Skip to content

USA Football

Roles

Glossary

7 results found

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

  • Legal touching of forward pass or scrimmage kick
    The official, raising both hands above his head holds one arm still and with his other hand makes a "tip" type movement across his extended hand.
  • Line Judge
    [4-5-6-7] The line judge is a sideline official at the line of scrimmage, responsible for determining forward progress and passing calls.
  • Line of Scrimmage
    The line of scrimmage is a line drawn sideline to sideline marking the spot where the ball will be put in play.
  • Line to Gain
    The line to gain is the spot that Team A needs to reach to be awarded a new series of downs.
  • Live Ball
    A live ball is a ball in play. This occurs after the ball is legally snapped or free kicked.
  • Loose Ball
    A loose ball is a pass, fumble, or kick. A loose ball continues to be loose until a player gains possession of the ball or it becomes dead by rule.
  • Loss of Down
    The official places both of his hands directly behind his head, holding it for at least 2-seconds.