Gridiron Football:
The Rules
Your complete guide to the fundamentals of gridiron football across all major leagues.
What Is Gridiron Football?
Gridiron football is played across multiple leagues with shared fundamentals but key differences in field size, motion, scoring, and gameplay structure. This page covers the universal basics.
Field Sizes
The major gridiron codes use different field dimensions, which affect spacing and strategy.
NFL / UFL Field
- Length: 100 yards
- End Zones: 10 yards
- Width: 53⅓ yards
CFL Field
- Length: 110 yards
- End Zones: 20 yards
- Width: 65 yards
NCAA Field
- Same dimensions as the NFL
Basic Gameplay
All gridiron codes share the same core structure: four downs (or three in the CFL), 10 yards to gain, and possession changes through punts, turnovers, or scoring.
Scoring
- Touchdown: 6 points
- Field Goal: 3 points (4 in UFL for 60+ yards)
- Extra Point: 1 or 2 points
- Safety: 2 points
- Rouge (CFL): 1 point
BFL Rules Overview
The British Football League (BFL) follows a ruleset inspired by American professional football, with a few unique adjustments that give the league its own identity. The BFL aligns closely with the NFL, and its rules are designed to emphasise standings, competitive balance, and playoff results rather than live in‑game coverage.
- League Focus: The BFL prioritises standings and playoff outcomes, and therefore does not provide live play-by-play coverage.
The BFL aims to blend traditional American football structure with a British competitive flavour, making it accessible to new fans while maintaining strategic depth. Full details are available on the BFL Rules page.
CFL 2026 Rule Updates
- Kickoffs: Now from the 30-yard line
- Rouge: Must land in bounds
- Tush Push: Banned
- Motion: Allowed one second earlier
- Timeouts: Two per half
- Replay: Challenge any play type
These updates continue the CFL’s tradition of fast-paced, open football while maintaining its distinct Canadian identity. For full details, see the CFL Rules page.
UFL 2026 Rule Updates
The United Football League continues refining its fast-paced, aggressive style of play. These are the confirmed rule changes for the 2026 season.
- 4-Point Field Goal: Kicks of 60+ yards remain worth 4 points.
- No Punts Inside Opponent’s 50: Rule remains, with a new exception after the 2-minute warning.
- Tush Push Ban: Quarterback push plays are prohibited in all situations.
- Overtime Format: Shootout system updated — a coin toss now determines the first attempt.
- Kickoffs: Standardised at the 30-yard line to increase return opportunities.
- Catch Rule: One foot in bounds continues as the league standard.
These changes support the UFL’s mission of creating a faster, more aggressive brand of football. Full details are available on the UFL Rules page.