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The yardage chain is exactly 10 yards long when fully extended. It is used to measure if the offensive team has gained at least 10 yards in four downs (plays) or less. When at least 10 yards has been gained, the offense has four downs in which to gain another first down. The down indicator is on a rod at least 4 feet high and holds four “cards” lettered 1, 2, 3, and 4.The indicator marks the most forward point of the ball of the start of each down and the “card” indicates the number of the down it is. |
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| The goal posts are 18 feet, 6 inches apart in both high school and in professional football. Posts in college games are placed 23 feet, 4 inches apart. In all cases, the crossbar is placed above the ground. Professional rules require that the goal post must be padded with kapok or foam rubber. “Offset” posts, set behind the end line but with the crossbar extended to the end line, are used in professional football |
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A player will be ordered off the field for an improper uniform. In this case, a number on the player’s jersey is too small. Numbers must be at least 8 inches high on the front and 10 inches on the back of the jersey |
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| This player will be ordered off the field and not allowed in the game until he has changed his jersey. Any equipment, in the opinion of the officials, which would confuse the opposing players, is illegal. |
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Jerseys or helmets that are similar color to the football and tend to conceal it are forbidden. The use of camouflage of any kind is illegal and players will not be permitted on the field until the infraction of the rules is corrected. |
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| This player, also, will be ordered off the field because he is too well protected. Players are not permitted to have leather, or any other hard material, regardless of how well it is protected or padded, on the hands, wrists, forearms, or elbows. |
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If both the offensive lineman and the defensive lineman have charged before the ball is snapped, and the official rules that they did it simultaneously, then a double foul is called and they will offset each other. However, if it is ruled that the action of the offensive player caused his opponent to go offside, then the team will be penalized 5 yards. |
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| The defensive player charged into his opponent before the ball is snapped. At the same time the center lifts the ball off the ground. While the defensive team will be ruled offside, the center will be penalized for an illegal snap because he is allowed one continuous motion to pass the ball back. Thus, the penalties will offset each other. |
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The blocker (No.76) is guilty of kneeing his opponent (No. 15) and is penalized 15 yards since it is considered a deliberate act. Under the same rule that no player shall hit an opponent either on the head, neck, or face with the heel, back or side of the hand, or with the wrist. |
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| The passing team may appear to be lucky because the football has bounced the helmet of one of its own players (No. 68) into the hands of another. But it will be ruled a complete forward pass because the ball, even if only accidentally, touched an ineligible receiver first |
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The pass has touched an ineligible receiver and the defender (No. 89) is about to intercept. The ruling is that the interception stands unless the defensive team prefers to take the penalty. A forward pass remains in play only for an interception after touching an ineligible receiver. In professional football there is a penalty for intentional touching, none for accidental. |
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| The kicker drops the ball and kicks it just at the instant it touches the ground or a fraction of a second later. Seldom used today, it can be used instead of the place kick. |
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After making a fair catch, a player is allowed to take only two steps. The ball becomes dead at the spot where he caught it. If he tries to advance it, he will be penalized 5 yards. |
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