Field goal attempts are subject to a specific rule in college football and the NFL. In these leagues, if a field goal is missed, the non-kicking team gains possession of the ball at the location from whence the ball was kicked. The misser of the kick must attempt to advance the ball further into the end zone (or back into his own) before he can resume play. The only exception to this rule comes when the misser of the field goal is attempting an out-of-bounds kick. In that case, he is not required to advance the ball and may return the ball to the spot from whence it came. These rules were created because there is a risk involved with every field goal attempt. If the field goal is successful, then the kicking team wins or ties the game. But if the field goal is unsuccessful, then the losing team gets the opportunity to continue downfield with great field position. This gives the losing team another chance for victory while not giving up any points after a close call. In addition to winning or tying games, field goals can also move the ball downfield toward the end zone for scores. This happens often in college football when teams are trailing by multiple touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The offense will typically run one more play than they would without a field goal possibility so that they can go for the win rather than settle for a punt.