Isabella Carter
In American football, a player is deemed down when they are tackled by the opposing team, go out of bounds, or score a point. In the NFL, if an offensive player touches the ground with any body part other than their hands or feet, they are considered down if a defensive player touches them. In college football, an offensive player touching the ground in the same manner is down regardless of defensive player contact. The rules vary depending on the league and level of play, with professional football having distinct rules from college and high school football. The concept of a down in football refers to the condition of the player in possession of the ball and is used to describe the action from the time the ball is put into play until it becomes dead.
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What You'll Learn
Down by contact
In American football, a player with possession of the ball is ruled down when they are tackled by the defense, ending the play. A player is said to be "down by contact" when they are brought to the ground by a defensive player, touching the ground with some part of their body other than their hands or feet. For example, if the ball carrier slips and falls on their own, they can get up and continue playing. However, if they were pushed or pulled to the ground by a defensive player, they are ruled "down by contact," and the play is dead.
The interpretation of "down by contact" can vary slightly between different leagues and levels of football. In the NFL, if an offensive player is touching the ground with a body part other than their hands or feet, they are ruled down if any defensive player makes contact with them. In the NCAA, an offensive player touching the ground in the same manner is automatically down, regardless of whether a defensive player touches them.
It is important to note that the rules regarding "down by contact" only apply to professional football. In college and high school football, the play ends when a player with possession goes down for any reason, regardless of contact from the defense. An exception to this rule at all levels is that a player who is already kneeling when they take possession of the ball is not considered down, ensuring that the kneeling holder of a place kick attempt is not ruled down prematurely.
The concept of "down by contact" is an important aspect of American football, as it defines when a play ends and possession may change hands. It is one of several ways to end a play, including the player with the ball going out of bounds, an incomplete pass, or a score. Understanding "down by contact" is crucial for players, coaches, and officials to ensure fair and consistent rulings during a game.
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Out of bounds
When a player goes out of bounds, it results in an incomplete pass, and the ball is returned to the team's last line of scrimmage for the next play. If a player is forced out of bounds by a member of the opposing team, the referee will usually mark forward progress at the point where the player's momentum carried them out of bounds. This means that the player is considered down at that spot, and the ball will be placed there for the next play.
In some cases, going out of bounds can be strategic. For example, if a player is being tackled and is about to be taken down, they might intentionally step out of bounds to avoid the tackle and prevent a loss of yards. This tactic is often employed by quarterbacks evading pressure from the opposing defense. By deliberately going out of bounds, quarterbacks safeguard against being tackled for a loss of yards, protecting themselves while maintaining their team's advantageous field position.
It's important to note that the rules governing out-of-bounds scenarios can vary slightly across different football leagues and levels of play. For instance, youth football leagues may modify rules to emphasize safety and instruct players in proper technique. Nonetheless, the concept of going out of bounds remains integral to the sport, influencing strategic decisions, officiating protocols, and the overall flow and dynamics of the game.
Additionally, it is commonplace for spectators and commentators to refer to a player as "going out of bounds" even in situations where they do not establish possession within the field of play. This colloquial usage reflects a shared understanding that the player's momentum or positioning has effectively taken them beyond the playable area, necessitating a stoppage in play or a shift in strategic approach. This usage underscores how the concept of "out of bounds" influences not only the formal rules of the game but also the broader cultural discourse and understanding of football. It highlights the dynamic interplay between rulebook definitions and their practical application, interpretation, and adaptation by players, officials, and fans alike.
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Forward progress stopped
The exact moment when a player's forward progress is stopped is subject to the judgment of the officials. Once this determination is made, the ball is spotted at that location, and the down or play is considered over. The team in possession of the ball then has a limited number of downs (typically four in American football) to advance a certain distance (usually ten yards) toward their opponent's end zone. If they fail to advance the required distance after using all their downs, possession of the ball is turned over to the other team.
It's important to note that the rules regarding forward progress stopped may vary slightly between different football leagues and levels of play, such as the NFL, NCAA, and high school or college football. In some cases, the forward progress rule may not apply, and the play may continue as long as the player with the ball is still fighting and has a possibility of gaining additional yardage.
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Intentionally downing the ball
In American football, a player with possession of the ball is considered "down" when they are forced to touch the ground (other than with their hands or feet) by a defensive player. This is known as "down by contact". For example, if a ball carrier slips and falls, they can get up and continue playing. However, if they are pushed to the ground by a defensive player, they are considered "down", and the play is dead.
The concept of "down" in football originated from the act of having the ball "down", which gave rise to the term "down" to describe the condition of the player in possession of the ball. While NCAA rules have abolished the act of voluntarily calling for a "down", other North American football codes, such as the NFL, still allow it as a way to end the play.
In the NFL, if an offensive player touches the ground with any part of their body other than their hands or feet, they are considered "down" if a defensive player touches them. In the NCAA, an offensive player touching the ground in the same manner is automatically considered "down", regardless of defensive player contact.
Additionally, in the context of punting, intentionally downing the ball can be used to gain a strategic advantage. For instance, if a punt goes into the end zone and is downed by the receiving team without advancing the ball beyond the goal line, it is considered a touchback, resulting in a change of possession with the receiving team gaining favourable field position.
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Turnover on downs
In American football, a turnover on downs occurs when a team fails to make a new first down on their final down, resulting in a transfer of possession to the opposing team. The number of downs allocated per possession varies depending on the league and level of play. In American football, a team typically has four downs to advance the ball by at least ten yards, while in Canadian football, they have three downs. If the team with possession fails to advance the required distance after using all their downs, the ball is turned over to the other team.
When faced with a potential turnover on downs, teams typically have a few strategic options to consider. One common strategy is to punt the ball on the final down, conceding possession to the opposing team but attempting to force them to start their drive from a less advantageous field position. Another option is to attempt a field goal, which typically occurs when the team is within a reasonable distance from the goal posts (usually within 40 yards). By doing so, the team can score points even if they fail to achieve the required distance for a first down.
Alternatively, a team may choose to "go for it" on their final down, attempting to gain the necessary yardage for a first down instead of punting or kicking a field goal. This strategy carries a higher risk of turning over the ball to the opposing team at a more advantageous field position if the play fails. However, it also presents an opportunity to surprise the defense with trick plays or take advantage of defensive mistakes, such as inducing a foul that reduces the yardage needed for a first down.
It is important to note that turnovers on downs are not typically counted as turnovers in statistical analysis for either team in the National Football League (NFL). Turnovers in this context refer specifically to plays where the ball is intercepted or recovered by the opposing team, such as fumble recoveries and interceptions. As such, while the term "turnover on downs" is used, it represents a distinct scenario where possession is relinquished due to a failure to advance the ball within the allotted downs rather than a direct takeaway by the opposing team.
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Frequently asked questions
A down in football refers to a single play or a series of plays in which a team tries to advance towards the opponent's goal line. Each down begins with a snap or free kick and ends when the player with the ball is tackled, goes out of bounds, or a team scores.
In American football, a team gets four downs or plays to score or advance ten yards towards the opponent's goal line.
If a team fails to advance ten yards after four downs, possession of the ball is turned over to the opposing team.
A player is considered down when they are tackled or forced to touch the ground (other than with their hands or feet) by a defensive player. This is often referred to as "down by contact."
Yes, in college and high school football, the play ends if the player with possession goes down for any reason, even if there is no contact with a defensive player. Additionally, if a player is kneeling when they take possession of the ball, they are not considered down.
