ARTICLE 1.
The neutral zone is the space between the two scrimmage lines extended to the sidelines. Its width is equal to the length of the ball (Rule 2-21-2).
The neutral zone is established when the ball is ready for play and is resting on the ground with its long axis at right angles to the scrimmage line and parallel to the sidelines.
The neutral zone exists until there is a change of team possession, until a scrimmage kick crosses the neutral zone or until the ball is declared dead.