Neutral zone (American football)
Encyclopedia
In American football, the neutral zone can be described as the length of the football
from one tip to the other when it is spotted (i.e. placed on a certain spot) on the field prior to the snap of the ball during a scrimmage down. No member of either team, other than the snapper, may be in the neutral zone when the ball is snapped or a foul will be called.
The neutral zone is also observed on a free kick down (which occurs immediately after a safety is scored), during which no member of either team except the holder and kicker may be in the neutral zone before the ball is kicked, nor can any onside kick
be recovered by the kicking team until it has completely passed through the neutral zone.
Knowing whether the ball has passed beyond the neutral zone or remained in or behind the neutral zone is important during forward pass plays and during scrimmage kicks.
An additional definition of the neutral zone came into effect after a September 12, 2005, fight between the Philadelphia Eagles
' Jeremiah Trotter
and the Atlanta Falcons
' Kevin Mathis
that occurred prior to the opening kickoff. The NFL then instituted a rule that each end of the field from the end zone
to the 45-yard line is reserved for one team, and that no player other than a kicker may be between the 45-yard lines prior to the game.
Football (ball)
A football is an inflated ball used to play one of the various sports known as football.The first balls were made of natural materials, such as an inflated pig bladder, sometimes inside a leather cover...
from one tip to the other when it is spotted (i.e. placed on a certain spot) on the field prior to the snap of the ball during a scrimmage down. No member of either team, other than the snapper, may be in the neutral zone when the ball is snapped or a foul will be called.
The neutral zone is also observed on a free kick down (which occurs immediately after a safety is scored), during which no member of either team except the holder and kicker may be in the neutral zone before the ball is kicked, nor can any onside kick
Onside kick
In American and Canadian football, an onside kick is a type of kick used at a kickoff or other free kick, or scrimmage kick or other kick during play, in which the ball is kicked favorably for the kicking team to avoid giving away the ball...
be recovered by the kicking team until it has completely passed through the neutral zone.
Knowing whether the ball has passed beyond the neutral zone or remained in or behind the neutral zone is important during forward pass plays and during scrimmage kicks.
- "Behind the neutral zone" refers to the "offensive" side of the neutral zone.
- "In the neutral zone" refers to the actual neutral zone.
- "Beyond the neutral zone" refers to the "defensive" side of the neutral zone.
An additional definition of the neutral zone came into effect after a September 12, 2005, fight between the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
' Jeremiah Trotter
Jeremiah Trotter
Jeremiah Trotter is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stephen F...
and the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
' Kevin Mathis
Kevin Mathis
Kevin Bryant Mathis is an American football cornerback in the National Football League who is currently a free agent. He has played for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and the Atlanta Falcons...
that occurred prior to the opening kickoff. The NFL then instituted a rule that each end of the field from the end zone
End zone
In gridiron-based codes of football, the end zone refers to the scoring area on the field. It is the area between the end line and goal line bounded by the sidelines. There are two end zones, each being on an opposite side of the field...
to the 45-yard line is reserved for one team, and that no player other than a kicker may be between the 45-yard lines prior to the game.