Football is probably among the most physically and mentally demanding professional sports. For a fan, however, watching the game doesn't need to be as strenuous as it is for a player. To avoid being the one who has to ask "what's going on?" while everyone else is cheering, there are a few rules and tidbits every spectator should know.
The football field (sometimes called the Gridiron) is 100 yards long (end to end, not including the end zones) and approximately 50 yards wide.
The game begins with a coin toss, after which the winning team chooses to kick or receive a kickoff. In most instances, it is favored to receive the ball.
The NFL (National Football League) has 32 total teams, which is split up into two conferences: AFC and NFC. From these two conferences, teams are further split into divisions.
A game is split into four quarters that last 15 minutes per quarter. There are four downs (which refer to the number of times that play transpires), during which a team has the ability to make something happen either offensively or defensively. The team on offense has to move the ball 10 yards down the field during the four downs to get a fresh set of four downs. If the offense is unsuccessful at gaining 10 yards, they must forfeit the ball.
A field goal is worth three points, and a touchdown is worth six. After scoring a touchdown, teams have an option to tack on one or two extra points. When the ball is placed on the two-yard line for a field goal, it's a "point after touchdown." The offensive team can also run or throw the ball into the end zone for a "two point conversion."
During a play, there can be no more than 22 players on the field (11 on offense and 11 on defense). The coach of the team communicates to the quarterback through use of a headset located in their helmet.
Each team is allotted three timeouts per half. A team has the right to call timeout before the ball is snapped and the play is in motion. Upon a coach's disagreement with a ruling on the field, a coach can challenge the referee's call.
If the ruling on the field is overturned from the original call, there is no repercussion for the coach. However, if the ruling on the field stands, a timeout is taken away as a penalty. Timeouts can be used for many strategic purposes: planning, providing rest for the team or to freeze the other team during a moment of importance.
In terms of officials for the games, there are about four different kinds of referees. There are six referees located on the field; two on both sides, two behind the offensive and defensive lineups, and two deep in the end zones. The officials reserve the right to throw a yellow flag on the field, which signifies a penalty on the play.
In the event of overtime, there are 15-minute quarters, which are sudden death in NFL football. This means that upon a team scoring points first to break the tie, a winner is declared and the game is over.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
