NFL Beginner's Guide to Football NFL Network Beginner's Guide to Football One 11-man team has possession of the football. It is called the offense and it tries to advance the ball down the field-by running with the ball or throwing it - and score points by crossing the goal line and getting into an area called the end zone. The other team (also with 11 players) is called the defense. It tries to stop the offensive team and make it give up possession of the ball. If the team with the ball does score or is forced to give up possession, the offensive and defensive teams switch roles (the offensive team goes on defense and the defensive team goes on offense). And so on, back and forth, until all four quarters of the game have been played. In order to make it easier to coordinate the information in this digest, the topics discussed generally follow the order of the rule book. THE FIELD The field measures 100 yards long and 53 yards wide. Little white markings on the field called yard markers help the players, officials, and the fans keep track of the ball. Probably the most important part of the field is the end zone. It's an additional 10 yards on each end of the field.

This is where the points add up! When the offense - the team with possession of the ball-gets the ball into the opponent's end zone, they score points. TIMING Games are divided into four 15-minute quarters, separated by a 12-minute break at halftime. There are also 2-minute breaks at the end of the first and third quarters as teams change ends of the field after every 15 minutes of play. At the end of the first and third quarters, the team with the ball retains possession heading into the following quarter. That is not the case before halftime. The second half starts with a kickoff in the same way as the game began in the first quarter. Each offensive team has 40 seconds from the end of a given play until they must snap of the ball for the start of the next play, otherwise they will be penalized. The clock stops at the end of incomplete passing plays, when a player goes out of bounds, or when a penalty is called. The clock starts again when the ball is re-spotted by an official. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, a 15-minute overtime period will be played.

In the NFL, this is sudden death and the first team to score wins. Possession is determined before the period begins by a coin toss. THE PLAYERS Each team has 3 separate units: the offense (see section below), those players who are on the field when the team has possession of the ball; the defense (see section below), players who line up to stop the other team's offense; and special teams that only come in on kicking situations (punts, field goals, and kickoffs). Only 11 players are on the field from one team at any one time. To see how the players line up click here THE KICKOFF A game starts with the kickoff. The ball is placed on a kicking tee at the defense's 30-yard line, and a special kicker (a "placekicker") kicks the ball to the offense A kick return man from the offense will try to catch the ball and advance it by running. Where he is stopped is the point from which the offense will begin its drive, or series of offensive plays.

When a kickoff is caught in the offense's own end zone, the kick returner can either run the ball out of the end zone, or kneel in the end zone to signal a touchback - a sign to stop the play. The ball is then placed on the 20-yard line, where the offense begins play. FIRST DOWN All progress in a football game is measured in yards. The offensive team tries to get as much "yardage" as it can to try and move closer to the opponent's end zone. Each time the offense gets the ball, it has four downs, or chances, in which to gain 10 yards. If the offensive team successfully moves the ball 10 or more yards, it earns a first down, and another set of four downs. If the offense fails to gain 10 yards, it loses possession of the ball. The defense tries to prevent the offense not only from scoring, but also from gaining the 10 yards needed for a first down. If the offense reaches fourth down, it usually punts the ball (kicks it away). This forces the other team to begin its drive further down the field. MOVING THE BALL - The Run and the Pass A play begins with the snap.

At the line of scrimmage (the position on the field where the play begins), the quarterback loudly calls out a play in code and the player in front of him, the center, passes, or snaps the ball under his legs to the quarterback. From there, the quarterback can either throw the ball, hand it off, or run with it. THE RUN There are two main ways for the offense to advance the ball. The first is called a run. This occurs when the quarterback hands the ball off to a running back, who then tries to gain as many yards as possible by eluding defensive players. The quarterback is also allowed to run with the ball. THE PASS The other alternative to running the ball is to throw it. Or as they say in football, pass it! Usually, the quarterback does the passing, though there are times when another player may pass the ball to confuse the defense. Actually, anyone on the offensive team is allowed to pass the ball as long as the pass is thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. A pass is complete if the ball is caught by another offensive player, usually the "wide receiver" or "tight end." If the ball hits the ground before someone catches it, it is called an incomplete pass.

THE TACKLE The defense prevents the offense from advancing the ball by bringing the ball carrier to the ground. A player is tackled when one or both of his knees touch the ground. The play is then over. A play also ends when a player runs out of bounds. SCORING The object of the game is to score the most points. There are four ways to score points in football. TOUCHDOWN = 6 POINTS A touchdown is the biggest single score in a football game. It is worth six points, and it allows the scoring team an opportunity to attempt to get an extra point. To score a touchdown, the ball must be carried across the goal line into the end zone, caught in the end zone, or a fumble recovered in the end zone, or an untouched kickoff recovered in the end zone by the kicking team. EXTRA POINT and the TWO-POINT CONVERSION = 1 or 2 POINTS Immediately following a touchdown, the ball is placed at the opponent's two-yard line, where the offense has two options. Usually the offense will kick an extra point, also called the point after touchdown, conversion, or PAT. If the offense successfully kicks the ball through the goal posts, it earns one point.

The offense can also score two points by running or throwing the ball into the end zone in the same manner as you would score a touchdown. Since going for two points is more difficult than kicking an extra point, the offense generally chooses to kick the extra point. FIELD GOAL = 3 POINTS If the offense cannot score a touchdown, it may try to kick a field goal. Field goals are worth three points and often are the deciding plays in the last seconds of close games. They can be attempted from anywhere on the field on any down, but generally are kicked from inside the defense's 45-yard line on fourth down. For a field goal to be "good", the placekicker (or field goal kicker) must kick the ball through the goal-post uprights and over the crossbar. The defense tries to block the kick and stop the ball from reaching the goal post. SAFETY = 2 POINTS The safety is worth two points. A safety occurs when the offensive ball carrier is tackled behind his own goal line.

TURNOVERS While trying to advance the football to the end zone, the offense may accidentally turn the ball over to the defense in one of two ways: THE FUMBLE When the ball carrier or passer drops the ball, that's a fumble. Any player on the field can recover the ball by diving on it or he can run with it. The team that recovers a fumble either gets-or retains-possession of the ball. THE INTERCEPTION An aggressive defense can regain possession of the ball by catching (intercepting) passes meant for players on the other team. Both fumble recoveries and interceptions can be run back into the end zone for touchdowns. THE TWO SIDES OF THE BALL THE OFFENSE Whichever team has possession of the ball is the offense. While only the quarterback, the wide receivers and tight ends, and the running backs can legally handle the ball, it is the quarterback who is the leader of the team and the playmaker. In fact, he's a man of many talents - he not only throws the ball, he outlines each play to his team. THE OFFENSIVE PLAYERS The quarterback ("QB") passes or hands off the ball. The center snaps the ball to the QB and blocks the defense.

2 guards and 2 tackles keep the defense at bay. 2/4 wide receivers catch the ball thrown by the QB. 1 or 2 running backs take the ball and run with it. 1 or 2 tight ends block the defense and can also catches passes. THE DEFENSE The job of the defense is to stop the offense. The 11 men on the defensive team all work together to keep the offense from advancing toward the defense's end zone. THE DEFENSIVE PLAYERS How many players on a soccer team | Starting players in a football game How Many Players are on a Soccer Team? Published on Jun 20, 2014 Know the required number of players in every football game. How many players do play in a football game? The answer is 11: one player plays goalkeeper while the other ten play as forwards, midfielders, or defenders. The the number of players for a regulation football game is determined by FIFA rules (A). There are different number of players for kids’ and youth soccer (B), indoor soccer (C), futsal (D), beach soccer (E), and paralympic football (F). A.

FIFA Laws In international and FIFA-regulated games such as the UEFA, the official number of players on a football field is eleven. However, a team may start with fewer players if it is impossible to come up with 11. The minimum number of players that FIFA allows is seven. A match is halted when more than four players of the same team are booked with a red card . FIFA rules are adopted by major soccer tournaments and most outdoor football leagues. B. Youth and kids’ football Kids start playing the regular 11-a-side football at the age of 12. Young footballers aged 10 years old and below have different numbers of players per team. U10 footballers play with 8 players on each side while U8 soccer players play four on four. Kids six years and under play three on three. C. Indoor soccer There are six players in an indoor football game. Hence, this variant of soccer is also called six-a-side. Of the six, one plays goalkeeper while the others play either as defenders or attackers. D. Futsal In futsal, five players play at a time. One of them plays goalkeeper, just like in outdoor soccer.

A team may have up to seven substitute players. The number of substitutes allowed to come in during a game of futsal is unlimited. Futebol de salão, a variant of soccer which is very similar to futsal, also has five players per side. E. Beach soccer Five players play in a regulation beach football or beasal game. One player plays as goalkeeper. Substitutes are allowed for an unlimited number of times. F. Paralympic football The number of players who can play in paralympic football is either five or seven. Players who have visual impairments usually play five-a-side football while those with neurological disorders play seven-a-side. How many players are on a football team? | Reference.com How many players are on a football team? A: Quick Answer In both American and European football, no more than 11 players are allowed on the field at any one time from each team. In American football, teams can substitute players at will, while European soccer restricts substitutions to either three per match or a number agreed upon by both teams.

Full Answer The National Football League restricts rosters to a total of 53 players, and only 46 of those can dress out for the actual game. This large number is due to the fact that offensive and defensive positions are very different and occupied by different players. European football squads generally number 25 players, and a certain percentage of those must be "homegrown" or from the region the team represents. How Many Players on a Football Team | How Many Are There You Are Here: Home » Sports » How Many Players on a Football Team How Many Players on a Football Team Posted by: admin Posted date: May 11, 2012 In: Sports | Comment : 0 | 6,231 views In American football, there can only be 11 players from each team on the field at one time. There are usually about 45 players that are cycled through each game, and a team can have no more than 53 players total.

There is also a stipulation that a team may only carry 45 players on its game day roster, so the team must decide each week on which 8 players will be inactive, or 7 if they carry a 3rd QB American Football Teams may have up to 53 players on roster, of which 45 may play in each game. There can be 11 on the field at one time. There is no limit on substitutions. Association Football Teams may have up to 18 players, of which 11 can be on the field at one time. Only three substitutes may be used per game. Australian Rules Football There are 22 players on a team, of which 18 may be on the field at any time. There is no limit on substitutions. Gaelic Football There may be up to 30 players on a team, only 15 of which may take the field at any time. Only 5 substitutes can be made per game. Rugby Football – League There may be up to 17 players in a team, of which 13 may be on the field. There is no limit on substitutions.

Rugby Football – Union There are 22 players on a team, of which 15 may be on the field at any time. UK Football – FIFA, UEFA 11 Players can play in a football match, 10 of which play outfield and 1 as the goalkeeper. 24 Players can be selected as the squad for the match. Depending on the league and country, a different amount of substitutions can be made during the match. In the UK, unless special rules are applied, you are allowed 3 substitutions during the match. Exceptions can be made but only if the player is seriously injured. Of course, red cards mean the end of the match for a player, and they cannot be replaced. If the number of players on the field gets too low, the referee can abandon the match at any time to be replayed later on. How Many Players On A Football Team | Made Man How Many Players On A Football Team Facebook Twitter Stumble Google+ Save How many players on a football team? The number of players on a football team will vary because there are different league requirements. Also, keep in mind that the word football can be addressed to more that one particular sport.

A typical football team will be a high school football team, a college football team, and a professional football team. Let us find out how many players are on a football team. Finding out how many players on a football team in the high school league is determined by many factors. The funding for high school football teams in some states determine how many players are able to be on the team. Sometimes coaches can make their own decisions as to how many players can be on the team. In some states, the state’s governing body may determine how many players are on a high school football team. The number of high school football players on a team may average between 40 to 50 players. Knowing how many players on a football team in the collegiate league is determined by many factors. A college team can have up to 125 players or more and the team roster will vary at each college. In fact, there is no rule restriction that limits the number of players that can dress out for an American college football game. That is probably why we see so many college football players running onto the field at the beginning of a game and leaving the field at the end of the game.

Locating how many football players on a football team in the professional league is not hard to do. Simply put, there is an 80 man roster and 53 active players. The offense has eleven players and the defense has eleven players with back-up players. There is also a special teams unit that punts the football and kicks the football and they perform other duties as well. All football teams do have eleven players on the football field at one time. show comments You may need to grab a razor and ditch the facial fuzz. Related Articles Australian Rules Football Frequently Asked Questions 1/4 Introduction to Australian Rules Football 0.1 What is Australian Rules Football ? Australian Rules Football (also "Aussie Rules" or "footy") is a physical contact sport. It is a form of football with roots traceable from early forms of Rugby and Gaelic football, but it is uniquely Australian. Its rules were codified in 1858, and probably predate all other modern forms of football, such as American, Canadian, Rugby Union and League, Association (Soccer) and Gaelic football. Today it is a multi-million dollar business, with a National Competition and numerous smaller leagues.

Interest in the game is generally at an all time high within Australia, yet despite this, some parts of Australia are still lukewarm in support of their team in the AFL, and the game has yet to take a firm hold overseas. 0.2 Where is Aussie Rules played ? Australia is divided into 6 states and 2 territories. Aussie Rules is the main code of football in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and has a strong following in the Australian Capital Territory. Although played in the States of Queensland and New South Wales, it runs second string to Rubgy League in terms of popularity in those states. The AFL provides financial or practical assistance to leagues in Britain, Canada, Denmark, Japan and New Zealand. 0.3 Are there any net sites for Aussie Rules Football material ? The ftp site at the CSIRO has closed as Geoff Lamb (site maintainer) has taken a new position elsewhere. There are several WWW Page's for Australian Rules Football resources. A link to most sites canbe found below; 0.4 History of the FAQ The first creation of the FAQ for r.s.f.a was mooted in October 1994.

The work to write the FAQ was done by Adam East, a student at the University of Western Australia. Versions 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 were posted to r.s.f.a over the next 2 months, and modifications were made according to feedback received. The FAQ was put onto the FTP site in November 1994. The first official version (v1.0) of the FAQ was finalised on 16 December 1994. V1.1 - 2 Feb 95. V1.2 - 22 Mar 95. V1.3 - 7 Apr 95. Further revisions will be made periodically as major events happen. This version (1.5) was updated and converted to HTML by Darryl Harvey and is current at the end of the 1997 season and is maintained at the WWW site of Comments are welcome, as are suggestions for corrections or additions. Section 1.0 The Rules of Australian Football 1.0 What are the rules of the game ? 1.1 The Game 1.1.1 Length of game is 4 quarters of 20 minutes playing time.

When play is unduly delayed, such as the ball going out of the playing area, time is added on to the playing time of the quarter. This is referred to as 'time on'. (Game length used to be 4 quarters of 25 minutes, but was changed in 1994 to 20 minutes, with the allowance for additional time-on when the ball is out-of-bounds : see 1.6.6) 1.1.2 A maximum interval of 3 minutes is allowed between the first and second quarters for the teams to change ends. 1.1.3 The half-time interval is a maximum of 20 minutes with players being allowed to leave the ground for not more than 15 minutes. 1.1.4 A maximum interval of 5 minutes is allowed between the third and fourth quarters. 1.1.5 Teams change ends at the end of each quarter. 1.1.6 The team scoring the most point wins the game. The match is drawn if points are equal. 1.2 Playing Field and Equipment 1.2.1 Playing area of oval shape.

Between 135 and 185 metres in length and 110 and 155 metres in width. (NFC suggests ideal dimensions are 165m length by 135m width.) 1.2.2 Boundary is marked with a white line. 1.2.3 Goal square (actually a rectangle) extending 9 metres in length from the goal posts, 6.4 metres in width. 1.2.4 Centre square at midway part of oval, 45 metres each side. 1.2.5 Centre circle at centre of oval, 3 metres in diameter, bisected by lateral line extending 2 metres either side of the diameter. 1.2.6 Goal and Behind posts. Cofiguration of 4 posts at the two opposing ends of the ground. Consisting of 2 goal posts, set 6.4 metres apart on the boundary line. Two behind posts each set 6.4 metres either side of the goal posts on the boundary line. Goal posts minimum height of 6 metres.Behind posts minimum height of 3 metres. All posts padded to a height of 2 metres. 1.2.7 The Ball.

Made from leather, tan (day use) or yellow (night use) in colour. Length 270 - 280 mm. Diameter 167 - 173 mm. Circumference between 720 - 735 mm by 545 - 555 mm. Approximate weight: 450 - 500 grams (Dryweight inflated ball.) 1.3 1.3.1 A team consists of 18 players with three interchange players. 1.3.2 Players may be interchanged at any time during the match. 1.3.3 Although players have designated positions, they are free to move anywhere on the ground when play is in progress. 1.3.4 Player positions. There are 5 general areas of play, referred to as a 'line'. Three players form each line and are usually designated as being in either the left, centre or right position in each line.

Full Forward: L.Fwd.Pocket Full-Forward R.Fwd.Pocket Half Forward: L.Half.Fwd C.Half.Fwd R.Half.Fwd Centre Line : Left-Wing Centre Right-Wing Half Back : L.Half.Back C.Half.Back R.Half.Back Full Back : L.BackPocket Full-Back R.Back.Pocket 1.3.5 Purposes of player positions. All players should contest the ball when its within their vicinity (unless playing to alternative coaching instructions). Other general purposes of player positions according to line are: Full Forward: Attack the goal Trap the ball in the area Half Forward: Attack the goal Set up scoring shots Full back: Hold the ball in the area Attack - clear ball forwards 1.3.6 Player Uniforms: Team to wear guernseys of identical club colours and design. Exception, long sleeved versions of normal guernseys are permitted. Each guernsey bears a different number, allocated to a player for the season, or possibly career (numbers have no relationship to position or function.) Teams wear white coloured shorts when playing away from their home ground for easier identification. Full length socks in team colours. Standard design boot. No padding is worn.

Mouthgards, protective head-gear (soft) and shin guards are allowable. Other protection requires prior approval. Jewellery is not permitted to be worn. 1.4 The Umpires 1.4.1 There are three central or field umpires, who have full control of the game. Major responsibilities of the field umpires are to start play, award marks and free kicks, and generally enforce the rules of the game. In carrying out their responsibilities, the field umpires each control roughly one third of the ground. The umpire in the third where the ball is currently being disputed is the umpire in charge at any one time, however either of the other field umpires may bring attention to infringements of the rules that occur 'behind the play'. 1.4.2 The two boundary umpires judge when the ball is out of the playing area, and also return the ball to the center of the ground after a goal has been scored. The boundary umpires patrol one side of the ground each. They take positions at diagonally opposite corners of the centre square when the ball is bounced in the centre square at the start of each quarter or after a goal is scored.

at the centre bounces, the boundary umpires are responsible for detecting players who enter the centre square illegally. 1.4.3 The two goal umpires judge, signal, and record all scores in a match. Two flags are waved to indicate a goal, and one flag is used to indicate a behind. The flags are waved to indicate to the other goal umpire the score. The goal umpire also indicates to the field umpire what the score is by indicating with one finger for a behind and two fingers (one out-stretched on each hand) for a goal. Before the goal umpire can indicate the score, the field umpire signals to him that no infingemants have occurred so that a score may be added. This is why the goal umpire looks around sometimes before signalling a score. 1.4.4 Changing of Decisions: Field umpires cannot alter a decision once it has been made, except by a further breach of the rules by a player or team official. Goal umpires can correct mistakes prior to restart of play. Goal umpires take precedence over boundary umpires in vicinity of the goal area.The goal umpire indicates this to the boundary umpire by tapping his chest with his hand.

1.5 Scoring 1.5.1 A ball kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched is a goal and score six points. Goal post -- | | -- Goal post | | | | | | | | Behind post -- | | | | -- Behind post 1.5.2 If the ball passes between a goal post and a behind post then it is a behind, and it scores 1 point. 1.5.3 If the ball hits the goal post, a behind is scored. This is regardless of where the ball goes after hitting the goal post e.g back into the field of play, through the goals or whatever. Play stops as soon as the ball hits the goal post, and is restarted by a kick-in. See 1.6.5a. 1.5.4 If the ball is forced, or carried, but not kicked over the scoring line by the attacking team, anywhere between the goal posts, a behind is scored.

1.5.5 If the ball hits a behind post without bouncing it is deemed 'out on the full' and the opposing team takes a free kick from next to the behind post.If the ball bounces and hits the behind post then the ball is thrown into play again by the boundary umpire from next to the behind post. In both cases no points are scored. 1.5.6 If the ball is kicked or forced over the scoring line between the goal post and the behind post by any player, then a behind is scored. 1.6 Starting and Restarting Play 1.6.1 Teams determine the choice of goal by tossing a coin. 1.6.2 The field umpire starts play by blowing his whistle and bouncing the ball in the center circle so that it rebounds vertically to be contested by the players in the center square. 1.6.3 At the start of play, no player may enter the center circle, and only four players from each team are permitted in the center square until after the ball has been bounced. 1.6.4 After a goal is scored, play is restarted in the center of the ground in the manner described above.

1.6.5 The other common situations when play is restarted are: (a) After a behind has scored. Any player of the defending team kicks the ball from within the kick-off 'square' in front of goal, but only after the goal umpire has finished waving his flags. The player must *kick* the ball out to restart play. Goal post -- | | -- Goal post | | | | | | | | Behind post -- | | | | -- Behind post / --------------- \ / | | \ |___| - Goal 'square' (b) After the ball has gone out of bounds (outside the boundary line).If the ball bounced, then the boundary umpire throws the ball into play by throwing it over his head towards the center of the ground.If the ball did not bounce and went over the boundary line as a result of a kick that was not touched, the opposing team receives a free-kick from the spot from where the ball went out. The closest player from the opposing team takes the free kick. (c) When a pack of players prevents either team gaining clear possession.The umpire bounces the ball where play came to a halt.

1.6.6 Each quarter runs for 20 minutes of playing time when the ball is in play.The ball is deemed to be out of play in the following situations: (a) A goal is scored. Time is stopped from when the goal umpire finishes waving his flags to when the ball is bounced. (b) A behind is scored. Time is stopped from when the goal umpire finishes waving his flag to when the ball is kicked in. (c) The ball goes out of bounds. Time is stopped from when the ball goes over the boundary line until the boundary umpire throws the ball back into play. (d) Whenever the field umpire signals to the time-keeper that time is to be stopped by raising his arm and blowing his whistle. 1.6.7 Out of Bounds: A ball that has gone completely over the boundary line is considered out of bounds. If any portion of the ball is on or over the boundary line, the ball is still in play. A player can be over the boundary line and in possession of the ball without the ball being considered 'out of bounds' given part of the ball is still in play.

1.7 Possession and Disposal of the Ball 1.7.1 A player may hold the ball for unlimited time when he is not being held by an opponent. 1.7.2 A player lying on or over the ball is considered to be in possession. 1.7.3 A player running with the ball must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground once every 15 metres. 1.7.4 A player in possession of the ball and held by an opponent must dispose of the ball immediately by kicking or handballing the ball. 1.7.5 To handball correctly, a player must hold the ball in one hand and hit it with the clenched fist of the other hand. The hand holding must not move relative to the players body. 1.7.6 A mark is allowed when the ball is caught from a kick which has travelled a minimum distance of 10 meters, and the ball has travelled in the air without being touched by another player. The player taking the mark may play on immediately, or go back and kick over the position where he took the mark. 1.7.7 Shepherding.

A player may retard the movement of an opposition player towards that of the ball, however it may only be done within 5 metres of the ball. Shepherding allows the opposition player to be pushed in the chest or side, or for the player to place his body between the opposition and the ball (when the player himself is not in posession of the ball.) cf. screens in basketball or blocking in American Football. 1.8 Free Kicks 1.8.1 Free kicks may be given against players either with or without the ball.A free kick is taken at the spot where the infringement occurred.(Exceptions see 1.8.6, 1.8.7) 1.8.2 A free kick is given against the player in possession of the of the ball for the following infringements of the rules: (a) Not disposing of the ball within a reasonable time when held by an opponent. (b) Not disposing of the ball correctly by using a handball or a kick. (c) Kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing first or being touched by another player. (d) Deliberately forcing or taking the ball over the boundary line.

(e) Running more than 15 meters without bouncing the ball or touching the ball on the ground. 1.8.3 A free kick is given against any player who: (a) Grabs the opponent with the ball above the shoulder or below the knees. (b) Pushes an opponent in the back. (c) Trips or attempts to trip an opponent. (d) Charges an opponent. (e) Interferes with an opponent attempting to mark in the air by punching or bumping. (f) Shepherds an opponent when the ball is more than 5 meters away. (g) Enters the center square before the ball is bounced at the restart of play. 1.8.4 Following a free kick or mark, a 50 meter penalty is given against a player standing on the mark who: (a) Refuses to stand on the mark at the point indicated by the umpire. (b) Deliberately wastes time in returning the ball to the player who is to take the kick. (c) Holds the player who is to take the kick thereby preventing play continuing. (d) Runs over the mark before or as the ball is kicked.

(Any player in the opposing team can give this penalty) 1.8.5 Kick-in after behind: If a ball is kicked back into play from the goalsquare, following the scoring of a behind, and subsequently goes 'out of bounds' without being touched by a player of either team despite bouncing, it is treated as if having gone out of bounds on the full. The attacking team is awarded a free kick. 1.8.6 Play On: An umpire need not hold up play by awarding a free kick to a player who has been infringed. Where the player or a team-mate has possession and is in an advantageous position, the umpire calls 'play-on' and allows play to continue. This is referred to as 'paying the advantage'. 1.8.7 Relayed Free Kicks: A player who is infringed upon, immediately following the disposal of the ball, may have a fellow team-mate take the free kick from the spot where the ball landed after being disposed of. This is at the umpires adjudication. 1.9 Why are umpires 'booed' off the ground ?

In a large proportion of matches, whenever the umpires leave the field at half-time or the end of the match, the majority of the crowd will 'boo' them as they leave. Although more prevalent at games where the home team is losing (lost) and received controversial umpiring decisions against them, that doesn't explain this common action. Some propose that it comes from Australian's anti-authoritarian feelings as an ex-convict settlement that leads supporters to generally dislike umpires, but now, it comes as almost a tradition that the umpires are hated. 1.10 What is the crowd yelling ? In a case where there are a large number of supporters for a team, they will try and influence the umpires decision by subtly bringing to attention any infringments of the rules.

"MAN" - or 'holding the man' not in possession of the ball (1.8.3f) "HIGH" - when one of your players receives a high tackle (1.8.3a) "BACK" - when one of your players is pushed in the back (1.8.3b) "BALL" - when one of the oppositon players is caught in possession of the ball (1.8.2a) "BULLSH.."- when the umpire misinterprets one of the above. "WEED" - Where ever a large proportion of Adelaide Crows supporters are at a match, they shout "Weed" whenever the Adelaide player Wayne Weideman has posession of the ball. This is a habit peculiar to this player and supporter. "WOOF" - Used by Carlton fans when Ang Christou gets a kick. (also WHOOMP , anybody know what they're actually saying?) "ROO's" - Used by fans when Paul Roos (Sydney Swans) gains possession of the ball. 1.11 Serious infringements of the rules. 1.11.1 Reports. There is no send-off rule at AFL level.

Players can be 'reported' by umpires for serious breaches of the rules. The umpire is required to inform the player immediately of such a report. After the game, a report form is detailed by the umpire. 1.11.2 The Tribunal. A reported player, the umpire and the player who was infringed are usually required to appear before the League Tribunal to give evidence about the breach of rules. The Tribunal determines the innocence or guilt of the player based upon the evidence supplied, and any penalty for a player found guilty. This is usually suspension for eligibility to play for a number of games. 1.11.3 Trial-by-video. Reviews of video-tapes of games played that week are also conducted to note any reportable incidents missed by the field umpires. Players can be cited to appear before the Tribunal from these video reviews, as if reported. 1.11.4 Reportable incidents.

Players can be reported for: a) wilfully wasting time b) unduly interfering with a player while he is kicking for goal c) disputing the decision of an umpire d) unduly interfering with, or assaulting, or using abusive threatening or insulting language or behaviour towards an umpire during the progress of a match or within or without the oval on the day of the match. e) assaulting another player f) using abusive, threatening, or insulting language, or otherwise misconducts himself (recent reports of misconduct include biting, eye-gouging and spitting on an opponent). g) shaking a goalpost when a player is preparing to kick for goal or when ball is in transit. h) throwing an opponent after he has taken a mark or ball is out of play. i) violently pushing an opponent after that player has disposed of the ball. j) intentionally triping or kicking (or attempts to) an opponent. 1995 rule change is for tripping by hand to still be an infringement of the rules allowing a free kick or 50 metre penalty, but to not be a reportable offence. Tripping with the leg is still a reportable offence. k) striking (or attempting to) a player with the hand or arm.

l) charging an opponent. m) engaging in unduly rough play n) remaining on the playing area not wearing proper uniform after being warned by the umpire. o) wearing unacceptable equipment - boot studs, rings, jewellery, surgical appliances or guards. 1.12 Criticism of Umpires. Players and team officials are not allowed to make public comments about the umpiring standards or decisions. If they do so, they risk a fine from the League. 1.13 The Blood Rule. A player who is bleeding or who has blood on himself or his uniform is required to leave the ground, at the request of the umpire and have the problem seen to. The player will not be allowed to return until the bleeding has ceased and any blood has been completely removed. This player can be interchanged off the ground, or the umpire can call a halt to play while the player is seen to. The first option is that most commonly used. 1.14 Team Lists. 1.14.1 How many players can a team choose its weekly 21 from? Most teams have 42 players contracted to them from which they can choose their weekly team. They are not allowed to select players not in this 42.

The Sydney Swans have a list of 50 to choose from as a supplement to not being in a Footballer producing state. The Fremantle Dockers as a new expansion team will have a list of 50 to choose from also. 1.14.2 What happens to the players contracted to a team, but that aren't playing that week ? These players go back to play in minor leagues. The 11 Victorian teams and the Sydney Swans have a 'Reserves' team in the VSFL. Players from West Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, go back to play with their local clubs in their respective State competitions. 1.15 Role of the Coach and the Runner The role of the coach in Aussie Rules is different compared to other sports in that the coach is only able to address his players before the game, and then during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter-time intervals. There are no time-outs in Australian Rules. The coach usually sits overlooking the ground, noticing tactical maneuvers and imbalances in the game. When a change in tactics or of players is desired during the actual game, the coach sends his orders to the club's Runner.

The Runner is allowed on the ground during play to communicate to players and relay the coaches instructions. The Runner is often on the ground for large amounts of time such that some Runners are also Assistant Coaches, helping with team decision making. When on the ground during play, the Runner must attempt to remain away from the area of where the ball is being contested. 1.16 Other Team Officials on the Ground During a Game. A team can nominate 5 trainers that are allowed on to the playing field to assist with injured players, or provide help (e.g fluids) to players. Except in the case of an injury, the trainers are only allowed on the ground when there is a pause in the play (e.g. between a goal being scored and the restart of play.) ** 1.17 Team Selection Process Clubs are required to name a list of 21 players with 2 emergencies by 5 PM on Thursday nights. Teams playing on Sundays (or later) are allowed to name an additional 4 players, from which their final 21 must be finalised on Saturdays. The team that represents the club at game time must then consist of these players.

Clubs that play players that weren't listed on the Thursday night risk fines except in exceptional circumstances. This process is so that the media can be informed of the players for that week, as well as for subsidiary markets such as betting, etc.

Question: How many players does an American Football team normally have on the field at one time?
Answer: Eleven