Key Rules & Fouls to Know

These core rules keep the game fair and non-contact. **Downs & Possession:** - The offense has **4 downs to cross midfield**. After crossing, they get **4 more downs to score**. - Failing to advance turns the ball over to the opponent at their own **5-yard line**. **The Quarterback Rule:** - The **quarterback** (the player who receives the snap) **cannot run the ball forward**. They must hand off, lateral, or pass. - The QB has **7 seconds** to release a pass — after that the play is dead. **No Fumbles:** - A dropped ball or muffed snap is **immediately dead** at the spot — no scrambling for loose balls! **Common Fouls to Avoid:** - **Flag guarding** — blocking a defender from pulling your flag with your hand, arm, or the ball. - **Diving or leaping forward** to gain yards — this is illegal. - **Defensive pass interference** — impeding a receiver before the ball arrives. - **Illegal rush** — a defender within **7 yards** of the line cannot cross before the ball is handed off or passed. Only **2 blitzers** maximum are allowed. - **Offside** — entering the neutral zone before the snap. Penalties result in yardage losses of commonly **5 or 10 yards**.