Focus on the Rules
Definitions - Answer Key
1. The neutral zone is the space between the two scrimmage lines during a scrimmage down. T 2-27-1
2. The field of play is the area within the boundary lines other than the end zones. T 2-10-2
3. The kicker continues to be the kicker and has special protection until he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance after the kick. T 2-30-8
4. A kicker continues to be a kicker until the kick ends. F 2-23-2, 2-30-8
5. In a scrimmage kick formation, the snapper has special protection only until the ball has clearly been released in a legal snap. F 2-30-14
6. During a scrimmage down, the unexpanded neutral zone is as wide as the length of the football. T 2-27-1
7. A fair catch of a scrimmage kick can be made anywhere beyond the neutral zone and to R's goal line. T 2-9-1, 6-5-2
8. An accidental kick is a muff. T 2-26
9. A loose ball is out of bounds if it touches anything including a player or game official who is out of bounds. T 2-28-3
10. Initial force results from a carry, fumble, kick, pass, snap, or muff. F 2-13-1
11. A loose ball is a pass, fumble, or kick. T 2-1-3
12. The spot of a player foul is where the foul occurs. T 2-40-7, 2-16-2f
13. A defensive player is on the line of scrimmage when he is within one yard of his line of scrimmage at the snap. T 2-24-3
14. A player who is attempting to pass is a runner until he gives up possession of the ball by passing. T 2-30-13
15. The snapper cannot be an eligible pass receiver. F 7-5-6a
16. Illegal participation can be a nonplayer foul. F 2-16-2e, 9-6-3,4
17. The line of scrimmage is determined when the ball is marked ready for play. T 2-27-1
18. If a loose ball touches a game official who is straddling the sideline, the ball is not out of bounds. F 2-28-3
19. A free kick may be made after a fair catch. T 2-27-1
20. If R1 blocks K's kick on K's 8 and the ball rebounds into K's end zone, the change of direction is a new force and when K2 recovers it there, it is a touchback. F 2-13-3, 8-5-3b
21. It is illegal participation if a team member, who is entering to fill a player vacancy, is on the opponent's side of the neutral zone at the snap and touches the ball. T 2-30-15, 9-6-3
22. Butt blocking is illegal in the open field, but is permitted in close line play. F 2-3-8, 9-4-2i
23. If receiver A1 controls the ball in B's end zone, but prior to touching the ground inbound, A1 brushes the upright, it is a touchdown. F 1-2-5, 2-28-1, 2-4
24. The down must be replayed if there is first touching of a scrimmage kick beyond the neutral zone by K1 and thereafter while the ball is still rolling loose an official sounds his whistle. T 2-27-1
25. If B1 intercepts and is downed and then A1 and A2 both pile on, it is a multiple foul. F 2-16-2a,d
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Feb-2007 22:52 ET