Football History and Rules

History American football resulted from several major divergences from rugby and soccer. Walter Camp (1859-1925) made many changes in the way the game of football was played, he is considered the "Father of American Football." Walter Camp played and taught at Yale University. He edited all American football rule books until his death in 1925.

History He helped move football away from soccer (with lots of contact) and rugby. Camp's most famous changes were establishing the line of scrimmage. Added the snap from center to quarterback, in 1880. It was originally a roll with the foot. He also added the down-and-distance rules. Changed number of players from 15 to 11 (now ). Created quaterback and center positions. Standardized scoring Forward Pass

History Football's increasing popularity is usually traced to the 1958 NFL Championship Game, a contest that has been dubbed the “Greatest Game Ever Played.” A rival league to the National Football League (NFL) created in 1894, was the American Football League (AFL), began play in 1960; The Superbowl is the most watched sport Worldwide. Sorry Soccer!

Sycamore Canyon Middle School Rules Each game will be played by two teams of 5 players each. Each team is responsible for electing a captain. This captain is the only player on a team who may interact about rules The playing field should be at least 25 x 50 yards Each player is required to wear a flag belt around their waist. Each belt has three flags attached – one on each side and another in the center of the back. If a player does not have his belt legally attached prior to the snap, a 5-yard penalty will be enforced. Other illegal equipment includes: jewelry and untucked shirts

Penalties Delay of Game – 5 yards from the previous spot Illegal Procedure – 5 yards from the previous spot Dead Ball Foul, Encroachment – 5 yards from the previous spot Illegal Motion – 5 yards from the previous spot Offensive Pass Interference – 10 yards from previous spot, loss of down Defensive Pass Interference – 10 yards from previous spot, automatic first down Roughing the Passer – 10 yards, automatic first down Defensive Holding – 10 yards from the spot of the foul Flag Guarding – 10 yards from the spot of the foul Face Guarding – 10 yards, automatic first down Stiff Arm – 10 yards from the spot of the foul Helping the Runner – 5 yards from the spot of the foul Illegal Blocking – 10 yards from the spot of the foul

Prior to the Snap A team has 6 downs to reach the endzone. Once the snapper (C) has placed his hands on the ball, no player may cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is snapped. When the snapper is in position, he may not adjust the ball or move until he actually snaps the ball. At the snap, the offense must have at least 3 players on their line of scrimmage. The player receiving the snap (Q) must be at least two yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Rules Cont. 1. While a player may dive to catch a ball (or grab a flag), there is no diving while running with the ball. 2. When the flag belt has been removed from the ball carrier, the ball is considered down. Players who remove a flag belt should drop the belt. 3. When a runner loses their flag belt during a play, but they were not de-flagged, play continues. The ball carrier will be considered downed as soon as thy are in possession of the ball 4. A defensive player may not hold the runner in an attempt to remove the flag belt. 5. A player is prohibited from pushing or pulling his ball-carrying teammate down the field.

Blocking Offensive players may block with their hands and arms at their side or behind their back. Teammates of a ball carrier may attempt to run interference for them, but they may not hold onto one another. Defensive players must go around an offensive blocker. They may not initiate contact.