A popular game played on a large field with two teams, football is a contact sport involving the passing and kicking of a ball. The aim of the game is to score more points than your opponent in a match that lasts about 90 minutes. There are many rules that regulate equality, safety, and the actions of players. However, it is difficult to stop players from looking for ways to find advantages that stretch the limits imposed by the rules. Therefore, a system of penalties exists to punish players who are caught violating the rules.
Each team consists of 11 players on the field at one time. Of these, two are designated defenders and the rest are strikers who try to score goals by running with the ball or passing it to teammates near the opposition’s goal area or over a line. Each team also has a quarterback who attempts to dictate play and pass the ball.
A play in football is started when the ball is snapped to the center of the field by the team that is currently in possession. The quarterback then calls a play and the team huddles around him to decide what to do with the ball. Afterwards, the quarterback hands off to a running back or wide receiver who then runs with it to the opposing end zone.
To advance the ball, each team is given four chances to get ten yards. These are called “downs.” The first team to reach the end zone wins the game. However, a team may also choose to attempt to add a couple of extra points after scoring a touchdown.
If a player touches any part of the sideline or end zone while carrying the ball, he is deemed out of bounds. In addition, if a runner’s foot crosses the plane of the 50-yard line while he is in the air, he is ruled out of bounds. In some cases, the nearest official will blow his whistle before a down ends in order to make it clear that the players should prepare for the next play.
The referees will monitor all aspects of the game to ensure that there are no violations of the rules. They will keep track of the clock, stop the game to administer a penalty, and throw a flag when a player is tackled or has committed a foul. They will also call a time out when the players need a break.
In the event that the score is tied after four quarters of playing, a single period of overtime will be held. In overtime, a coin toss is used to determine which team will possess the ball first. Unless the winning team defers, they will receive the ball and have a chance to score a touchdown. If they fail to do so, the other team will win the game. Individual high school state associations can elect to use different overtime formats, but most follow the Kansas plan.