How are Points Scored in Football? (with pictures) Law How are Points Scored in Football? Originally Written By: Leo J Revised By: A. Joseph Last Modified Date: 18 December 2016 Copyright Protected: Adorable animal families that will make you "aww" There are three main ways for a team to score points in American football: by carrying the ball across the opponent's goal line, by possessing the ball or tackling an opposing ballcarrier in the opponent's end zone or by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts. It also is possible for a team to score points under certain circumstances when the opponent commits a penalty in its own end zone or fumbles the ball out of bounds in its own end zone. Each way of scoring has a name and is worth a specific number of points. A touchdown is worth six points, a field goal is worth three points, a safety usually is worth two points, and a try is worth either one or two points. Touchdowns A touchdown is scored when a player has possession of the football and it crosses the opposing team's goal line or when a player gains possession of the ball in the opponent's end zone.

When the ball is possessed in the field of play, any part of the ball touching an imaginary plane over the goal line results in a touchdown. For example, a player who is being tackled near the goal line can reach out with the ball and score a touchdown if it crosses the goal line before the player is down. When a player who is already in the end zone gains possession of the ball, such as catching a pass or recovering a fumble, it is a touchdown as long as the player was legally in bounds when he gained possession of the ball. Tries After a touchdown, the scoring team is given one play to score again from near the goal line. This is called a try and is worth one or two points, depending on how the team scores. At most levels of football, kicking the ball through the goalposts on a try— called an extra-point kick or point-after-touchdown (PAT) — is worth one point, and running or passing the ball into the end zone is worth two points and usually is called a two-point conversion. In some leagues, such as those for youth players, the points awarded for tries are switched, because kicking the ball through the goalposts is considered to be a more difficult task for young players.

Other leagues might award one point for a run and two for a pass. At many levels, it also is possible for the defensive team to score a two-point conversion by gaining possession of the ball on a try attempt and carrying the ball into the opponent's end zone. Field Goals If the team that has the ball — the offense — does not score a touchdown, it might be able to kick a field goal. This is the same as an extra-point kick but usually is from a greater distance. A team usually will attempt a field goals only after exhausting its chances to score a touchdown while still in possession of the ball. One exception is when the team is trailing by three points or less near the end of the game. For example, in the final minute of a game that is tied, the offensive team might not try to score a touchdown if it already is close enough to attempt a relatively easy field goal. Safeties A safety is the least common scoring play in football, and it usually is scored by the team that does not have possession of the ball — the defense.

It occurs when an offensive player who has the ball is tackled or goes out of bounds in the offense's own end zone, when a ball that was fumbled or batted by a team goes out of bounds in its own end zone or when the offensive team commits a penalty in its own end zone. It is not a safety, however, if a player gains possession of the football in his team's own end zone and is tackled or goes out of bounds before advancing out of the end zone. One-Point Safeties Another, little-known way of scoring can occur only on a try attempt and is known as a one-point safety. This happens when the play normally would result in a safety against the defense. For example, if the team that is attempting the try fumbles the ball and a defensive player bats the ball through the defense's end zone and out of bounds, the offensive team would be awarded a one-point safety. Another example would be a defensive player intercepting a pass on a two-point conversion attempt, then running into his own end zone and being tackled. One-point safeties are extremely rare, and some leagues do not even allow them.

Ad Moving the Football and Finding the End Zone - How American Football Works | HowStuffWorks Moving the Football and Finding the End Zone Prev Next A football game begins with a coin toss to decide which team will receive the opening kickoff. From the opening kickoff, the two teams battle to take possession of the ball. Possession means that a team's offensive unit has the ball. A team can take possession of the ball in several ways: Receiving a kickoff - A team receives a kickoff at the beginning of each half and after the other team scores. Turnover - A team recovers a ball dropped by the other team (fumble) or picks off a ball thrown by the other team's quarterback (interception). Safety - A player is tackled in his own end zone, meaning the end zone his team is defending, so the other team gets the ball though a free kick. Punt - The defensive team stops the offensive team from getting 10 yards in three downs, and the offensive team free-kicks, or punts, the ball to the other team on third down. Turnover on downs - The offensive team fails to advance the ball 10 yards in four downs and has to surrender the ball to the other team.

For those new to the sport, the last two scenarios on this list may not make sense. One of the most confusing concepts of American-style football is the down-and-distance system. Every time a team takes possession of the ball, it is given a set of four downs, or attempts, to move the ball 10 yards. If the team can move the ball 10 yards or more within four downs, the team gets another set of four downs to go another 10 yards, and so on. For instance, if a team advances 3 yards on first down, the next play is second down with 7 yards to go (second and 7); if the team then advances 5 yards on second down, the next play is third and 2; if the team then advances 2 or more yards on third down, the next play is back to first and 10, with a whole new set of four downs during which to advance the ball. After each play, the officials determine how many yards a team has advanced or lost (a team can lose yards if the ball holder is tackled behind the line of scrimmage -- this line is discussed in a moment). The officials then place the ball at the point where the team has ended up.

This point determines the line of scrimmage, which is an imaginary line that runs across the field and is the starting point for the offensive team on each play. On the sideline, a team of officials handles a 10-yard-long chain, which designates that 10-yard mark a team must reach to get a first down. On close plays, this chain is sometimes brought onto the field to measure the distance from the ball to the 10-yard mark. The nose of the ball must reach the bar connected to the end of the chain for a team to be awarded a first down. If a team fails to gain 10 yards after three downs, it may choose to punt the ball to the other team. If it doesn't punt and chooses to use its fourth down, or "go for it," it must reach the 10-yard mark or it surrenders the ball. A team often chooses to punt the ball in order to back the opposing team up so that it has to cover a greater distance to score. The team receiving the punt can return it, meaning it can catch and run it back down the field.

The kicking team is hoping to kick the ball down the field and tackle the receiving team's kick returner before he comes back down the field. All of this pushing and shoving to move a cowhide-covered ball has one purpose: move the ball over the opponent's goal line to score a touchdown. Photo courtesy The Philadelphia Eagles Running the ball The opponent's goal line is the one a team is advancing toward. Once any part of the ball reaches the edge of the goal line, it is considered in the end zone, and a touchdown has been scored. You will often hear commentators say that a ball breaks the plane of the end zone, which means the ball has crossed over the goal line. A touchdown is just one way of scoring points in football. After scoring a touchdown, a team can kick a field goal for an extra point or attempt to run or pass the ball into the end zone for a two-point conversion. The team has only one chance at the two-point conversion.

Here is a complete look at ways points are scored and how many points are awarded for each: Method BBC Sport - American Football - NFL in a nutshell NFL in a nutshell Guide to the basics of American football BASICS 11 players from each team on field Four 15min quarters Three time-outs per half for each team 12min half-time 15min sudden-death overtime if scores are tied The purpose of the game is to move the ball towards, and ultimately into, the opposition's end zone. This is achieved by either running with the ball until tackled, or throwing the ball downfield to a team-mate. DOWNS Downs are the most fundamental, and confusing, part of the NFL rulebook. The attacking team, or offence, needs to move the ball forward in chunks of at least 10 yards, which is why the pitch has yardage markings. They have four chances, or downs, to gain those 10 yards. When the ball has advanced that far anotherfirst down is earned, with four more chances to go a further 10 yards.

If the offensive team fails to move 10 yards within four downs, possession is surrendered, although the ball is usually kicked, or punted, to the defending team on fourth down. While most scoring comes from near the defending team's end zone, a touchdown can be scored from anywhere on the field, and on any down. PLAYS These are the complicated movements involving all 11 players teams use to move the ball downfield. Plays are called by the head coach or quarterback, who is the attacking lynchpin of any team. While the term usually refers to attacking teams, defending teams also use set plays to stop their opponents' forward movement. The offensive team has 30 seconds to get the ball in play or kick a field goal. SCORING Touchdown (six points) A touchdown is scored when a team crosses the opposition's goal line with the ball, or catches or collects the ball in the end zone. Field goal (three points) These are usually attempted on fourth down if the kicker is close enough to the end zone to kick the ball through the posts, or uprights. Extra point (one or two points) A point is earned by kicking the ball through the uprights after a touchdown (similar to a rugby conversion).

Two points are earned by taking the ball into the end zone again. Safety (two points) Awarded to the defensive team when a member of the offensive team is tackled with the ball in his own end zone. POSITIONS Although there are only 11 players from each side on the field at any one time, an American football team is made up of 45 players, ranging in size, speed and their roles within the team. The offence A team's attacking players who attempt to move the ball forward and score touchdowns. The key man is the quarterback. On the quarterback's signal, the centre snaps the ball back between his legs to the QB (similar to rugby league's play-the-ball). A typical offensive line-up The quarterback can then either run with the ball, hand it to a running back, or pass it downfield to one of his receivers. 1 & 11 Wide receivers 9 Fullback 10 Running back The plays used by the quarterback can either be pre-arranged or improvised to take advantage of the game's changing shape. The defence The role of the defence is to stop the other team from scoring by tackling the ball-carrier, intercepting passes or causing fumbles.

A '3-4' defensive set-up The defence is made up of big, powerful players trying to stop the other team from running the ball, and fast, athletic players trying to prevent the quarterback's passes from reaching his receivers. The defence's power players also attempt to tackle, or sack, the quarterback before he has thrown the ball, while any defender can cause a fumble by knocking the ball from a ball-carrier's grasp. 1 & 3 - Cornerbacks 4, 5, 6, 7 - Linebackers 8 - Strong safety 10 - Nose, or defensive, tackle Special teams Responsible for all plays involving kicks or punts. Special teams play a small but vital role. They come onto the field to execute field goal or extra point attempts, and when the team wants to punt the ball downfield on fourth down. They are also responsible for trying to block the opposition's kicks and punts, as well as attempting to return them as far as possible in the other direction. Bookmark with: Various Methods of Scoring in Football NFL Expert By James Alder • The biggest goal for an offense every time they take possession of the ball is to score a touchdown.

To score a touchdown, a player must carry the ball across the opposition's goal line, or catch a pass in the end zone. Once the ball crosses the plane of the goal line while it is in a player's possession, it is scored a touchdown. A touchdown is worth six points. • The team scoring a touchdown is given the bonus of trying to add one or two more points. These are called extra point conversion attempts. • If a team elects to go for two extra points , they will line up at the two-yard line and make one attempt at either running or passing the ball into the end zone. If they make it, they are awarded two points. If they don't, they get no extra points. • They can also elect to go for just one extra point by kicking the ball through the goal posts while snapping it from the two-yard line. • Another way for a team to score is by kicking a field goal. When a team finds themselves in a fourth-down situation, many times they will attempt to kick a field goal if they feel they are close enough for their kicker to kick the football between the upright bars of the goal post in the opponent's end zone . A field goal is worth three points.

• A team can also pick up two points by tackling an opponent possessing the ball in his own end zone. This is called a safety! •Perhaps the rarest way to score in football is on the little-used fair-catch kick. If a team fair catches a punt from the other team, they have the option of attempting a field goal on a free kick on the very next play from the spot the punt is fielded. The ball is kicked off the ground with the aid of a holder, and is worth three points just like a regular field goal. The down is not timed. To summarize: NFL Rules Digest: Safety Digest of Rules Main Safety The important factor in a safety is impetus. Two points are scored for the opposing team when the ball is dead on or behind a team�s own goal line if the impetus came from a player on that team. Examples of Safety: (a) Blocked punt goes out of kicking team�s end zone. Impetus was provided by punting team. The block only changes direction of ball, not impetus. (b) Ball carrier retreats from field of play into his own end zone and is downed. Ball carrier provides impetus.

(c) Offensive team commits a foul and spot of enforcement is behind its own goal line. (d) Player on receiving team muffs punt and, trying to get ball, forces or illegally kicks (creating new impetus) it into end zone where it goes out of the end zone or is recovered by a member of the receiving team in the end zone. Examples of Non-Safety: (a) Player intercepts a pass with both feet inbounds in the field of play and his momentum carries him into his own end zone. Ball is put in play at spot of interception. (b) Player intercepts a pass in his own end zone and is downed in the end zone, even after recovering in the end zone. Impetus came from passing team, not from defense. (Touchback) (c) Player passes from behind his own goal line. Opponent bats down ball in end zone. (Incomplete pass) Information 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 FAQ about Game Rules and Regulations on CFLdb cfldb.ca Frequently Asked Questions about Game Rules and Regulations Why did the CFL change the rules of football? Why are Canadian football rules different? What rules did the CFL change? Canadian football rules evolved from rugby in the late 1800's through the first half of the 20th century, separate from the development of the American game. The best source for a summary of the evolution is the first chapter of The Canadian Football League: The Phoenix of Professional Sports Leagues. Additional information can be found in older CFL books . The CFL did not change any rules; Canadian football was not created recently from the tweaking of an existing rule book. Canadians developed the Canadian game from rugby over a long period at the same time other brands of football were being developed. The games influenced each other with the Canadian game having more attributes (size of field, number of players on the field, scoring) that resemble its rugby origins but introducing many modern rules and play styles that were adopted later elsewhere. The Canadian code was also slow to adopt new innovations such as the forward pass, which created a gulf in the development of the two football codes.

The two brands of North American football, despite geographic isolation (not the connected world of today) during the birth of the sports, have always had an influence on each other. Canadian football has faced the far greater influence in later periods as American players and coaches have come north to the CFL and its predecessors. Despite groups who have desired to do away with the differences in the game over the past 100 years and continue today, Canadian football rules have remained a unique brand and the world is better for the diversity. If you would like to know more about the origins and codification of football (soccer), rugby, Canadian and American football, and the other offshoots, see Mike Roberts' book The Same Old Game: The True Story of the Origins of the World’s Football Games Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 . The last two chapters of the second volume deal with the "early development of football in Canada, and how and why the game shifted from British rugby towards American football, but also explores Canada’s influence on the American game". What are the dimensions of the CFL field? When were the end zones reduced in the CFL? Where are the goal posts placed in the CFL?

When did the CFL adopt goose-necked or single-shaft wishbone goal posts? The CFL field is 65 yards wide by 150 yards long (110 yards between the goal lines plus two 20-yard end zones). Up to 1985 the field was 160 yards long. The end zones were 25 yards each until the 1986 season when they were reduced to 20 yards. The field is divided into two 55-yard halves, so centre field is at the 55-yard line. The goal posts in the CFL are situated on the goal line. Good necked or single-shaft wishbone goal posts were first introduced in the CFL in 1966. How long is a CFL game? How many quarters are in a CFL game? What are the "long quarters" in the CFL? How long is a CFL halftime or quarter break? A CFL game is 60 minutes of playing time and takes about three (3) hours to complete (the Grey Cup championship is the exception, due to the halftime show and other factors it can take up to four (4) hours).

There are two halves, each consisting of two quarters for a total of four (4) quarters of 15 minutes each in a CFL game . Halves and quarters are self-explanatory, they represent dividing the game by two (or in half) and four (or in quarters). Overtime , if necessary, is not timed and can take up to 30-45 minutes of real time to complete the maximum two possessions per team in the Regular Season. Broadcasters will refer to the "long" quarters in a CFL game when in fact all quarters are the same length. What they are referring to, however, is that the second and fourth quarters have different time in (clock starting) rules in the last three minutes , allowing more plays to be executed in those quarters, therefore they are considered "longer". The CFL halftime break is 14 minutes long as designated in Article 2 of Section 7 — Starting & Timing of Rule 1 — Conduct of the Game of the Official Playing Rules of the Canadian Football League. This was changed from 15 minutes in 1988.

Additional timing specifics are prescribed in Section K (page 17) of the CFL Regulations , which stipulate a 140 second break at the conclusion of the first and third quarters and the lengths of time-outs. How much time is between plays in the CFL? How long is the CFL play clock? How many plays are executed in a CFL game? What is the amount of clock time spent on plays in the CFL? How many of minutes of actual playing time are there in a CFL game? There is a 20-second play clock in the CFL . From the time the ball is set and time is blown in by the referee, there is 20 seconds for the offence to put the ball in play or be penalized for a time-count violation . Complete rules on the starting and stopping of the play clock are found in Rule 1, Section 7 of the CFL Rulebook . The number of plays executed in a CFL game varies from game to game (a range of 135-175 plays per game). The average number of plays, including kickoffs, converts and punts is between 150-160 plays per game.

In a game balanced between the two teams this would result in approximately 80 plays per team and about 55-60 offensive plays per team. Overtime games can add 20 or more plays to a game depending on whether a second possession is needed to decide the game and in how many plays both teams score in. In 2015, the average (mean) number of plays over all regular season games including any extra plays in overtime was 154.3 with a minimum of 137 and a maximum of 173. The median was 153 plays and the mode was 150 plays per game. If we assume the average play takes about six to seven seconds of clock time from snap to whistle and multiply that by 154 plays in a game, we get 924 to 1,078 seconds or 15:24 to 17:58 minutes of actual playing time in the average game. In a 60 minute game, that is 25.6% to 29.9% of the time executing plays. Other factors such as scoring, penalties, turnovers, changes of possession will affect these numbers.

Beyond the snap of the ball to the whistle, there is a lot of other activity in Canadian football, from pre-snap motion (and the waggle ), to contact through the echo of the whistle to getting up and running back to the huddle or on and off the field not included in play time. How many team time outs in a CFL game? Who can request a team time out in the CFL? How long are time outs in the CFL? How many time outs does a CFL team receive in overtime? Starting in 2013 each team receives two (2) time outs per game, but are only allowed to use one within the 3-minute warning of the second half. The full definition of time outs are found in Rule 1, Section 7, Article 5 of the CFL Rulebook. Prior to 2013 each team was allowed one (1) time out per half in a CFL game and time outs were not carried over if not used. Any player on the field or the Head Coach may call a time out by notifying any official on the field. Time outs are 30 seconds in duration and stop the game clock until the next snap. Overtime does not provide for any additional time outs.

What is the overtime format in the CFL? How many points in the standings are awarded for overtime games? How many points for a win/loss/tie in the CFL? The CFL employs a two-possession overtime (shootout style or modified Kansas Plan ) where teams alternate possessions from the 35-yard line and attempt to outscore their opponents in a series in order to win the game. Starting in 2010, teams are required to attempt a two-point convert after scoring a touchdown on any possession. In the regular season, a tied score after two possessions by each team results in a tie game and each team being awarded 1-point in the standings. The playoffs and Grey Cup feature the same overtime rules, however teams continue to play a series of possessions until a winner is decided. History The shootout format of overtime was introduced in 2000 with four possessions per team before a game would be declared a tie. This was reduced to two possessions in 2001. From 1986 to 1999 the format used was two 5-minute halves, non-sudden death.

Starting with the introduction of overtime, 2 points in the standings was awarded for a win and 1 point to each team for a tie. From 2000 to 2002, an extra point was awarded to a team that lost in overtime (2 points to the winner, 1 point to the loser, or 1 point each if tied after overtime). This change was repealed in 2003 and now the standard 2 points for a win and 1 point each for a tie is how points are awarded in the standings. What are the rules for Instant Replay in the CFL? How many challenges do CFL teams get in a game? Where can I get the instant replay rulings from the CFL? What are the rules surrounding showing in-stadium replays while plays are under review? The rules surrounding video review and coaches challenges have grown complicated with changes and expansion occurring every year so I recommend you read the complete rules and not rely on this summary. The rules governing Instant Replay in the CFL can be found in the rulebook . Effective August 26th, 2016 , each team receives three challenges per game. If the challenge is unsuccessful, the team is charged (loses) a time-out.

A team must have a time-out available in order to use a challenge. Teams receive two time-outs per game . In order to use their third challenge, teams must have been successful in their first and second challenges and have a time-out remaining. The most recent changes removed the "free" challenge available to coaches. Previously, each team received two challenges per game and a third challenge if their first two challenges were successful and they had a time-out remaining. If a team was unsuccessful in their first challenge, there was no penalty except the availability of a third challenge. Unsuccessfully challenging a ruling with their second challenge cost a team a time-out and the availability of a third challenge. Challenging a play unsuccessfully with their third challenge also cost a team a time-out. In the final three-minutes of regulation time and all overtime play, coaches may not challenge a play, though they may challenge a penalty provided they have a remaining challenge. Instead, reviews of plays will be initiated by the CFL replay command centre. Since 2012, all scoring plays are reviewed by the replay command centre. Starting in 2014, certain turnovers by fumble or interception are automatically reviewed by the command centre.

How Fantasy Football Game Play Is Scored - dummies How Fantasy Football Game Play Is Scored How Fantasy Football Game Play Is Scored How Fantasy Football Game Play Is Scored By Martin Signore To win in fantasy football, your team needs to score more points than any other team in your league. A fantasy team scores points based on each player’s performance and personal stats, in addition to the standard NFL point system for touchdowns, field goals, safeties, and extra points; fantasy scoring is not affected by the NFL teams’ win-loss records. As a result, the stud offensive players who can run, catch, and pass for big yards and not just score are the elite players in the fantasy world. In essence, fantasy rewards a player for playing a good game even if he doesn’t score lots of touchdowns. Scoring touchdowns isn’t easy in the NFL, and just because an offensive player can’t reach the end zone doesn’t mean he’s having a bad game. Fantasy football also awards points to kickers who kick field goals and extra points and to team defenses that can score fantasy points by not giving up points and creating turnovers, in addition to scoring touchdowns and safeties.

Basically, anything from fumble recoveries to receptions to field goal distance can add up for your fantasy team. Every league provider has a default setting for the stats that will convert to fantasy scoring, but any NFL stat can translate into fantasy points — only your league commissioner can make the decision to change any defaults. To know your league’s scoring default, make sure you check out your league’s scoring system when preparing for your season. The scoring rules of your league may affect your draft strategy and will affect the outcome of each game during the season. Fantasy football simulates the real deal by using a performance-based scoring system. A touchdown is worth 6 points for an NFL team and 6 fantasy points for a player on a fantasy team (in most leagues). Fantasy players are also awarded points for yardage gained, such as 1 point for every 10 yards gained rushing or receiving. Bad NFL plays often count as negative fantasy points; sacks can be worth –1 or interceptions worth –2. In general, every statistic can be used to rate a player’s achievements, good and bad, depending on your fantasy league. Your fantasy team’s final score each week is the sum of all your starting players’ fantasy points.

The following table shows an example of fantasy scoring for one week in a league with fractional and negative points. Don’t worry about having to calculate all this each week. Your league provider does the math for you. A Good Week for Your Fantasy Team Position What Is a Safety Call in a Football Game? | eHow What Is a Safety Call in a Football Game? football image by Maria Bell from Fotolia.com In American football, the majority of a team's scoring opportunities occur when its offensive unit is on the field. The offense can score touchdowns and kick field goals to wrack up points. The opponent's defensive unit can also score touchdowns by recovering fumbles or making interceptions and advancing the ball into the end zone. The "safety," however, is distinctive, as it can only be scored by a team when its defensive unit is on the field. How a Safety is Scored The safety usually occurs when the offensive unit is backed up less than 5 yards from its own end zone. As noted by NFL.com, the National Football League's official website, a safety is called when the defensive unit tackles an offensive player who is in possession of the ball behind his own goal line.

Points Scored for a Safety The team is awarded 2 points when a safety is called. This often makes for odd scoring scoring, as final football scores are usually combinations of 7 (for a touchdown and an extra point) and 3 (for a field goal). Circumstances that May Result in a Safety Call In most cases, a safety is called when defensive players tackle the ball carrier before he can advance the ball out of the end zone. A quarterback being sacked behind the goal line also results in a safety. A safety is called if the offensive unit fumbles the ball in its own end zone and recovers it but cannot advance it or if the fumbled ball rolls out of bounds from any point behind the goal line. Deliberately Taking a Safety There are circumstances when an offensive team will choose to deliberately take a safety. If a fumble occurs in the end zone, and offensive player may deliberately knock the ball out of bounds and take the safety to prevent a defensive player from recovering it and scoring a touchdown. Kicking Off After a Safety The safety is different from other football scores when it comes to putting the ball back in play. When a team scores a touchdown or a field goal, it kicks the ball off to its opponent.

In the event of a safety, the team that scores the points gets to receive the kick. According to Time Magazine, the kicking team can put the ball in play with a punt, place kick or drop kick.

Question: In American Football, how many points are awarded for a 'safety'?
Answer: Two