NFL Vs. NCAA Football: Differences in the Rules and Regulations

Being a football fan, I look forward to the fall season every year. Football weekends return. College football on Saturday and pro football on Sundays, and let's not forget the ultimate Monday Night Football match up. Whether, you are a college fan or pro fan or both here is an explanation of the differences in the rules and regulations between the two.

Completed Catch - In college, only one foot has to be inbounds as long as the other foot is in the air. The NFL requires both feet must be inbounds to be considered a completed catch.

First Downs - When the first down is made in a college game, the clock stops. The clock resumes when the ball is placed on the appropriate yard line. The NFL rule clearly states that the clock will only stop for penalties, out of bounds, and injuries. Only other time would be for called timeouts and challenges. So, the clock does NOT stop on first down at the professional level.

Downed Players - If a college player that has the ball goes down without any contact whatsoever, then they are downed at the spot. If an NFL player has the ball and goes down without any contact whatsoever, then they are allowed back up and can continue to run.

Pass Interference Penalty - The NCAA has a maximum of a 15-yard penalty with an automatic first down. The NFL penalty also carries an automatic first down and the ball is placed on the spot of the foul.

QB Protection - An NFL quarterback can be considered tackled without contact after the ball is release. This rule was put in place to alleviate any unnecessary injuries. In college football, the old rules still apply; the quarterback is deemed tackled when he actually is physically tackled.

OT Rules - In the NFL, overtime has the "sudden death" format; whichever team scores first, wins. At the college level each team gets a whole turn down the field to score.

Whatever team you choose to root for, I hope that this explanation of certain rule differences enhances your experience of watching either of these football organizations and making for a happy football Saturday or Sunday, maybe even both.

For more information on NCAA Football rules, please visit their site at:

http://www.oficiales.org/A_2009/ncaa/NCAAINGLES/2009-10%20NCAA%20Footbal%20Rule%20Book.pdf

For more information on the NFL Rules & Regulations, please visit their site at:

http://www.nfl.com/rulebook