AFL MISSION STATEMENT
To serve our community with pride and passion as a quality example of individuals and team excellence on the field, in the office, at the arena and within the community by consistently exceeding our customers' expectations by demonstrating the highest character, appreciation and respect for our games, customers, teammates and partners as a cost-effective and visionary organization providing a total entertainment experience.

Glossary of Terms (13.2KB)

	GOAL POSTS 9 feet wide, with a 15 feet high crossbar (NFL 18 1.2 feet wide, 10 feet high crossbar)
	PLAYING FIELD 50 yards, 8 yard endzones 85 feet wide
	SIDELINE BARRIERS High density foam padding, 48 inches high Slight variations acceptable
	FIELD NUMBERS 3 feet by 18 inches Base located 15 feet from field boundary
	INSIDE HASHMARKS 4 1/2 feet from field center
	OUTSIDE HASHMARKS 13 1/2 feet from field center
	PLAYING SURFACE Sportexe indoor artificial grass
	GOALSIDE REBOUND NETS Tightly strung mesh 30 feet wide, 37 feet high

THE FIELD

• An indoor padded surface 85 feet wide and 50 yards long with eight-yard end zones.
• Goal posts are nine feet wide with a crossbar height of 15 feet (NFL goal posts are 18-1/2 feet wide with the crossbar at 10 feet).
• The goal-side rebound nets are 30 feet wide by 32 feet high. The bottoms of the nets are eight feet above the ground.
• Sideline barriers are 48 inches high and made of high-density foam rubber.

THE EQUIPMENT

• The official football is the same size and weight as the National Football League ball. Each ball is manufactured by Spalding.

THE PLAYERS AND FORMATIONS

• Eight players on the field; 20-man active roster; four-man inactive roster.
• Players play offense and defense with the exception of the kicker, quarterback, offensive specialist (the kick returner on defense) and two defensive specialists.
• Substitution: All non-specialists may substitute only once during each quarter.
• Four (4) offensive players must line up on the line of scrimmage.
• Three (3) defensive players must be down linemen (in a three of four-point stance). One linebacker may blitz on either side of the center. Alignment is two (2) or more yards off the line of scrimmage. No stunting or twisting.
• Offensive motion: One receiver may go in forward motion before the snap.

TIMING

• Four 15-minute quarters with a 15-minute halftime. (Games on NBC will have a 12-minute halftime)
• The clock stops for out-of-bounds plays or incomplete passes only in the last minute of each half or when the referee deems it necessary for penalties, injuries or timeouts.
• Each team is allowed three (3) time-outs per half.

• Four (4) downs are allowed to advance the ball ten (10) yards for a first down, or to score.
• Six (6) points for a touchdown.
• One (1) point for a conversion by place kick after a touchdown, two (2) points for a conversion by drop kick and two (2) points for successful run or pass after a touchdown.
• Three (3) points for a field goal by placement or four (4) points for a field goal by drop kick.
• Two (2) points for a safety.

THE KICKING

• Kickoffs are from the goal line. Kickers may use a one-inch tee.
  
• Punting is illegal. On fourth down, a team may go for a first down, touchdown or field goal.
• The receiving team may field any kickoff or missed field goal that rebounds off the net.
• Any kickoff untouched which is out of bounds will be placed at the 20-yard line or the place where it went out of bounds, whichever is more advantageous to the receiving team.

PASSING

• Passing rules in Arena Football are the same as outdoor NCAA Football in which receivers must have one foot inbounds. A unique exception involves the rebound nets. A forward pass that rebounds off of the end zone net is a live ball and is in play until it touches the playing surface.

OVERTIME RULES

• Overtime periods are 15 minutes during the regular season and the playoffs.
• Each team gets one possession to score. If, after each team has had one possession, one team is ahead, that team wins. If the teams are tied after each has had a possession, the next team to score wins.

2005 PLAYOFF FORMAT

• Eight teams qualify for the playoffs
• Playoffs are separated into conferences
• Four teams qualify from each conference (American and National)
• Two division winners
• Two wild-card teams (teams with the remaining best records within the conference)
• Winners of the Divisional Playoff rounds within each conference advance to their respective Conference Championship Games
• Winners of the Conference Championship Games advance to the ArenaBowl.