Even though football is one of the most popular spectator sports in the United States, the complicated rules and regulations make it hard for some people to understand well enough to set up an organized game. Between offense, defense and special teams, learning the different rules aspects will help you understand and play the game better.
Teams and Players
Each team is divided into three separate groups: offense, defense and special teams---for kickoffs, punting and field goals. For each group, 11 players are allowed on the field at each time for each team.
Game Play Rules
The game starts with one team kicking the ball to the other team. One player catches the ball and tries to advance as far up the field without being tackled. When tackled, once either or both of a player's knees touches the ground, the ball is dead and the play is over, according to the National Football League. After the kickoff, the offensive team has four "downs" to advance the ball 10 yards. Failure to do so results in a turnover to the other team. A team also has the option at any time to either kick a field goal or punt the ball in order to improve their field position. The object of the game is to collect points by scoring touchdowns---advancing the ball over the goal line---or by making a kicked field goal between the goal posts. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Passing and Rushing Rules
The offense has two options of how to advance the ball up the field. Passing involves throwing the ball so that another player on the team catches and runs as far as possible without being tackled. A ball that is passed and touches the ground is an incomplete pass, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Rushing involves a player receiving the ball on a hand off or toss and running with it as far as possible without being tackled.
Scoring Rules
Touchdowns are worth six points, and field goals are worth three points each. After a touchdown, a team has the option to run one offensive play. The team may either kick a field goal for one extra point or try to score another touchdown for two points. If a player on the offensive team is tackled in their defensive end zone, the team on defense scores two points.
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