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USA Football

Roles

Glossary

4 results found

Does a rule or game term have you stumped? Look no further. We have the answers.

  • dead-ball officiating
    Activity during the time immediately after the ball becomes dead. Good dead-ball officials don’t stop officiating when the ball is dead. They continue to watch the players and prevent problems.
  • defensive formation
    an alignment of defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs positioned to stop a particular offense.
  • downfield
    Refers to the direction the offensive team is moving with the ball. On a scrimmage down, it is the area beyond the neutral zone. Opposite of upfield.
  • downs
    a series of four consecutive charged scrimmages allotted to the offensive team; to retain possession, the offense must advance the ball 10 yards to a yard line during these scrimmages.