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SECTION 23. Snapping the Ball

ARTICLE 1. Legally snapping the ball (a snap) is handing or passing it backward from its position on the ground with a quick and continuous motion of the hand or hands, the ball actually leaving the hand or hands in this motion (Rule 4-1-4). The snap starts when the ball is moved legally and ends when the ball leaves the snapper’s hands (A.R. 7-1-5-I-II). If, during any backward motion of a legal snap, the ball slips from the snapper’s hand, it becomes a backward pass and is in play (Rule 4-1-1). »

SECTION 24. Series and Possession Series

Series ARTICLE 1. A series comprises up to four consecutive downs that each begins with a snap (Rule 5-1-1). Possession Series ARTICLE 2. A possession series is a team’s continuous possession of the ball in an extra period (Rule 3-1-3). It may consist of one or more series. »

SECTION 25. Spots

Enforcement Spot ARTICLE 1. An enforcement spot is the point at which the penalty for a foul or the result of a violation is enforced. Previous Spot ARTICLE 2. The previous spot is the point at which the ball was last put in play. Succeeding Spot ARTICLE 3. The succeeding spot is the point at which the ball is next to be put in play. »

SECTION 26. Tackling

Tackling is grasping or encircling an opponent with a hand(s) or arm(s). »

SECTION 27. Team and Player Designations

Teams A and B ARTICLE 1. Team A is the team that is designated to put the ball in play, and Team B is the opponent. The teams retain these designations until the ball is next ready for play. Offensive and Defensive Teams ARTICLE 2. The offensive team is the team in possession or the team to which the ball belongs; the defensive team is the opposing team. »

SECTION 28. Tripping

Tripping is intentionally using the lower leg or foot to obstruct an opponent below the knees (Rule 9-1-2-c). »

SECTION 29. Timing Devices

Game Clock ARTICLE 1. The game clock is any device under the direction of the appropriate official used to time the 60 minutes of the game. Play Clock ARTICLE 2. Each stadium shall have a visual play clock at each end of the playing enclosure. The play clock must be capable of counting down from both 40 seconds and 25 seconds. It should automatically default to 40 seconds and start immediately upon being reset by the play-clock operator when any official signals that the ball is dead after a play. »

SECTION 30. Play Classification

Forward Pass Play ARTICLE 1. A legal forward pass play is the interval between the snap and when a legal forward pass is complete, incomplete or intercepted. Free Kick Play ARTICLE 2. A free kick play is the interval from the time the ball is legally kicked until it comes into player possession or is declared dead by rule. Scrimmage Kick Play ARTICLE 3. »

SECTION 31. Field Areas

The Field ARTICLE 1. The field is the area within the limit lines and includes the limit lines and team areas, and the space above it (Exception: Enclosures over the field). Field of Play ARTICLE 2. The field of play is the area enclosed by the sidelines and the goal lines. End Zone ARTICLE 3. The end zone at each end of the field is the rectangle defined by the goal line, sidelines and end line. »

SECTION 32. Fighting

ARTICLE 1. Fighting is any attempt by a player, coach or squad member in uniform to strike an opponent in a combative manner unrelated to football. Such acts include, but are not limited to: An attempt to strike an opponent with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s) or foot (feet), whether or not there is contact. An unsportsmanlike act toward an opponent that causes any opponent to retaliate by fighting (Rules 9-2-1 and 9-5-1-a-c). »