1. Football History and Rules

2. History American football resulted from several major divergences from rugby, most notably the rule changes instituted by Walter Camp, considered the "Father of American Football". Among these important changes were the introduction of the line of scrimmage and of down-and-distance rules.

3. 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 NFL, the American Football League (AFL), began play in 1960; the pressure it put on the senior league led to a merger between the two leagues and the creation of the Super Bowl, which has become the most watched television event in the United States on an annual basis.

4. History Walter Camp is widely considered to be the most important figure in the development of American football Camp's most famous change, the establishment of the line of scrimmage and the snap from center to quarterback, was also passed in 1880. Originally, the snap was executed with the foot of the center. Later changes made it possible to snap the ball with the hands, either through the air or by a direct hand-to-hand pass.

5. Rules Each game will be played by two teams of the same number. Each team is responsible for electing a captain. This captain is the only player on a team who may interact The playing field should be at least 25 x 50 yards Pants or shorts must be free from exposed drawstrings, belts or belt loops. 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, untucked shirts

6. Penalties Illegal Procedure – 5 yards from the previous spot Dead Ball Foul, Encroachment – 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

7. Downs and Possessions 1. A team has 4 downs to reach the half line or the endzone. 2. If a team moves the ball into the next zone on a penalty-free play, then the team will receive a new set of downs. This also applies if an accepted penalty moves the team forward into a new zone.

8. Prior to the Snap 1. Once the snapper 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. 2. At the snap, the offense must have at least 3 players on their line of scrimmage. 3. The player receiving the snap must be at least two yards behind the line of scrimmage.

9. 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 they 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.

10. Blocking Offensive players may block with their hands and arms at their side, across their chest, 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. Defensive players must count to 3 before rushing the quarterback.