NFL Football Rules Quiz

NFL Football Rules Quiz Questions

• What is the distance a team must advance the ball to maintain possession on a down?
• How many downs does a team have to advance the ball 10 yards?
• What is the penalty for illegal contact during a play?
• What is the name for a play where a team loses possession of the ball because of a turnover?
• Explain the rules for a forward pass in the NFL.
• How many players can a team have on the field at once?
• What is the basic procedure and rules for a field goal attempt?
• What is the penalty for holding the ball in a scrum?
• How many points does a touchdown score?
• Explain the concept of a safety and points.

Study Notes: NFL Football Rules

• Field and Lines of Play:

  • The field is 120 yards long between the end zones.
  • The end zones are 10 yards deep.
  • The total length of the field is 100 yards, from the front of one end zone to the front of the other.
  • The width of the field is 53 1/3 yards.
  • End lines run the width of the field from one end to the other.
  • The sidelines run the length of the field.
  • The hash marks denote specific areas of the field.

• Down and Distance:

  • Teams have four downs to advance the ball 10 yards.
  • If they succeed, they maintain possession and start a new sequence of downs.
  • If they fail, the other team takes possession of the ball.

• Forward Pass:

  • A forward pass is allowed in any direction to move forward the ball.
  • A player can only throw the ball with their hands or arms, not their feet or legs.

• Turnovers:

  • In the event of a fumble, an incomplete pass, or an interception, possession of the ball changes. Turns happen when the player with possession loses possession.
  • A lost fumble or interception causes the opposite team to gain control of the ball at a specific point on the field.

• Penalties:

  • Penalties are assessed for infractions of the rules.
  • Common penalties include holding, illegal contact, and pass interference.
  • Penalties include penalties that move the ball backward.

• Starting Plays:

  • Plays will start with the ball on the 25 yard line, and the game will begin with a snap of the football by the offensive team to the quarterback.

• Scoring:

  • Touchdown - 6 points.
  • Extra Point Kick - 1 point (or 2 points if run).
  • Field Goal - 3 points.
  • Safety - 2 points (if defense tackles the offensive player in the endzone).

• Teams on Field:

  • There are 11 players from the offensive and defensive team on the field at a time.
  • Defensive players can change throughout the game, when a player is injured, or they need a break.

• Field Goal Attempts:

  • A field goal is attempted to obtain 3 points by kicking the ball through the goal post from a 20-yard line from the endzone.
  • Kicking occurs on a specific spot, where players place the ball based on the current situation of the game, and is given after each touchdown.

• Personal Fouls:

  • Fouls will result in penalties and additional penalties if compounded.

• Scrum Rules (Not in the Original NFL; Refers to Rugby):

  • For scrum play in a similar sport, this action involves players engaging in a group of players in a contested area.
  • Rules vary significantly by sport.