Football: The Rules of the Game

Football is one of America's most beloved sports, but few know all of its essential rules and regulations. Football fields are 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. At each end-zone stands a goal post that is 10 feet tall. Each team has 11 players on the field at a time, with seven more designated as substitutes if needed. The objective of football is to move the ball from one side to the other by either running or throwing it in order to score points against your opponent's team. Every play must begin with a snap — when the quarterback throws or hands off the ball — after which each player may only use their upper body to make contact with opponents trying to defend them from carrying out their mission on offense or defense plays.