Website: www.NFL.com
History:
Football, American, distinct type of football that developed in the United States in the 19th century from soccer and rugby football. Football is one of the most popular American sports, attracting thousands of participants and millions of spectators annually. The forerunner of American football may have been a game played by the ancient Greeks, called harpaston. Most modern versions of football howerver originated in England, where a form of the game was known in the 12th century. In subsequent centuries football became so popular that various English monarchs , including Edward II and Henry VI, forbade the game because it took interest away from the military sport of archery.
The Game:
*Possible Offensive Positions of Players: Quarterback, Wide Receivers, Running Backs and Blockers.
*At the beginning of the game and after a touchdown, the ball is put into play by starting play on the big “arc”. No kick off.
*A touchdown is worth 6 points. Go for extra point-small arc = 1 point, big arc = 2 points.
*Each player wears 2 flags. To “tackle” a ball carrier, 1 flag must be pulled off.
*6 vs.6, all passing, 1 run per time you have the ball, no Quarterback sneaks
The Rules:
*To start of each play Quarterback says “set”, “hike”, them must count 7 alligator out loud. Must throw pass or hand off by 7 alligaor or it will result in loss of down.
*Anytime the ball hits the ground, the play is over (incomplete pass, fumble).
*Each team is allowed 4 downs to get a touchdown or a first down.
*A first down may be gained by reaching the next 20 yard zone. You can earn 2 first downs before you must score a touchdown.
*On fourth down, the offensive team must declare what they are going to do: go for it or punt.
*Defensive players may not rush the Quarterback at any time.
*If a ball carrier falls down, the play is over and the ball is placed at the spot where the person fell.
*If a flag accidentally falls offs, the play is considered dead at that spot.
Penalties:
*Pass interference – defensive/offensive player touches the receiver after the ball has been thrown.
*Offsides – a player is across the line of scrimmage at the start of a play.
*Hand Slap – ball carrier slaps hand of defensive player to avoid getting their flag pulled.
*Stripping the ball out of a players hand
*Unnecessary Roughness – excessive pushing, tackling, tripping, ect.
*Loss of down- failure of quarterback to throw the ball after 7 alligator
*rushing the Quarterback
*illegal forward pass