JUNIORPROGRAMME

Coaching and Management Staff

Senior Coaches

Director of Football: Wayne Hill 07429 188499 whill58@yahoo.com

Head Coach: Jay Alexander

Offensive Coordinator:

Defensive Coordinator:

Special Teams Coordinator:

Offensive Positional Coaches

Quarterbacks:

Receivers:

Offensive Line:

Running Backs:

Defensive Positional Coaches

Defensive Line:

Linebackers:

Defensive Backs:

Management Staff

General Manager: Greg Freeman

Team Assistant:

Welcome to the University of Birmingham Lions Junior Programme

The University of Birmingham Lions of American Football Programme

The University of Birmingham Lions consists primarily of two teams, the University of Birmingham Lions , which is our student team (18 plus and must be a student at UofB) and the University of Birmingham Lions Juniors which is our Junior team (16 to 19). Each team has its own set of qualified staff members including head coaches, coordinators, positional coaches and team managers. Both teams practice and play games at the University of Birmingham (B15 2TT). The Programme also has affiliated clubs which run Youth (under 17’s) programmes. These clubs consist of the Birmingham Bulls and the Sandwell Steelers. These clubs offer a wide range of football programmes including cadet flag, youth flag, youth kitted, adult flag and adult kitted . Please visit their websites for further details.

Each of the University of Birmingham Lions team is run by a committee, which is appointed by its members at its annual general meeting (held at the end of the season). The committee is supported by a team of officers, who assist the committee in the general running of the Programme. For more details about the committee and its officers please visit our website.

The University of Birmingham Lions is governed by its constitution, a copy of which is available for download on our website. The constitution ensures that the Programme is run in a fair and appropriate manner. Please make sure you read the current constitution and if you have any questions please feel free to contact the committee. For more information about The Programme please visit our website www.birminghamlions.co.uk

Club Registration

In order to play/practice American football for the University of Birmingham Lions Juniors you must have completed the following:

1. Completed the Club registration form.2. Provided a copy of your ID

If you are under the age of 18 you will need the consent of a parent or guardian who holds the parental responsibilities for you.

The University of Birmingham Lions Juniors Aim

To offer a stable, well-run and enduring Junior American Football club for Birmingham and the surrounding area, giving the whole community the opportunity to play and enjoy our sport.

To develop our players and volunteers, helping them to realise their potential both on and off the field.

To encourage participation, with experienced coaches taking care and effort to teach the basics of the game to all participants.

To offer an enjoyable game day experience for all, with an ethos of success.

To provide regular training with skilled and qualified coaching staff.

To enthuse club members to build an active, healthy lifestyle through participation in American Football.

To ensure the well-being of young people whilst in the care of the club and away from parents or carers.

To Become National Champions.

Welfare at the University of Birmingham Junior Programme

The team takes the welfare of its players very seriously and has a policy in place to ensure all players feel safe. Any player needing to talk about an issue can do so in the first instance either with the coach he/she feels most comfortable with or with the team manager. Feel free to approach us before or after training or on our contact numbers and no matter is too trivial to talk about if it concerns you.

In the case of more serious issues there are welfare and grievance procedures in the club constitution available on the website and you can choose to follow these.

The team has zero tolerance of bullying and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the team staff immediately.

Equipment Loans

Equipment can be loaned to you by the club but it will be on a first come first served basis. The club will endeavour to equip all players but there is a limited amount of equipment available. We would recommend that you purchase your own complete set. If you can’t purchase the full set then we do recommend you buy a set of bottom halves. Equipment sets are available through the

club. Please speak to a member of staff for more information or a list of suitable suppliers.

Practice Information

Padded Practice

A Padded practice means that full equipment will be worn. These types of practice will be ‘Full Contact’. This means the level of contact should be at game level.

Padded Practice Uniform and Equipment

For a Padded practice you are required to wear the follow items:

1. Helmet* (white)2. Gum Shield*.3. White (Defence) or Blue (Offence) Football

Jersey*4. Shoulder pads*.5. Blue or White under jersey (optional)6. Blue Bottoms Halves* (with belt).7. Hip*, Tail*, Thigh* and Knee pads*. 8. Blue or White Leggings (optional).9. White Socks.10. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).11. Gloves (optional)

Defence Offence

Please be aware that if you play on both the Offence and the Defence you will require a blue and a white practice jersey.

The club can’t provide you with a practice jersey and you will have to purchase your own. Please speak to a member of staff for a list of suitable suppliers.

Non-Padded Practice

A Non-Padded practice means there will be ‘No Contact’ or ‘Minimal Contact’ during that practice. Helmets must be worn at all times unless otherwise instructed by a member of the coaching staff.

Non-Padded Practice Uniform and Equipment

For a Non-Padded practice you are required to wear the following items:

1. Helmet* (white)2. Gum Shield*.3. White (Defence) or Blue (Offence) Football

Jersey*4. Blue or White under jersey (optional).5. Blue Shorts* or Grey Tracksuit* pants. 6. Blue or White Leggings (optional).7. White Socks.8. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).9. Gloves (optional)

Other Equipment

We would also recommend that you bring the following to practice:

1. Change of clothes.2. Towel.3. Isotonic drink.4. Bottle/s of water.5. Playbook.

Practice

Prior to the start of the Warm Ups there will be a registration and preparation period. Once you arrive at practice you will need to follow the following procedures:

1. Inform the General Manager of your presence.2. Pay any money due, to the General Manager.3. Change for practice.

Please make sure that you follow these procedures, even if you are late to a practice. Failure to do so may result in you not getting an attendance mark for that day (which could affect your game time).

Items marked with a * are mandatory, failure to wear them will result in you not participating in practice.

Gameday Information

Equipment and Uniform

It is very important that you have all the correct equipment on Gamedays, if you don’t the Referees will not allow you to play in that game. You must also have the correct uniform, this will makes us look and feel like a team. For a Gameday you are required wear the follow items:

1. White Helmet* with correct logo and stripes.2. Gum Shield*.3. Team Jersey* (issued on the day).4. Shoulder pads*.5. Blue or White Under Jersey (optional).6. Blue Bottoms Halves* (with belt).7. Hip*, Tail*, Thigh* and Knee pads*. 8. Blue or White Leggings (optional).9. White Socks*.10. Cleats* or Boots* (plastic or rubber studs).11. Blue, White or Grey Gloves (optional).

Main Alternate

Other Equipment

We would also recommend that you bring the following to Games:

1. Change of clothes.2. Towel.3. Isotonic drink.4. Bottle of water.5. Food or Money.

Game Jersey Numbering System

1 & 9 Head Coach’s Choice

10 to 19 Quarterbacks & Receivers

20 to 29 Running Backs & Defensive backs

30 to 39 Running Backs & Defensive backs

40 to 49 Running Backs & Tight Ends

50 to 59 Offensive Line, Defensive Line & Linebackers.

60 to 69 Offensive Line & Defensive Line

70 to 79 Offensive Line & Defensive Line

80 to 89 Receivers & Tight Ends

90 to 99 Defensive Line & Linebackers

Please be aware that the club does not have every number from 1 to 99. Numbers will be determined on a first come first served basis and on their availability.

Pre-Game Dress Code

When you arrive to any Game (home or away) you are expected to wear ether team colours or team merchandise.

1. Blue/Grey Team Top (T-shirt, Hoody or Jumper).

2. Blue/Grey Tracksuit Bottoms or Team Shorts.

All of the items are available at our team shop, follow the link on our website.

The Club understands that you may not be able to afford some or all of these items. In this case we would ask that you wear a plain blue top and plain grey tracksuit bottoms or shorts.

Items marked with a * are mandatory, failure to wear them will result in you not playing!

The Selection Process

Selection Criteria

The coaching staff will follow a Selection Process to determine a player’s classification and game time. Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams players will be selected by their relevant Coordinators. You will be assessed using the following criteria:

1. Commitment (Attendance):

Your attendance percentage. Your punctuality.

Any mitigating circumstances will be taken into account.

2. Work Ethic:

How hard you work. How much effort you put in. Showing Respect to everyone.

3. Positional Skills:

Talent at your position. Strength and conditioning. Knowledge of your position. Decision making skills.

4. Football Knowledge:

Knowledge of the playbook. Ability to make reads and adjustments. Understanding of the game rules. Knowledge of tactics.

5. Discipline:

Behaviour during all Club events. Following all the rules set. Difficult and challenging situations dealt with. Listening to coaches and acting positively on

that instruction.

6. Attitude:

Positive attitude towards the coaching staff. Positive attitude towards the management

staff. Positive attitude towards your team mates.

7. Equipment and Uniform:

Correct equipment. Clean and maintained equipment. Correct uniform for a Padded practice. Correct uniform for a Non-padded practice. Correct Gameday uniform.

8. Tactical (This will vary from Game to Game):

Do you give the team a tactical advantage.

9. Finance

Up to date Subscription. Up to date League fee. Up to date Transport fee. Up to date Post Season fee. Payment plans adhered to.

If you are experiencing personal financial difficulties but are adhering to your payment plan, then you will pass this section of the criteria.

Classification of Players

Starter - A player who is selected to take the field first. Players who start will see a good percentage of Game Time

Rotational Player – A player who will rotate in on a regular or predetermined basis. Rotational players will see a fair amount of Game Time.

Back Up – A player who will back up the Starters and Rotational players. The Game Time for Back Ups will be at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.

Specialists – A player who will be used in certain situations for a specialist role. The Game Time will be at the discretion of Coaching Staff or specific to the position (Punters, Kickers, etc).

Team Leaders

The University of Birmingham Lions Juniors will be looking to appoint 4 Captains so the following positions will be available:

Team Captain (selected by Head Coach). Offensive Captain (selected by Coordinator). Defensive Captain (selected by Coordinator). Special Teams Captain (selected by Coordinator).

To be selected for a Captaincy you must meet the following criteria:

Excellent Leadership skills. Excellent decision making skills. High attendance percentage. High scores in the Selection Criteria. Good tactical knowledge related to the

Captaincy.

Attendance and Fee’s

Attendance

Your Attendance will be monitored very carefully throughout the season. A weekly total will be generated (you may ask for yours at any point) which is used as part of the selection process for game time and starting positions. Mitigating circumstances will be taken into account but these must be discussed with the Head Coach as soon as possible.

How to Let the Club Know

If you are unable to attend or you are going be late to a practice/game then you must follow the below procedures:

1. Inform the General Manager.2. Inform your Unit Coordinator (Offence/Defence).

To inform the club any of the following methods can be used:

Phone Call. Text Message. Facebook. Email. Informed the General Manager and

Coordinator at a previous practice or game.

Reasonable Notice

If you are unable to attend or you are going be late to a practice/game then you must let the club know a minimum of 24 hours prior to the designated start time.

What to do in Emergences

The club understands that emergencies can occur and prevent you from let the club know at the required time. In this case we would ask that you inform the General Manager as soon as possible.

The Attendance Strike System

Anyone that doesn't attend practice without informing the club will be given a strike. You will also be given a strike if you fail give the club reasonable notice (unless it is an emergency). If you get 3 strikes you are out and will be automatically cut from the team.

Season Fee’s

The cost for the year can be broken down into 4 parts:

1. Your Club Subscription

This is the money you pay to the club, this covers the cost for Practice/Game venues, Ambulances (for games), Referees (for games), food (for games) and Equipment.

Season Fee - £145.00

You can pay this at £5.00 per week, £20.00 per month or £145.00 in full. Please speak to your General Manager for more information.

2. League Registration Fee

To participate in games the National Leagues will ask you for a league registration fee. This fee is paid directly to the league. Your General manager will direct you on how to proceed.

Season Fee - £25.00 3. Transport Fee’s (Regular Season)

For most Away Games we will travel by coach. The Fee for each game will vary depending on the amount of people and the distance travelled. Supporters are welcome on transport and are expected to pay the same fee as players.

Fee - Your General Manager will let you know of the exact amount closer to the events.

4. Post Season Fee

Any post season games are not factored in to your subscription or Coach fees. Unfortunately we cannot predict where post season games will take place (apart from the National Final). The games could be at home, away or a mixture of both. In this case we will charge players per game. The fee will vary depending on its location.

Fee - Your General Manager will let you know of the exact amount closer to the events.

Please make your cheques payable to the University of Birmingham Lions American Football Programme.

Health and Physical Fitness

Improving Your Fitness Levels

In order to improve yourself as a player it is very important that you improve and maintain your fitness level. By doing so not only will you increase your abilities but you will also increase your enjoyment within the sport. There are three key areas in which you should look to make improvements:

Strength. Speed and Agility. Cardiovascular Level.

The University of Birmingham Lions recommends that you join a reputable gym and follow a programme suited to your position in American Football. Should you require any guidance on this please speak to a member of the coaching staff.

When using any gym it is important to follow its health and safety guidelines. Please make sure you read and follow all the safety instructions provided by that gym; failure to do so could result in serious injury.

Injuries

Unfortunately injuries can happen in sport but there are things you can do to help to reduce them.

1. Stretching/Warming Up correctly before taking part in physical activity.

2. Stretching frequently throughout the week.3. Correctly taping your Ankles and Wrists.4. Braces for key joints or areas such as Ankles,

Wrists, Knees, Elbows and Backs.5. Good to high level of fitness.

If you are seen to be carrying an injury your participation maybe limited or even stopped. If you sustain an injury during Practice or Game please inform a member of staff immediately so an assessment can be made. If the injury is of a serious nature you maybe advised to visit a doctor or hospital. Should you sustain any injury outside of football please inform a member of staff.

If you are experiencing an injury period and can’t take a physical part in a practice or game you are still expected to attend. The only exception to this is if a doctor has advised you to rest your injury at home.

Alcohol and Substance Policy

The University of Birmingham Lions will not tolerate any consumption of alcohol or tobacco products on the pitch or designated sideline during any game or practice session, nor on coach transport to away games or events.

The University of Birmingham Lions staff has a responsibility to set an example of good practice in support of government and Sport England policies encouraging community health. University of Birmingham coaches or management staff working with Junior or Student teams should not smoke in the presence of players.

Coaches or players from any age group found to be consuming alcohol or tobacco products on the pitch, designated sideline or coach transport should be counselled by the relevant team Head Coach or General Manager against doing so again in future. Should they continue to do so, the University of Birmingham discipline policy may be invoked.

The University of Birmingham Lions do not tolerate the use of illegal substances in any form.

If you are found to be under the influence of alcohol or substance during a practice session or game you will take no further part in it and the University of Birmingham discipline policy will be invoked.

The Game of American football

Introduction

The following sections are intended to give you a basic overview of the game of American football. British American football is governed by the British American Football Association (BAFA), you can find more information about BAFA at www.bafa.org. The rules and regulations for British American football are based on the rules governing college football in America (NCAA). A complete rule book for British American football is available at www.bafra.org.

The Field and its Markings

An American Football field is 100 yards long and 160 feet wide. The field is divided into strips by white lines, which are marked every 10 yards. One yard hash marks are also used to mark the intervals between each line. The '50 yard line' runs down the middle of the field, and indicates that there is 50 yards of ground between the line and each end zone. The Sidelines and Endlines border the field. If a player or the ball goes outside the perimeter outlined by these borders, they are considered "out-of-bounds".

In British American football fields can vary slightly in size due to the constraints of the team location. Commonly teams will use a modified Rugby or Soccer field.

Match Procedure

Each team has eleven players on the field at any one time. Specialised offensive, defensive and specialist players are employed by each team, and are brought onto the field for a particular play. Before the beginning of each game, the referee tosses a coin to determine which team will be given the choice of taking first possession of the ball or choosing which end of the field will be their end-zone for the first half. After half-time, the team which lost the toss will be given possession of the ball (assuming that they were not awarded it by the opposing team in the first half). At the end of the first and third quarters, the teams switch ends to equalise any advantages or disadvantages associated with either end of the field.Each team is entitled to three 'time-outs' for every half. Games last for 1 hour or 48 minutes at youth, and this time is divided up into four fifteen minute quarters or 12 minutes quarters in youth. In practice, however, a game will last for around three hours, as the clock is stopped when the offensive team runs a passing play and pass is not completed, the player carries the ball out of bounds and during time-outs. Half-time lasts for 15 minutes and is held after the second quarter. In between each play teams have 30 seconds before they are required to start the next one. This is known as the play clock. The back judge monitors the time taken between plays and deliberate time-wasting is punished with a penalty.

The Players

The Quarterback is usually responsible for leading other players on the field and calling out plays on the advice of the coach. It is usually the Quarterback who hands off the ball to the Running Backs or passes the ball to the receivers. It is the task of the offensive linemen to block for the Quarterback and Running Backs; that is, to try to protect them from the defensive players on the opposing team. Linemen are usually amongst the Strongest players on the team. The line is comprised of the Centre who, predictably, occupies the centre position in the line and is typically responsible for beginning a play with 'the snap'. The Left and Right Guards stand on either side of him and the Tackles on either side of the guards. The Receivers, the tight end will line up anywhere between the tackles and the sideline. Finally the Running backs generally line up behind the offensive line.

Meanwhile, the Defensive Linemen will battle against the Offensive Linemen as they try to blockfor their Quarterback. It is their job to bring down the Quarterback before he can hand the ball offor attempt to advance the ball himself. They are supported in this task by around four to five linebackers. The Cornerbacks are positioned to prevent the Receivers and Running Backs fromcatching the ball. They attempt to "pick-off" or intercept the ball as it is thrown to these players by the Quarterback. Long passes are discouraged by the presence of the Safeties, who stand apart from the rest of the players to prevent the offense making longer passes in order to bypass the defence.

Downs

Downs, or plays, are the cornerstone of American Football. To put it at its simplest, the offensive team has four plays in which to advance ten yards. Plays usually end when a player is tackled or falls and is declared to be 'down'. A player is considered down when his knee touches the floor. For example, if a team covers five yards whilst it is on offense, and two of its players have been tackled, they have five yards to go when they begin their 'third down.' If they are successful in completing the full ten yards within four plays, they are once again on their 'first down' and will have another four plays to cover the next ten yards. This continues until the offence scores ordoesn’t gain a first down after its fourth.

Starting a play and the line of scrimmage

Each play begins with the players getting into formation on the line of scrimmage. This is an imaginary line which moves constantly during the game, depending upon where play is to begin. The line of scrimmage runs the length of the ball and the width of the field. Its exact position will be determined by game officials, usually on the basis of where the last play ended. The rules dictate that at least seven players must stand on the line, and all players are not permitted to move until play has begun. One player, usually the centre, then stands on the line and passes the ball back between his legs to a team mate, often the Quarterback. This is known as the snap, and is often called "hiking the ball." The offensive team then attempts to complete its planned play, as the team on defence does its best to stop them. A play ends when a player is successfully downed, and the line of scrimmage will move to the place where play ended. In addition to a tackle, the ball can also go 'dead' (meaning that the play is terminated), a play can also end after an 'incomplete pass'.

Scoring

A touchdown is worth six points and is awarded when a player successfully carries the ball into the end-zone of the opposing team. Once a touchdown has been scored, the team is faced with a choice. They can try for one extra point by attempting to kick the ball over the crossbar or, trying for two extra points by trying to advance the ball into the end-zone again. To encourage more kicking in Junior football a kick is now worth two points while in senior it still remains the standard one point. A field goal is worth three points and is awarded when the ball is kicked over the cross-bar from the field. A team will usually only decide to attempt a field goal when they are close enough to the goal posts to have a good chance of succeeding. A safety is worth two points and is awarded to the opposite team if a player is downed, or causes the ball to go out of the end-lines, whilst he his standing in his own end zone.

Officials in American Football

Football officials are commonly referred to as referees, but each position has specific duties and a specific name. Official crews consist of seven people, however due to the constraints in British American football crews will tend to be between 4 - 7. Listed below and the seven types of official use in an American football game:

Referee: (white hat): The head of the team, he is in control of the game, gives signals and is the final authority. He lines up behind the offense 10-12 yards, watches the snap, motion, blocks and passes. Sets final position of the ball at the end of the play.

Umpire: Lines up 4-5 yards behind the defensive line, watches blocking, players equipment, player conduct and actions at the line of scrimmage.

Head Linesman: Lines up outside the offensive formation at the line of scrimmage (to the quarterback's right side) watches for off-sides, encroachment, etc. Rules on out of bounds on his side of the field. Helps the Referee with the final spot of the ball and rules on pass completions.

Line Judge: Lines up outside the offensive formation at the line of scrimmage (to the quarterback's left side) watches for off-sides, encroachment, etc. Rules on out of bounds on his side of the field. Watches anything that happens on the Umpire's blind side.

Back Judge: Lines up 17 yards down field of the Line Judge. He watches the receivers on his side of the field, makes rulings on down field blocks,

catches, illegal touching, interceptions, pass interference and down field loose balls.

Side Judge: Lines up 17 yards down field of the Head Linesman. He watches the receivers on his side of the field, makes rulings on down field blocks, catches, illegal touching, interceptions, pass interference and down field loose balls.

Field Judge: Lines up 25 yards down field (in the center of the field). He watches the tight end, runs the play clock, makes rulings on down field blocks, catches, illegal touching, interceptions, pass interference and down field loose balls.

Equipment Commonly Used by Officials

Penalty Marker or Flag: A bright yellow coloured flag that is thrown on the field towards or at the spot of the foul. For fouls were the spot is unimportant, such as fouls which occur at the snap or during a dead ball, the flag is typically thrown vertically.

Bean Bag: Used to mark various spots that are not fouls but which may be possible spots of penalty enforcement or illegal touching of the scrimmage kick. For example, it is used to mark the spot of the fumble where a player caught a punt. Unlike penalty flags, beanbags maybe tossed to a spot parallel to the nearest yard line, not necessarily to the actual non-penalty spot.

Penalties

In American Football, a player who is determined by game officials to have committed an illegal action incurs a five, ten or fifteen yard penalty on behalf of his team, and the down is replayed. The rules try to ensure that the penalty is appropriate to the offence committed; a minor offence is usually punished by a five yard penalty, whereas some aggressive actions committed by defensive

Officials Hand Signals

American Football Terminology

Audible: A change of plays made by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage.

Backfield: The area behind the line of scrimmage where the running backs set and the quarterback passes. The term for the quarterback and running backs.

Blitz: An all out pass rush involving defensive backs or linebackers individually or in combination.

Centre: The middleman on the line of scrimmage. He is responsible for snapping the foot ball to the quarterback, punter or place kick holder.

Coverage: Pass defence. Also used to designate the exact type of coverage used, as in man coverage.

Cut block: A low block in which the blocker aims at the lower leg of the target.

Cutback: A manoeuvre by a ball carrier reversing his direction against the flow of the play.

Dead Ball: When the ball no longer can be advanced, it is whistled dead by the officials. Penalties committed after the whistle are considered ‘dead ball fouls’

Defensive Backs: The players in the defensive secondary, the cornerbacks and the safeties.

Defensive Ends: The two widest set of defensive linemen, responsible for stopping the run and rushing the passer. The defensive ends usually set opposite the offensive tackles or tight end.

Defensive Tackles: The two narrowest set of the defensive linemen, responsible for stopping the run and rushing the passer. The defensive tackles usually set opposite the offensive guards.

Drop: The backward movement of the quarter back after the snap. He retreats into thebackfield and sets up to pass.

Encroachment: A penalty called when a player is in the neutral zone and makes contact with an opponent before the ball is snapped.

End Zone: The area 10 yards deep bounded by the end line, the goal line and both sidelines into which the offence must move the ball in it’s possession to score a touchdown.

False Start: A penalty called when an offensive player moves after assuming a set stance and before the snap of the football.

Formation: The alignment of the offensive or defensive players on a play.

Four point stance: A weighted forward stance with both hands on the ground, that affords a power full straight ahead charge. Usually used by offensive linemen and tight ends.

Front: A defensive front or front line, such as the four down linemen in 43 defence.

Fumble: Loss of possession of the football.

Goal Line: The field stripe separating the end zone from the field of play that must be touchedor crossed to score a touchdown. The imaginary plane extending upward from the goalline must be broken by a player in possession of the football in order to score a touchdown.

Guards: The two offensive linemen on either side of the centre. Guards often pull to lead on blocking plays.

Handoff: Giving the ball to another player, most often from the quarter back to the running backs.

Hash marks: The short lines that are used for spotting the ball, running the length of the field and lined up with both up rights of both goal posts when marked out as a professional pitch. In a college marked field they are set one third of the way in from the sideline.

Holding: The penalty called for illegal grabbing or grasping of another player. Holding can be either an offensive or defensive penalty, though mainly called on offensive linemen.

Hole: A space in the offensive line opened by offensive blockers for a ball carrier to run through. A numbered space between the offensive line.

Incomplete Pass: A forward pass that is not caught or intercepted.

Intentional Grounding: A penalty called when the quarterback purposely throws the ball away to avoid being tackled for a loss. This only exists while the quarter back is in the passing pocket.

Interference: A judgement penalty called when either an offensive or defensive player interferes with another player’s opportunity to catch the pass.

Line of Scrimmage: The imaginary line running from sideline to sideline through the ball before it is snapped. The point from which the play begins.

Linebacker: The all purpose defenders who play between the defensive linemen and the defensive backs. Linebackers are designated ‘inside’, ‘outside’ and ‘middle’ in various alignments.

Man to Man: A type of pass defence where the linebackers and defensive backs are assigned a potential receiver to cover individually for an entire play.

Motion: The action of a running back or receiver running parallel to and behind the line of scrimmage before the snap.

Neutral Zone: Area between the offensive and defensive lines as wide as the length of the football and runs the width of the pitch.

Nose Tackle: Specialist position on the defensive line, responsible for stopping the run and rushing the passer. The nose tackle usually sets opposite the centre.

Offside: A penalty called when a player is across the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.

Option Play: A play in which the quarterback moves parallel to the line of scrimmage and has the option to hand off, pitch or run.

Pass Pattern: The route a receiver or back runs on his way to catch a pass.

Pass Protection: Keeping defensive players away from the passer until he releases the ball.

Penalty Marker: The yellow flag thrown by officials to indicate a penalty.

Penetration: Movement of the defensive linemen or linebackers across the line of scrimmage.

Play Action: A play in which the quarterback fakes a running play, then passes.

Pocket: The area of protection around a passer formed by his blockers.

Possession: Control of the ball by an individual or team.

Primary Receiver: The designated first receiver the quarterback will look for as he drops back to pass.

Pull: When an offensive lineman leaves his position and runs down the line of scrimmage to lead a play or execute a trap block.

QB Sneak: Usually a short yardage play in which the quarterback takes the snap and immediately runs in the direction of the centre.

Quarterback: The player who leads the offence. The quarterback calls plays and signals, hands the ball off, passes it and sometimes runs with it.

Rollout: A pass where the quarterback leaves the pocket, to either his left or right to throw the ball.

Running backs: The players who are the main ball carriers in the ground game, serving as lead blockers for each other. Running backs will act as receivers when coming out of the backfield. Running back as designated as ‘tail’, ‘full’ and ‘wing’

Sack: When the quarterback is tackled in the backfield while attempting to pass.

Safety: The position played by two players in the defensive backfield, usually designated ‘strong’ and ‘free’. The strong safety usually lines up over the tight end. The free safety usually is not assigned any particular player to cover and lines up in the middle of the field or the side away from the tight end.

Screen Pass: A delayed pass play in which the quarterback drops back to pass and the offensive linemen allow the pass rushers to get by and rift to the designated area and form a screen or wall. The ball is thrown to the ball carrier behind this screen or wall.

Secondary: The area of the defensive backfield. The personnel of the defensive back field, the cornerbacks and the safeties.

Set: The action of an offensive player getting into his stance and remaining motionless until the snap of the ball.

Shift: The movement of the offence or defence in unison, into a different formation prior to the quarterback calling ‘set’

Shotgun: An offensive formation in which the quarterback takes the snap from centre five to seven yards back.

Snap Count: The signal on which the ball will be snapped.

Snap: The action of the centre exchanging the ball between his legs to the quarterback.

Split: The distance between each player.

Spot: The placement of the ball by the referee after a play or penalty.

Straight Arm: A technique used by a ball carrier, usually in open field to ward of a tackler by extending one arm into the defender.

Strong Side: The side of the field with tight end or the side containing the larger amount of players.

Three Point stance: A stance used by the linemen and sometimes running backs in whichone hand is on the floor.

Tight End: A receiver or blocker outside the offensive tackle.

Time out: A halt to game action and the game clock by either team or the referee. Each team is allowed three time-outs per half.

Two point stance: An upright stance used by running backs and linebackers.

Weak side: The side of the field without the tight end or the side with the least amount of players in it.

Wide Receiver: A pass receiver who is set outside the offensive tackles.

Zone defence: A type of coverage in the defence in which players are assigned a specific area to cover.