AFL Basics & Rules of the Game

Arena football can be a fun sport to watch, but only a few people seem to follow it. First, let's go over the basics so everyone can understand what's happening during the game.

Arena Football League Rules

1. The first thing you'll notice is the field is only 50 yards long (as opposed to 100 yards in the NFL) and 28 yards wide. Endzones are 8 yards long, 2 yards shorter than in the NFL.

2. Rebound nets - kickoffs usually bounce off the net, and passes or missed field goals deflecting off the net are always in play.

3. There are only 8 players on a team, and sometimes players may come in as substitutes on the other side of the ball.

4. No punting - a team must attempt a field goal or fourth down conversion no matter where they are on the field.

5. Running clock - the clock only stops on timeouts, stoppages, and penalties (only for the time it takes for the referee to make the call). During the final minute of each half, normal outdoor timing rules are in effect.

6. Receiver in motion - one receiver may run in forward motion and the defensive player can only move after the receiver has run five yards past the line of scrimmage.

7. Overtime rules - each team gets one possession, if game is still tied after that, the next team to score wins.

8. Final minute of the game - the leading team must gain positive yards or the clock will stop, this is to prevent kneel downs and to make the endings more exciting.

9. Everything else is the same as traditional outdoor football rules.

Find football merchandise including NFL Fatheads or apply online for a NFL credit card through Pro Football Fans!

Okay, now that you understand the basics of Arena Football, why should you watch?

1. It passes the time until college and NFL football starts.

2. Games are fast-paced with a running clock and high scoring with mostly passing plays.

3. Games are usually close, often decided in the final minutes.

4. Strong fan atmospheres at every game, fans are close to the action, creating lots of fun for watching games in person or on television.

5. Players compete for the love of the game, making only several thousand dollars each game.

6. Try something new, maybe you'll like it and become a fan like me.

Arena Football Basics & AFL Rules

By Chad Fukoka
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer