Rule 5 — Players, Substitutes, Equipment, General Rules
Section 1 — Players
Article 1 — Number of Players
The game is played by two teams of 11 players each.
If Team A has more than 11 players in its formation for more than three seconds, or if Team B has more than 11 players in its formation and the snap is imminent, it is a foul.
Penalty: For more than 11 players in the formation prior to the snap or free kick: Loss of five yards from the succeeding spot.
Penalty: For more than 11 players on the field of play or the end zone while the ball is in play: Loss of five yards from the previous spot.
Article 2 — Players Numbered by Position
All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with their playing position:
- (a) quarterbacks: 0–19
- (b) punters and placekickers: 0–49 and 90–99
- (c) defensive backs: 0–49
- (d) running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, H-backs, and wide receivers: 0–49 and 80–89
- (e) offensive linemen: 50–79
- (f) defensive linemen: 50–79 and 90–99
- (g) linebackers: 0–59 and 90–99
Eligible pass receivers and a T-Formation Quarterback must be wearing numerals 0–49 or 80–89.
Article 3 — Jersey Damaged During the Game
If a player's jersey has been damaged during a game, the player is permitted to change to a different numeral for the remainder of the game after the game officials have been informed and have informed the opponent.
Section 2 — Substitutes and Withdrawn Players
Article 1 — Number of Players in Huddle
There can never be more than 11 players in the offensive huddle while the play clock is running.
Article 2 — Substitute Becomes Player
A substitute becomes a player when he: (a) participates in at least one play; or (b) is on the field of play or the end zone when a snap, fair catch kick, or free kick is made, or when such a play is imminent.
Article 3 — Legal Substitutions
Any number of substitutes may enter the field of play or end zone while the ball is dead.
Article 4 — Illegal Substitutions
If a substitute enters the field of play or end zone while the ball is in play, it is an illegal substitution.
Article 5 — Offensive Substitutions
The substitution rules are intended to prevent teams from using simulated substitutions to confuse an opponent. An offensive substitute who enters the game must move onto the field as far as the inside of the field numerals prior to the snap.
Article 6 — Withdrawn Players
A player or players who have been replaced must leave the playing field or end zone on their own team's side between the end lines prior to the next snap, free kick, or fair catch kick.
Article 7 — Disqualified and Suspended Players
A player must be withdrawn and substituted for when he is disqualified or suspended. A disqualified player must leave the playing field enclosure and go to the team locker room within a reasonable time.
Article 8 — Penalties for Illegal Substitution or Withdrawal
- (a) For 12 or more players in the offensive huddle: Loss of five yards from the succeeding spot.
- (b) For a substitute entering the field during a live ball: Loss of five yards.
- (c) For interference with the play by a substitute entering during a live ball: Palpably unfair act.
- (d) For an offensive substitute who does not move onto the field as far as the inside of the field numerals: Loss of five yards from the previous spot.
- (e) For a withdrawn player clearing the field on the opponent's side or across an end line: Loss of five yards from the previous spot.
- (f) For illegal return of a suspended player: Loss of five yards.
- (g) For return of a disqualified player: Loss of 15 yards and exclusion from the playing field enclosure.
- (h) For a designated holder clearing the field on the opponent's side or across an end line: Loss of five yards.
Article 9 — Procedure Following Timeout or Change of Possession
Following a timeout or change of possession, the offense may huddle outside the numbers near its bench area, but will not be allowed to line up and snap the ball before the defense has an opportunity to match personnel.
Article 10 — Defensive Matchups Following Substitutions
If a substitution is made by the offense before the two-minute warning, the offense shall not be permitted to snap the ball until the defense has been permitted to respond with its substitutions.
Article 11 — Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Using entering substitutes, legally returning players, substitutes on sidelines, or withdrawn players to confuse opponents is unsportsmanlike conduct.
Penalty: For unsportsmanlike conduct: Loss of 15 yards.
Section 3 — Changes in Position
Article 1 — Reporting Change of Position
An offensive player wearing the number of an ineligible pass receiver is permitted to line up in the position of an eligible pass receiver. In both cases, the player must immediately report the change in his eligibility status to the Referee, who will inform the defensive team.
Article 2 — Returning to Original Position
A player who has reported a change in his eligibility status is permitted to return to a position indicated by his number after: a team timeout; the end of a quarter; the two-minute warning; a foul; a replay review; a touchdown; a kick from scrimmage; a change of possession; or the player has been withdrawn for one legal snap.
Article 3 — Speakers in Helmets
The Coach-to-Player system allows a member of the coaching staff to communicate to a designated offensive or defensive player with a speaker in his helmet. Each offensive and defensive team is permitted no more than one player on the field with a speaker in his helmet.
Note: This rule 5-3-3 shall apply once the League has approved the use of speakers in helmets.
Section 4 — Equipment, Uniforms, Player Appearance
Article 1 — General Policy
Throughout the game day period while in view of the stadium and television audience, all players must dress in a professional manner under the uniform standards. All visible items worn on game day by players must be issued by the club or the League, or, if from outside sources, must have approval in advance by the League.
Article 2 — Team Colors
Playing squads are permitted to wear only their official colors or a combination of those colors for helmets, jerseys, pants, game socks and/or leg coverings. Home clubs shall choose their jersey color (either white or official team color), and visiting clubs must wear the opposite.
Article 3 — Mandatory Equipment, Apparel
All players must wear:
- Item 1. Mouthpiece, Helmet, Face Protectors. All players must wear a mouthpiece as well as a helmet with all points of the chin strap fastened and facemask attached.
- Item 2. Jerseys. Jersey must cover all pads and other protective equipment worn on the torso and upper arms, and must be appropriately tailored to remain tucked into the uniform pants throughout the game.
- Item 3. Numerals. Numerals on the back and front of jerseys as specified under League rules for the player's specific position; minimum 8 inches high and 4 inches wide.
- Item 4. Pants. Pants must be worn over the entire knee area.
- Item 5. Shoulder Pads, Thigh Pads, and Knee Pads. All players must wear shoulder pads, thigh pads, and knee pads approved by the League.
- Item 6. Game Socks and/or Leg Coverings. Must cover the entire area from the shoe to the bottom of the pants.
- Item 7. Shoes. Shoes must be of standard football design.
Article 4 — Other Prohibited Equipment, Apparel
Prohibited items include: metal or other hard objects projecting from a player's person; uncovered hard objects and exposed jewelry; detachable kicking toe; torn items creating a risk of injury; improper cleats; improper tape; items colored like the football; and adhesive or slippery substances.
Article 5 — Recommended Equipment
It is recommended that all players wear hip pads designed to reasonably avoid the risk of injury.
Article 6 — Optional Equipment
Optional equipment is permitted as approved by the League.