumbling team at the spot of the fumble unless the ball
goes out of bounds in the opponent’s end zone. In this case,
it is a touchback.
4. On a play from scrimmage, if an offensive player fumbles
anywhere on the field during fourth down, only the fumbling
player is permitted to recover and/or advance the ball. If any
player fumbles after the two-minute warning in a half, only the
fumbling player is permitted to recover and/or advance the
ball. If recovered by any other offensive player, the ball is dead
at the spot of the fumble unless it is recovered behind the spot
of the fumble. In that case, the ball is dead at the spot of
recovery. Any defensive player may recover and/or advance
any fumble at any time.
5. A muffed hand-to-hand snap from center is treated as a
fumble.
KICKS FROM SCRIMMAGE
1. Any kick from scrimmage must be made from behind the line
to be legal.
2. Any punt or missed field goal that touches a goal post is
dead.
3. During a kick from scrimmage, only the end men, as eligible
receivers on the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap, are
permitted to go beyond the line before the ball is kicked.
Exception: An eligible receiver who, at the snap, is aligned or
in motion behind the line and more than one yard outside the
end man on his side of the line, clearly making him the
outside receiver, replaces that end man as the player eligible
to go downfield after the snap. All other members of the
kicking team must remain at the line of scrimmage until the
ball has been kicked.
4. Any punt that is blocked and does not cross the line of
scrimmage can be recovered and advanced by either team.
However, if offensive team recovers it must make the yardage
necessary for its first down to retain possession if punt was
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772 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
on fourth down.
5. The kicking team may never advance its own kick even
though legal recovery is made beyond the line of scrimmage.
Possession only.
6. A member of the receiving team may not run into or rough a
kicker who kicks from behind his line unless contact is:
(a) Incidental to and after he had touched ball in flight.
(b) Caused by kicker’s own motions.
© Occurs during a quick kick, or a kick made after a run
behind the line, or after kicker recovers a loose ball on the
ground. Ball is loose when kicker muffs snap or snap hits
ground.
(d) Defender is blocked into kicker.
The penalty for running into the kicker is 5 yards. For roughing
the kicker: 15 yards, an automatic first down and disqualification
if flagrant.
7. If a member of the kicking team attempting to down the ball
on or inside opponent’s 5-yard line carries the ball into the
end zone, it is a touchback.
8. Fouls during a punt are enforced from the previous spot
(line of scrimmage).
Exception: Illegal touching, fair-catch interference, invalid
fair-catch signal, or personal foul (blocking after a fair-catch
signal).
9. While the ball is in the air or rolling on the ground following a
punt or field-goal attempt and receiving team commits a foul
only before or after gaining possession, receiving team will
retain possession and will be penalized for its foul.
10. It will be illegal for a defensive player to jump or stand on any
player, or be picked up by a teammate or to use a hand or
hands on a teammate to gain additional height in an attempt
to block a kick (Penalty: 15 yards, unsportsmanlike conduct).
11. A punted ball remains a kicked ball until it is declared dead or
in possession of either team.
12. Any member of the punting team may down the ball
anywhere in the field of play. However, it is illegal touching
(Official’s time out and receiver’s ball at spot of illegal
touching). This foul does not offset any foul by receivers
during the down.
13. Defensive team may advance all kicks from scrimmage
(including unsuccessful field goal) whether or not ball
crosses defensive team’s goal line. Rules pertaining to kicks
from scrimmage apply until defensive team gains
possession.
14. When a team presents a punt formation, defensive pass
interference is not to be called for actions on the widest
player eligible to go beyond line. Defensive holding may be
called.
FAIR CATCH
1. The member of the receiving team must raise one arm a full
length above his head and wave it from side to side while kick
is in flight. (Failure to give proper sign: receivers’ ball five
yards behind spot of signal.) Note: It is legal for the receiver
to shield his eyes from the sun by raising one hand no higher
than the helmet.
2. No opponent may interfere with the fair catcher, the ball, or
his path to the ball. Penalty: 15 yards from spot of foul and
fair catch is awarded.
3. A player who signals for a fair catch is not required to catch
the ball. However, if a player signals for a fair catch, he may
not block or initiate contact with any player on the kicking
team until the ball touches a player. Penalty: snap 15 yards.
4. If ball is touched by member of kicking team in flight, fair
catch signal is off and all rules for a kicked ball apply.
5. Any undue advance by a fair catch receiver is delay of game.
No specific distance is specified for undue advance as ball is
dead at spot of catch. If player comes to a reasonable stop,
no penalty. For penalty, five yards.
6. If time expires while ball is in play and a fair catch is awarded,
receiving team may choose to extend the period with one fair
catch kick down. However, placekicker may not use tee.
FOUL ON LAST PLAY OF HALF OR GAME
1. On a foul by defense on last play of half or game, the down is
replayed if penalty is accepted.
2. On a foul by the offense on last play of half or game, the down
is not replayed and the play in which the foul is committed is
nullified.
Exception: Fair catch interference, foul following change of
possession, illegal touching. No score by offense counts.
SPOT OF ENFORCEMENT OF FOUL
1. There are four basic spots at which a penalty for a foul is
enforced:
(a) Spot of foul: The spot where the foul is committed.
(b) Previous spot: The spot where the ball was put in play.
© Spot of snap, backward pass or fumble: The spot where
the foul occurred or the spot where the penalty is to be
enforced.
(d) Succeeding spot: The spot where the ball next would be
put in play if no distance penalty were to be enforced.
Exception: If foul occurs after a touchdown and before
the whistle for a try, succeeding spot is spot of next
kickoff.
2. All fouls committed by offensive team behind the line of
scrimmage (except in the end zone) shall be penalized from
the previous spot. If the foul is in the end zone, it is a safety.
3. When spot of enforcement for fouls involving defensive
holding or illegal use of hands by the defense is behind the
line of scrimmage, any penalty yardage to be assessed on
that play shall be measured from the line if the foul occurred
beyond the line.
DOUBLE FOUL
1. If there is a double foul during a down in which there is a
change of possession, the team last gaining possession may
keep the ball unless its foul was committed prior to the
change of possession.
2. If double foul occurs after a change of possession, the
defensive team retains the ball at the spot of its foul or dead
ball spot.
3. If one of the fouls of a double foul involves disqualification,
that player must be removed, but no penalty yardage is to be
assessed.
4. If the kickers foul during a kickoff, punt, safety kick, or fieldgoal
attempt before possession changes, the receivers will
have the option of replaying the down at the previous spot
(offsetting fouls), or keeping the ball after enforcement for its
fouls.
PENALTY ENFORCED ON FOLLOWING KICKOFF
1. When a team scores by touchdown, field goal, extra point, or
safety and either team commits a personal foul, unsportsmanlike
conduct, or obvious unfair act during the down, the
penalty will be assessed on the following kickoff.
EMERGENCIES AND UNFAIR ACTS
Emergencies—Policy
The National Football League requires all League personnel,
including game officials, League office employees, players,
coaches, and other club employees to use best effort to see that
each game—preseason, regular season, and postseason—is
played to its conclusion. The League recognizes, however, that
emergencies may arise that make a game’s completion impossible
or inadvisable. Such circumstances may include, but are not
limited to, severely inclement weather, natural or manmade
disaster, power failure, and spectator interference. Games should
be suspended, cancelled, postponed, or terminated when
circumstances exist such that comencement or continuation of
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773 2005 NFL Record & Fact Book
play would pose a threat to the safety of participants or spectators.
Authority of Commissioner’s Office
1. Authority to cancel, postpone, or terminate games is vested
only in the Commissioner and the League President (other
League office representatives and referees may suspend play
temporarily; see point No. 3 under this section and point No.
1 under “Authority of Referee” below). The following
definitions apply:
• Cancel. To cancel a game is to nullify it either before or
after it begins and to make no provision for rescheduling
it or for including its score or other per formance
statistics in League records.
• Postpone. To postpone a game is (a) to defer its starting
time to a later date, or (b) to suspend it after play has
begun and to make provision to resume at a later date
with all scores and other performance statistics up to the
point of postponement added to those achieved in the
resumed portion of the game.
• Terminate. To terminate a game is to end it short of a full
60 minutes of play, to record it officially as a completed
game, and to make no provision to resume it at a later
date. The Commissioner or League President may
terminate a game in an emergency if, in his opinion, it is
reasonable to project that its resumption (a) would not
change its ultimate result or (b) would not adversely
affect any other interteam competitive issue.
• Forfeit. The Commissioner, (except in cases of
disciplinary action; see last section on “Removing Team
from Field”), League President, and their representatives,
including referees, are not authorized unilaterally to
declare forfeits. A forfeit occurs only when a game is not
played because of the failure or refusal of one team to
participate. In that event, the other team, if ready and
willing to play, is the winner by a score of 2-0.
2. If an emergency arises that may require cancellation,
postponement, or termination (see above), the highest
ranking representative from the Commissioner’s office
working the game in a “control” capacity will consult with the
Commissioner, League President, or game-day duty officer
designated by the League (by telephone, if that person is not
in attendance) concerning such decision. If circumstances
warrant, the League representative should also attempt to
consult with the weather bureau and with appropriate security
personnel of the League, club, stadium, and local authorities.
If no representative from the Commissioner’s office is
working the game in a “control” capacity, the referee will be
in charge (see “Authority of Referee” below).
3. In circumstances where safety is of immediate concern, the
Commissioner’s office representative may, after consulting
with the referee, authorize a temporary suspension in play
and, if warranted, removal of the participants from the playing
field. The representative should be mindful of the safety of
spectators, players, game officials, nonplayer personnel in
the bench areas, and other field-level personnel such as
photographers and cheerleaders.
4. If possible, the League-office representative should consult
with authorized representatives of the two participating clubs
before any decision involving cancellation, postponement, or
termination is made by the Commissioner or League
President.
5. If the Commissioner or League President decides to cancel,
postpone, or terminate a game, his representative at the
game or the game-day duty officer will then determine the
method(s) for announcing such decision, e.g., by publicaddress
announcement over referee’s wireless microphone,
by public-address announcement by home club, or by
communication to radio, television, and other news media.
Authority of Referee
1. If a referee determines that an emergency warrants
immediate removal of participants from the playing field for
safety reasons, he may do so on his own authority. If,
however, circumstances allow him the time, he must reach
the highest ranking full-time League office representative
working at the game in a “control” capacity or the game-day
duty officer designated by the League (by telephone, if that
person is not in attendance) and discuss the actual or
potential emergency with such representative or duty officer.
That representative or duty officer then will make the final
decision on removal of participants from the field or obtain a
decision from the Commissioner or League President.
2. If a referee removes participants from the playing field under
No. 1 above, he may order them to their respective bench
areas or to their locker rooms, whichever is appropriate in
