Football for Player and Spectator/Chapter 17

by Fielding Yost

Foot Ball Rules

Re-Arranged with Suggestions

The rules following have been re-arranged so that the player can easily see who has charge of each section and what the penalty is for violating the same. A few suggestions are also added to call attention to some points that are often overlooked. The rules are very important and a close study by every one who wishes to play the game will do as much to prepare them to play the game properly as will anything else. There is entirely too much ignorance in regard to football rules.

These are the official football rules for 1905, reprinted from Spalding's Official Football Guide, by special permission.

The Officials

Duties of Referee

In making his decisions the Referee must recognize and allow precedence to any penalty inflicted by the umpire for a foul.

The Referee's decisions are final upon all points not specified under the duties of the Umpire.

The Referee shall see that the ball is properly put in play, and he is judge of its position and progress.

He is judge of forward passes, of interference with the snap-back, and of the advance of the ball by the player who first receives it from the snapper-back when the ball is put in play from a scrimmage (Rule 16, a and c), and offenses under Rule 18, c.

At the beginning of a game and in every case after time has been taken out, he shall ascertain from each captain that his team is ready, before ordering play to begin.

He is sole authority for the score of the game and is judge of forfeiture of the game under the rules.

The Referee may appeal to both the Umpire and Linesman for testimony upon all points within his jurisdiction.

The Referee must volunteer testimony to the Umpire concerning infringement of Rule 27 (c and f).

Duties of Umpire

The Umpire is judge of the conduct of the players, and his decision is final regarding such fouls as are not specifically placed within the jurisdiction of the Referee.

The Umpire is judge of charging, and of the positions of players whenever the ball is put in play.

He may appeal to both the Referee and Linesman for testimony in cases of fouls seen by them, and it shall be their duty to volunteer testimony concerning violations of Rule 27 (c and f).

NOTE - Captains and players, however, may not appeal to the Referee or Linesman for their testimony upon the points just mentioned.

The Umpire shall not signal with his horn or bell, except to declare a foul committed.

Whenever the Umpire notices or is informed by the Referee or Linesman that a substitute or any other person not participating in the game is coaching, he shall immediately exclude the offender for the remainder of the game from the neighborhood of the field of play; i.e., send the offender behind the ropes or fence surrounding the field of play.

Furthermore, he shall exact the penalty as provided in Rule 28.

NOTE - The Referee should use a whistle to indicate cessation of play on downs, fair catches and fouls, and the Umpire (and Linesman) should use a horn or a bell of some kind, distinguishable from the Referee's whistle, to indicate that a foul has been committed.

Duties of Linesman

The Linesman shall, under the supervision of the Referee, mark the distances gained or lost in the progress of the play.

He shall remain on the side-lines and be provided with two assistants, who shall remain outside the field of play and who shall use, in measuring distance, the rope or chain mentioned in Note under Rule 1 (d).

The Linesman shall, under the direction of the Referee, also keep the time, and he should use a stop-watch in so doing. He should start his watch not when the Referee blows his whistle, but when the ball is put in play.

The Linesman must penalize a side for the ends being off-side on a kick, for tripping of ends after a kick, and for roughing the full-back. It should be his special duty to be in position to see that the ends are on-side when the ball is put in play in a scrimmage. In case the Linesman gives a decision against one side and the Umpire against the other on the same play, the penalties being other than disqualification, the ball shall be brought back to the point where it was put in play and played over again, the number of the down and the point to be gained for first down remaining the same. In case of disqualification by either official, at any time, the disqualification shall stand. In case the Linesman and Umpire each signal a foul against the same side during the same scrimmage (unnecessary roughness excepted) only one penalty shall be given, viz.; that for the foul committed first. In case it is impossible to say which foul occurred first the penalty shall be exacted only for the foul noted by the Umpire.

In the above cases a foul called by the Referee shall be judged the same as if called by the Linesman. That is, in case more than one foul is called on the same play, one foul being against one side and the other against the other, the ball shall be brought back as stated above. In case more than one foul is called upon the same side and it is inmpossible to say which foul occurred first, then only one penalty shall be exacted, a decision by the Referee taking precedence over that of the Umpire and that of the Umpire over that of the Linesman.

The Linesman shall notify the captains of the time remaining for play, not more than 10 nor less than 5 minutes before the end of each half.

NOTE - There is no objection to the Linesman giving approximate time to an inquiring captain at any time during the game. He may not, however, be asked for this time more than 3 times within the last 5 minutes of the half.

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Equipment, Officials, Etc.

Rule 1.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Field.

(a) The game shall be played upon a rectangular field, 330 feet in length and 160 feet in width, enclosed by heavy white lines marked in lime upon the ground. The lines at the two ends shall be termed goal lines. The side lines shall extend beyond their points of intersection with the goal line. The goal shall be placed in the middle of each goal line, and shall consist of two upright posts exceeding 20 feet in height and placed 18 feet 6 inches apart, with horizontal cross-bar 10 feet from the ground.

Players.

(b) The game shall be played by two teams of eleven men each.

Officials.

(c) The officials of the game shall be a Referee, an Umpire and a Linesman.

Ball.

(d) The foot ball used shall be of leather, enclosing an inflated rubber bladder. The ball shall have the shape of a prolate spheroid.

NOTE - It is desirable to have two stop-watches for the time keepers, a whistle for the referee and a horn or a bell of some kind for the umpire, in order to distinguish his call from that of the referee. It is also desirable to have the field marked off with white lines every 5 yards, parallel to the goal line, for measuring the 5 yards to be gained in 3 downs, and to provide two light poles about 6 feet in length and connected at the lower ends by a stout cord or chain exactly 5 yards long. In addition to this the field should be marked off with white lines 5 yards apart, parallel to side lines, in order to assist the officials in judging whether the first man who receives the ball crosses the scrimmage line a sufficient distance from where the ball was put in play. Instead of having those lines continuous it may be sufficient to mark only the cross lines above named at the points where they are crossed by these lines.

In measuring, the forward point of the ball, in its position when declared dead, not its center, shall be taken as the determining point.

Definition of Terms

Rule 2.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Methods of Kicking the Ball.

Place Kicking - Showing how to make the kick.

Drop-kick.

(a) A Drop-kick is made by letting the ball drop from the hands and kicking it the instant it rises from the ground.

Suggestion.--The players should remember that if the goal is missed the opponents may either make a touchback or run with the ball, so the forwards and the ends should be on the lookout and force the opponents to make a touchback or stop them just after they have crossed the goal line. If the drop-kick is tried after a fair catch, all are on-side and can go and secure the ball, if the goal is missed, whether it has been touched by an opponent or not.

Place-kick.

(b) A Place-kick is made by kicking the ball after it has been placed on the ground.

Suggestion.--The player must remember that the same conditions govern an attempt at goal by a place-kick as by a drop-kick.

Punt.

(c) A Punt is made by letting the ball drop from the hands and kicking it before it touches the ground.

Kick-off.

(d) A Kick-off is a place-kick from the center of the field of play, and cannot score a goal. (Rule 8.)

Suggestion.--All are on-side at the kick-off and any one can secure the ball after it has gone ten yards, even before it has been touched by an opponent. If the ball is kicked in goal, go down and fall on it for a touchdown or prevent the opponents from running it back. Be sure that the ball was called down by the player or dead by the referee before it is brought back on the field of play.

Kick-out.

(e) A Kick-out is a drop-kick, place-kick or punt made by a player of the side which has made a safety or a touchback.

Suggestion.--When kicking out from the ten or twenty-five-yard line on a kick-out, everyone is on-side and can go and get the ball or interfere with a fair catch. The side kicking out can kick from any point behind the ten or twenty-five-yard line. They should do this and take advantage of any wind or field conditions, being careful not to kick the ball so the opponents can make a fair catch and have a good position to kick a goal from the field.

Free-kick.

(f) A Free-kick is a term used to designate any kick when the opponents are restrained by rule from advancing beyond a certain point before the ball is put in play.

NOTE--Under a Free-kick arc included Kick-off (Rule 2, d), Kick-out (Rule 2, e), Punt-out (Rules 5 and 25); Kick from a Fair Catch (Rule 7). and Place-kick for Goal after a touchdown (Rules 4 (a) and 25). Any player of the side having the Free-kick may put the ball in play.

Rule 3.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Out of Bounds.

(a) The ball is Out of Bounds when it touches the ground on or outside the side line or side line extended, or when any part of the player who holds the ball touches the ground on or outside the side line or side line extended.

Suggestion.--When a player is running with the ball and is tackled, or about to be tackled, he should by all means carry the ball across the side-line or out of bounds. This will give his team the advantage of bringing it in fifteen yards instead of being forced into a scrimmage near the side-line.

(b) If the ball is kicked so that it goes out of bounds before crossing the opponents' goal line, it shall belong to the opponents at the point where it crossed the side line. If, however, it strikes any player who is on side and then goes out of bounds, it shall belong to the player who first obtains possession of it.

Rule 4.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Touchdown.

(a) A Touchdown is made when the ball in possession of a player is declared dead by the referee, any part of it being on, over or behind the opponents' goal line.

(b) The point where the touchdown is marked, however, is not where the ball is carried across the line but where the ball is fairly held or called “down.”

NOTE--If the ball is carried across the extension of the side line it is at once dead, and the touchdown is marked at the point where the side line crosses the goal line.

Touchback.

(c) A Touchback is made when the ball in possession of a player guarding his own goal is declared dead by the referee, any part of it being on, over or behind the goal line, provided the impetus which sent it to or across the line was given by an opponent. The referee shall declare the ball dead when the player in possession of the ball cries “down,” or touches it down, or as provided for in Rule 20.

Suggestion.--A touchback is always made when a player touches the ball down in his own goal, the force which put it in goal having come from an opponent.

Safety.

(d) A Safety is made when the ball in the possession of a player guarding his own goal is declared dead by the referee, any part of it being on, over or behind the goal line, provided the impetus which caused it to pass from outside the goal to or behind the goal line was given by the side defending the goal. Such impetus could come: (1) from a kick, pass, snap-back or fumble by one of the player's own side; (2) from a kick which bounded back from an opponent; (3) in case a player carrying the ball is forced back, provided the ball was not declared dead by the referee before the line was reached or crossed.

A safety is also made when a player of the side in possession of the ball commits a foul which would give the ball to the opponents behind the offender's goal line; also when the ball, kicked by a man behind his goal line, crosses the side line extended behind the goal line.

Rule 5.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Punt-out.

A Punt-out is a punt made by a player of the side which has made a touchdown to another of his own side for a fair catch. (Rule 7.)

Suggestion.--See Rule 25, Section (b).

Rule 6.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Scrimmage.

(a) A Scrimmage takes place when the holder of the ball places it upon the ground and puts it in play by kicking it forward or snapping it hack. The scrimmage does not end until the ball is again declared dead.

The ball is always put in play from a scrimmage, except in cases where other specific provision is made by the rules.

NOTE--Snapping the ball means putting it back by means of hand or foot with one quick or continuous motion from its position on the ground.

Suggestion.--The defensive center must always be on the alert and watch that the opposing center does not have an opportunity to put the ball in play by kicking it through his position.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Feint to Snap the Ball.

(b) If, after the snapper-back has taken his position, he should voluntarily move the ball as if to snap it, whether he withholds it altogether or only momentarily, the ball is in play, and the scrimmage has begun.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Snapper-back Off-side.

(c) When snapping the ball back, the player so doing must be on-side, the hand or foot used in snapping the ball excepted. (Rule 10)

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

(d) If any player of the side in possession of the ball other than the snapper-back makes any deliberate attempt, by a false start or otherwise, to draw the opponents off-side, the ball, if then snapped, shall not be regarded as in play nor the scrimmage as begun.

Rule 7.

Referee Has Jurisdiction (except as relates to interference, throwing catcher, and position of players, of which umpire has jurisdiction).

Penalty.--If a player who has an opportunity of making a fair catch (Rule 7) is unlawfully obstructed by an opponent who is off-side and thus prevented from catching the ball, or if a player who has heeled a fair catch is thrown to the ground (unless he has advanced beyond his mark) his side shall have the choice of two penalties, viz.:

1. They may receive 15 yards, in which case they must put the ball in play by a scrimmage; or,

2. They may receive 5 yards, in which case they must put the ball in play by a punt, drop-kick or place-kick.

Fair Catch.

(a) A Fair catch consists in catching the ball after it has been kicked by one of the opponents and before it touches the ground, or in similarly catching a punt-out by another of the catcher's own side, provided the player, while making the catch, makes a mark with his heel and takes not more than one step thereafter. It is not a fair catch if the ball, after the kick, was touched by another of his side before the catch. Opponents who are off-side shall not interfere in any way with a player who has an opportunity to make a fair catch, nor shall he be thrown to the ground after such catch is made unless he has advanced beyond his mark.

Suggestion.--This rule does not forbid a player who is on-side from interfering with a fair catch. How often it occurs that such opportunities are missed by players who are on-side; they do not realize that they have just as much right to that ball as the player making the fair catch. When the opponents are attempting a fair catch, after a kick-off, kick-out, punt-out, kick from a fair catch, both sides are on-side and any one may secure the ball or interfere with any one else securing it, since all are on-side.

Putting Ball in Play After Fair Catch.

(b) If a side obtains a fair catch, the ball must be put in play by a punt, drop-kick or place-kick, and the opponents cannot come within ten yards of the line on which the fair catch was made; the ball must be kicked from some point directly behind the spot where the catch was made, on a line parallel to the side line.

Rule 8.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Goal.

A Goal is made by kicking the ball in any way, except by a punt, from the field of play over the cross-bar of the opponents' goal, or as provided in rules for conversion of touchdown. If the ball passes directly over one of the uprights it counts a goal.

NOTE--If the ball, after being kicked, strikes an opponent and then passes over the cross-bar, it still counts a goal.

Suggestion.--A ball kicked from the field of play in any way, except by a punt over the cross-bar of the opponents' goal, is a goal under the above rule. If the ball was lying free on the ground and any player on-side kicked it and it went across the goal bar it would be a goal.

Rule 9.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Charging.

Charging is rushing forward to seize or block the ball or to tackle a player.

Rule 10.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Off-side.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(a) In a scrimmage no part of any player shall be ahead of the ball when it is put in play. [Exception under Rule 6 (c).]

NOTE--Ahead of the ball means between the opponents' goal and a line parallel to the goal line and passing through the point of the ball nearest to the goal line of the side not in possession.

No player shall be out of bounds at the time when the ball is put in play, save as provided for elsewhere in these rules. (See Rule 25, section c.)

Player Put Off-side.

(b) A player is put off-side if the ball in play has last been touched by one of his own side behind him. No player, when off side, shall touch the ball except on a fumble or a muff, nor shall he interrupt or obstruct an opponent with his hands or arms until again on-side. [This shall not be so interpreted as to prevent a man who is running down the field under a kick from using his hands or arms to push opponents out of the way in order to get at the ball or the man catching it.] No player can, however, be called off-side behind his own goal line.

Kicked Ball Strikes Player Off-side.

NOTE--If a player is ahead of the ball when it is kicked by another of his side, he is off-side, and he shall not allow the ball to touch him until again on-side. Should he break this rule, the ball goes to opponents on the spot, except as specified in (d) of this rule.

Player Off-side Put On-side.

(c) A player being off-side is put on-side when the ball has touched an opponent, or when one of his own side has run in front of him, either with the ball, or having been the last player to touch it when behind him.

The man who, standing back of his own line of scrimmage receives the ball from one of his own side and then kicks it beyond the line of scrimmage, may not put other men on-side by running ahead of them, nor may he himself get the ball until after it has touched a player of the opposing side.

Explanation--The Rules Committee desires to state that the reason for this prohibition is in order that there may be no excuse whatever for running into the fullback after he has kicked the ball. The above rule renders it impossible for him either to put men on-side or himself get the ball, and this takes away all excuse for roughness of this nature, and the Committee expects officials to severely punish any such unnecessary roughness.

Suggestion.--This rule does not prohibit any one from securing a ball after he has kicked it, unless he has received it and made a scrimmage kick. If he returned a punt from an opponent's kick, a kick-off of an opponent, or a place kick of an opponent, the kicker would be on-side and could go and secure the ball before an opponent touched it, and not violate this rule.

Ball Inside 10-yard Line Touched by a Player Who Is Off-side.

(d) If the ball, when not in possession of either side, is touched when inside the opponents' 10-yard line by a player who is off-side, it is a foul, and the penalty is that it shall go as a touchback to the defenders of that goal.

Rule 11.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Ball Is Dead.

The ball is Dead:

(a) Whenever the referee blows his whistle or declares a down.

(b) Whenever the referee has declared that a down, touchdown, touchback, safety or goal has been made.

(c) When a fair catch has been heeled.

(d) When it has been downed after going out of bounds.

(e) When the ball goes out of bounds after a kick before touching a player who is on-side.

If the umpire signals a foul, the play continues until the ball is dead under some of the above provisions, when the referee must enforce the penalty called for by the umpire's decision. The side offended may, however, refuse to accept the penalty.

NOTE--(a) Should the ball strike an official it is not regarded as dead, but play continues exactly as if the ball had not touched him.

(b) No play can be made when the ball is dead, except to put it in play according to rule.

Rule 12.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Length of Game.

(a) The length of the game shall be 70 minutes, divided into two halves of 35 minutes each, exclusive of time taken out. There shall be ten minutes intermission between the two halves.

NOTE--The game may be of shorter duration by mutual agreement between the captains of the contesting teams.

Darkness.

Whenever the commencement of a game is so late that, in the opinion of the referee, there is any likelihood of the game being interfered with by darkness, he shall, before play begins, arbitrarily shorten the two halves to such length as shall insure two equal halves being completed, and shall notify both captains of the exact time thus set. Either side refusing to abide by the opinion of the referee on this point shall forfeit the game.

Final Score.

(b) The game shall be decided by the final score at the end of the two halves.

Time Called at End of a Half.

(c) Time shall not be called for the end of a half until the ball is dead, and in case of a touchdown, the try-at-goal shall be allowed.

Time Taken Out.

(d) Time shall be taken out whenever the game is unnecessarily delayed or while the ball is being brought out for a try-at-goal, kick-out, or kick-off, or when play is for any reason suspended by the referee. Time shall he taken out after a fair catch. Time shall begin again when the ball is actually put in play.

NOTE--Time is not to be taken out when the ball goes out of bounds except in case of unreasonable delay in returning the ball to play.

No Delay Longer Than Two Minutes.

Penalty, five yards for any unnecessary delay. Refusing to play within two minutes after ordered by referee to do so shall forfeit the game.

(e) No delay arising from any cause whatsoever shall continue more than two minutes. Any unreasonable delay shall be penalized under Rule 28 (A and D), and persistent delay shall be penalized as provided for in Penalties--D.

Rule 13.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Beginning of Game and of Second Half.

(a) The captains of the opposing teams shall toss up a coin before the beginning of a game, and the winner of the toss shall have his choice of goal or kick-off. If the winner of the toss selects the goal, the loser must take the kick-off. The ball shall be kicked off at the beginning of each half, the kick-off at the beginning of the second half being made by the side that did not first kick off at the beginning of the game. The teams shall change goals after every try-at-goal following a touchdown, and after every goal from the field, and the side just scored upon shall have the option of kicking off or of having their opponents kick off. At the beginning of the second half the teams shall take opposite goals from those assumed at the beginning of the first half.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Ball Kicked Out of Bounds at Kick-off.

(b) At kick-off, if the ball goes out of bounds before it is touched by an opponent, it shall be brought back and kicked off again. If it is kicked out of bounds a second time it shall go as a kick-off to the opponents. If either side thus forfeits the ball twice, it shall go to the opponents, who shall put it in play by a scrimmage at the center of the field.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Ball Kicked Across Goal Line at Kick-off.

(c) At kick-off, or at any other time, if the ball is kicked across the goal line and is there declared dead when in the possession of one of the side defending the goal, it is a touchback. If the ball is not declared dead, the side defending the goal may run with it or kick it exactly as if it had not crossed the goal line. If it is declared dead thus in possession of the attacking side, provided that the man was on-side, it is a touchdown.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Position of Opponents at Kick-out and Kick From Fair Catch.

(d) At kick-off and on a punt or drop-kick from a fair catch, the opposite side must stand at least 10 yards in front of the ball until it is kicked. On a kick-out, the opposite side cannot stand nearer the goal than the 25-yard line, except on a kick-out made after a try at field goal from scrimmage upon a first down inside the 25-yard line, when the 10-yard line is the restraining mark. [See Rule 23, exception.]

Rule 14.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Position on Free-kick.

(a) The side which has a free-kick must be behind the ball when it is kicked.

NOTE--Otherwise the kick must be made again under conditions laid down in Penalties—H.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Must Kick Ball 10 Yards.

(b) In the case of a kick-off, kick-out, kick from a fair catch, the ball must be kicked a distance of at least 10 yards towards the opponents' goal from the line restraining the player making the kick, unless it is stopped by an opponent; otherwise the ball is not in play.

Suggestion.--In case a short kick is made by your side on a kick-off, kick-out or kick from a fair catch, and the ball does not go ten yards, fall on it. Do not let the opponents secure it, as it will be in play if they do, and you will not have an opportunity to kick off again, which you will have if you fall on it before it has gone ten yards.

Rule 15.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Lawful Charging.

(a) Charging is lawful, in case of a punt-out or kick-off, as soon as the ball is kicked; and the opponents must not charge until the ball is kicked.

Ball Touching the Ground by Accident.

(b) In case of any other free-kick, charging is lawful: (1) When the player of the side having the free-kick advances beyond his restraining line or mark with the ball in his possession; (2) If he allows the ball to touch the ground by accident or otherwise.

After Lawful Charging Ball Must Be Kicked.

(c) If such lawful charging takes place, and if the side having the free-kick fails to kick the ball, then the opponents may line up 5 yards ahead of the line which restrained them before charging. In that case, the side having the free-kick must kick the ball from some point directly behind its mark, if the free-kick resulted from a fair catch, and in other cases from behind the new restraining line.

EXCEPTION--If, in case of a try-at-goal, after a touchdown, the ball is not kicked, after having been allowed to touch the ground once, no second attempt shall be permitted, and the ball shall be kicked off at the center of the field. (Rule 13.)

Rule 16.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

No Interference with Snapper-back.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(a) The snapper-back is entitled to full and undisturbed possession of the ball. The opponents must neither interfere with the snapper-back nor touch the ball until it is actually put in play.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Snapper-back Off-side.

(b) In snapping the ball back, if the player so doing is off-side, the ball must be snapped again, and if this occurs once more on the same down, the opponents shall receive 5 yards, the number of the down and the point to be gained remaining unchanged. If the player is off-side for the third time on the same scrimmage the ball shall go to the opponents.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

(c) The man who snaps back and the man opposite him in the scrimmage may not afterward touch the ball until it has touched some player other than these two. If this rule is broken, the side infringing shall be set back 5 yards and the ball put in play again by the same side that had it, the number of the down and the point to be gained remaining the same.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Restrictions When Ball Is Put in Play by Kick Forward.

(d) If the man who puts the ball in play in a scrimmage kicks it forward, no player of his side can touch it until it has gone 10 yards into the opponents' territory, unless it be touched by an opponent. If this rule is broken the ball goes to the opponents on the spot of the foul.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Advance of Ball by Player First Receiving It From Snapper-back.

Penalty, 15 yards.

(e) The man who first receives the ball when it is snapped back shall not (save as provided in Rule 18, c) carry the ball forward beyond the line of scrimmage unless he has regained it after it has been passed to and has touched another player.

Rule 17.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

No Interference with Opponents Before Ball Is in Play.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(a) Before the ball is put in play no player shall lay his hands upon, or by the use of his hands or arms, interfere with an opponent in such a way as to delay putting the ball in play. Any such interference shall be regarded as delay of game. (Rule 28, A.)

Use of hand to ward off tackler.

No Use of Hands or Arms by Attacking Side.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(b) After the ball is put in play, the players of the side that has possession of the ball may obstruct the opponents with the body only, except the player running with the ball, who may use his hands and arms.

Defending Side May Use Hands and Arms.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(c) The players of the side not having the ball may use their hands and arms, but only to get their opponents out of the way in order to reach the ball or stop the player carrying it.

Rule 18.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Movement Allowed Before Ball Is Put in Play.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(a) Before the ball is put in play in a scrimmage, if any player of the side which has the ball takes more than one step in any direction, he must come to a full stop before the ball is put in play.

EXCEPTION--One man of the side having the ball may be in motion towards his own goal without coming to a stop before the ball is put in play.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(b) At least six men of the side holding the ball must be on the line of scrimmage. If not more than six men are on the line of scrimmage one man of those not on the scrimmage line must be outside the position occupied by the man on the end of the line. The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line parallel to the goal line and passing through the front point of the ball. A player shall be considered to be on the line of scrimmage if he has his head, his foot, or his hand up to or within one foot of this line. He must also, however, be outside the player next and between him and the snapper-back. In this rule “outside” means both feet outside the outside foot of the player next and between him and the snapper-back, as aforesaid.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Penalty, 15 yards.

(c) The first man receiving the ball from the snapper-back may carry the ball forward, provided he crosses the line of scrimmage at least 5 yards outside of the point where the ball was snapped.

Suggestion.--This rule permits any player to run with a ball on a direct pass from center. So many teams get the idea that only quarter-backs may run on a direct pass.

Rule 19.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Throwing, Passing or Batting the Ball.

Penalty, 5 yards.

A player may throw, pass or bat the ball in any direction except toward his opponents' goal.

Rule 20.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

A Down.

(a) If a player having the ball is tackled, and the movement of the ball stopped, or if the player cries “down,” the referee shall blow his whistle, and the side holding the ball shall put it down for scrimmage.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

(b) As soon as a runner attempting to go through is tackled and goes down, being held by an opponent, or whenever a runner having the ball in his possession cries “down,” or if he goes out of bounds, the referee shall blow his whistle and the ball shall be considered down at that spot.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

No Piling Up on Player.

Penalty, 5 yards.

(c) There shall be no piling up on the player after the referee has declared the ball dead.

NOTE--In order to prevent the prevalent stealing of the ball, the referee shall blow his whistle immediately when the forward progress of the ball has been stopped.

Rule 21.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Necessary Gain in Three Downs.

(a) If, in three consecutive downs (unless the ball crosses the goal line), a team has not advanced the ball 5 yards, it shall go to the opponents on the spot of the fourth down.

“Consecutive” Downs.

NOTE--”Consecutive” means without going out of possession of the side holding it, except that--(1) having advanced the ball beyond the point necessary for the first down or the ball having actually passed into possession of the other side and then been fu;n bled amid lost by them before having been declared dead by the referee; or, (2) by having kicked the ball they have given their opponents fair and equal chance of gaining possession of it. No kick, however, provided it is not stopped by an opponent, is regarded as giving the opponents fair and equal chance of possession unless the ball goes beyond the line of scrimmage.

Kicked Ball Must Go Beyond Line of Scrimmage.

(b) When a distance penalty is given, the ensuing down shall be counted, as provided for under Penalties—F.

Rule 22.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Putting Ball in Play From Out of Bounds.

If the ball goes out of bounds, whether it bounds back or not, a player of the side which secures it must bring it to the spot where the line was crossed, and there walk out with it at right angles to the side-line, any distance not less than 5 nor more than 15 yards, and at that point put it down for a scrimmage, first declaring how far he intends walking.

Suggestion.--Time is not out when the ball goes out of bounds, so all the men on the defense, when the ball is being brought in, should watch out for a quick play or a long pass.

Rule 23.

Referee Has Jurisdiction (except as relates to position of players, of which umpire has charge).

Kick-out After Safety or Touchback.

Positions of Opponents at Kick-out.

A side which has made a touchback or a safety must kick out from not more than 25 yards outside the kicker's goal. If the ball goes out of bounds before striking a player, it must be kicked out again, and if this occurs twice in succession, it shall be given to the opponents as out of bounds on the 35-yard line on the side where it went out. At kick-out the opponents must be on the 25-yard line or nearer their own goal, and the kicker's side must be behind the ball when it is kicked. Should a second touchback occur before four downs have been played, the side defending the goal may have the choice of a down at the 25-yard line, or a kick-out.

If Second Touchback Before Four Downs.

In case of a second failure to kick within bounds the ball shall go to the opponents on the 25-yard line.

After Drop-kick at Goal on First Down Inside 25 Yards, Kick-off From 10-yard Line.

EXCEPTION--Whenever a side has tried a drop-kick or a place-kick from scrimmage at the goal upon a first down inside the 25-yard line and the result has been a touchback, the 10-yard, instead of the 25-yard line, shall determine the position of the opponents, and the kicker's side must be behind the ball when it is kicked.

Rule 24.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section.

Try-at-goal After Touchdown.

(a) A side which has made a touchdown must try at goal by a place-kick direct, or by a place-kick preceded by a punt-out if they so desire.

After Touchdown, Defenders Kick Off.

(b) After the try-at-goal, whether the goal be made or missed, the ball shall be kicked off at the center of the field, as provided in Rule 13.

Rule 25.

Referee Has Jurisdiction of Each Section (except as relates to positions of players and interference).

Try-at-goal by Place-kick.

(a) If the try be a place-kick, a player on the side which has made the touchdown shall hold the ball for another of his side to kick at some point outside the goal on a line parallel to the side line passing through the point where the touchdown was declared. The opponents must remain behind their goal line until the ball has been placed upon the ground. The referee shall signal with his hand when the ball is placed on the ground.

Punt-out Preceding Try-at-goal.

(b) If the try-at-goal is to be preceded by a punt-out, the punter shall kick the ball from the point at which the line parallel to the side-line, and passing through the spot of the touchdown, intersects the goal line. The players of his side must stand in the field of play not less than 5 yards from the goal line.

Positions of Players at Punt-out.

The opponents may line up anywhere on the goal line except within the space of 15 feet on each side of the punter's mark, but they shall not interfere with the punter. If a fair catch is made from a punt-out, the mark shall serve to determine the positions as the mark of any fair catch, and the try-at-goal shall then be made by a place-kick from this spot. or any point directly behind it. If a fair catch is not made on the first attempt the ball shall go as a kick-off at the center of the field to the defenders of the goal.

Defending Side May Charge.

NOTE--Since the defending team is on-side, they may, of course, charge as soon as the ball is kicked and try to get the ball or interfere with the catch.

Holder of Ball May Be Off-side.

(c) The holder of the ball and no other player in a place-kick from a fair catch or touchdown may be off-side or out of bounds without vitiating the kick.

Rule 26.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

Scoring.

The following shall be the values of plays in scoring: Goal obtained by touchdown, 6 points; goal from field-kick, either a drop kick or place-kick, 4 points; touchdown failing goal, 5 points; safety by opponents, 2 points.

NOTE--The 6 points is inclusive of the 5 points for touchdown; that is, kicking the goal adds but 1 point.

Rule 27.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

No Metallic Substances May Be Worn.

Penalty, disqualification, unless fault corrected within two minutes.

(a) No one having projecting nails or iron plates on his shoes or any projecting metallic or hard substance on his person shall be allowed to play in a match. If head protectors are worn, no sole leather, papier mache, or other hard or unyielding material shall be used in their construction, and all other devices for protectors must be so arranged and padded as, in the judgment of the umpire, to be without danger to other players. Leather cleats upon the shoes shall be allowed as heretofore.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

Substitutes.

(b) A player may be substituted for another at any time at the discretion of the captain of his team.

NOTE--When a substitute is sent in he must go directly to the referee and report himself before taking his place.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

No Striking or Unnecessary Roughness.

Penalty, disqualification.

Referee Shall Volunteer Testimony, Also Linesman.

(c) There shall be no unnecessary roughness, throttling, hacking or striking with the closed fist.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

(d) A player who has been replaced by a substitute cannot return to further participation in the game.

Referee Has Jurisdiction.

No Unnecessary Delay.

(e) There shall be no unnecessary delay of the game by either team.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

No Coaching.

Referee Shall Volunteer Testimony, Also Linesman.

(f) There shall be no coaching, either by substitutes or by any other persons not participating in the game. In case of accident to a player one representative of the player's team may, if he first obtained the consent of the umpire, come upon the field of play to attend to the injured player. This representative need not always be the same person. No person other than the players, the officials, the representatives above mentioned or an incoming substitute shall at any time come upon the field of play. Only five men shall be allowed to walk up and down on each side of the field. The rest, including substitutes, water carriers, and all who are admitted within the enclosure, must be seated throughout the game. Breach of any part of this rule shall constitute a foul, and be punished by a loss of 10 yards to the side whose man infringes, the number of the down and the distance to be gained for first down remaining unchanged. See, however, Rule 28 J.

NOTE--The Rules Committee especially requests the captains and coaches to use every means to discourage and prevent side-line coaching.

Umpire Has Jurisdiction.

No Tripping.

Penalty, 15 yards.

(g) There shall be no tripping.

Rule 28.

Penalties.

A Foul is any violation of a rule. The penalties for fouls shall be as follows:

A. Loss of 5 Yards.

1. Coaching or infringement of any part of Rule 27, f.
2. Delay of game (Rule 12, e; Rule 17, a).
3. Interference with putting ball in play (Rule 16, a).
4. Off-side in scrimmage (Rule 10, a).
5. Starting before ball (Rule 18).
6. Scrimmage rule violated (Rule 18).
7. Snapper-back off-side second time in same down. (For third offense on same down the ball #goes to opponents.) (Rule 16, b.)
8. Passing or batting ball forward (Rule 19).
9. Unsportsmanlike conduct (see provision “L,” Rule 28).
10. Holding by defensive side of player not carrying the ball (Rule 17, c).
11. - Snapper-back or man opposite touching ball before it has touched third man (Rule 16, c).
12. Piling up after the ball has been declared dead (Rule 20, c).

B. Loss of 15 Yards.

1. Tripping (Rule 27, g).
2. Holding or illegal use of hands or arms by team in possession of ball (Rule 17, b).
3. Illegal running by man receiving ball directly from snapper-back (Rules 16, e; 18).
4. Interference with fair catch (see provision “G,” Rule 28).

C. Disqualification.

1. Unnecessary roughness, throttling, hacking or striking with closed fist (Rule 27, c).
2. Violation of Rule 27, a, unless the fault is corrected within two minutes.

D. Forfeiture of Game.

1. Refusing to play within two minutes after having been ordered by the referee to do so. (Rule 12, e.)
2. Defensive team committing fouls so near their goal line that these fouls are punishable only by halving the distance to the goal line in order, in the opinion of the referee, to delay the game. (The referee shall warn offending side once before declaring game forfeited.) (See Rule 28—K.)

Rulings in Connection With Penalties

E. When a foul has been committed and a signal to that effect has been given by the umpire or linesman, each acting within the limit of his authority as given under Duties of Officials, the referee shall call the ball back to the spot where the foul was committed and from that point exact the penalty as prescribed above.

When a foul has been declared the ball may not be again put in play until the penalty has been exacted or declined. (See next provision.)

The offended side may decline to accept the penalty, in which case play is resumed exactly as if no foul occurred.

Suggestion.--The last paragraph makes it possible for the offended side to refuse any penalty. If they do, they can have the advantage of anything that resulted from the play on which the penalty was given.

F. Whenever a distance penalty has been given the ball shall be put in play by a scrimmage unless otherwise specifically provided for by the rules. This scrimmage shall be counted as first down if the offense was committed by the side not in possession of the ball. In case the side in possession of the ball was the offender the down and point to be gained for first down shall remain the same as they were at the beginning of the scrimmage during which the foul occurred.

EXCEPTION--If the foul was committed after a gain of such length that after the exaction of the distance penalty the ball is still in advance of the point necessary for first down when the ball was last put in play, the ensuing down shall be counted the first down, with five yards to gain for the next first down.

In case neither side was in possession of the ball when the foul was committed--for example, if the ball was in the air or free upon the ground after a kick, fumble or poor pass--it shall go to the offended side as first down at the spot where the foul occurred.

Under this head would come the following:

1. In case of scrimmage kick on third down, the kicking side touching the ball after the kick before it passed the line of scrimmage (Rule 21).
2. Touching ball after a kick when player is off-side. (Except inside opponents' 10-yard line, when a touchback shall be declared.) (Rule 10, b and d.)
3. If ball not in possession is batted forward (Rule 19).
4. In case of tripping, the distance penalty shall be given in addition.

G. If a player who has an opportunity of making a fair catch (Rule 7) is unlawfully obstructed by an opponent who is off-side and thus prevented from catching the ball, or if a player who has heeled a fair catch is thrown to the ground (unless he has advanced beyond his mark) his side shall have the choice of two penalties, viz. :

1. They may receive 15 yards, in which case they must put the ball in play by a scrimmage; or,
2. They may receive 5 yards, in which case they must put the ball in play by a punt, drop-kick or place-kick.

H. In any case of free-kick (Rule 2, f, and 15, b) if the kicker advances beyond his mark before kicking the ball, no matter whether he then kicks it or not, the opponents shall be allowed to line up 5 yards nearer the kicker's mark, and the kick shall then be made from some point back of the first mark and at the same distance from the side line.

This shall also apply when the side having a free-kick allows the ball to touch the ground (Rule 15, b; Rule 25, b) and then fails to kick it (kick-off and try-at-goal after touchdown excepted). The same ruling shall be given in case any player of the side making a free-kick is ahead of the ball when it is kicked (Rule 14, a).

Pulling the runner along for extra yards.

I. In the case of a free-kick, if the opponents charge before the ball is put in play (Rule 13, d) they shall be put back 5 yards for every such offense and the ball shall be put in play again by a kick from a point which may be 5 yards nearer the opponents' goal if the kicking side so desire.

NOTE--In case a team is penalized under this rule at or near their goal line, e. g., in case of illegal charging during a try-for-goal after touchdown or throwing the catcher of a punt-out, the regular penalty shall be exacted even though it results in placing them behind their own goal line. A second offense here shall be penalized exactly as if it had occurred outside the goal line.

J. Whenever the rules provide for a distance penalty, if the distance prescribed would carry the ball nearer to the goal line than the 5-yard line, the ball shall be down on the 5-yard line. If, however, the foul was committed inside the 10-yard line, half the distance to the goal line shall be given.

K. If a team on the defense commits fouls so near their own goal that these fouls are punishable only by halving of the distance to the line, the object being, in the opinion of the referee, to delay the game, the offending side shall be regarded as refusing to allow the game to proceed. The referee shall in such cases warn the offending side once and if the offense is repeated, he shall declare the game forfeited to the opponents.

L. In case the game is interfered with by some act palpably unsportsmanlike and not elsewhere provided for in these rules, the umpire shall have the power to award 5 yards to the offended side, the number of the down and the point to be gained for first down being determined as provided for in “F.”