Touch football (American)

Touch football is a fun and casual way to play a version of American football and Canadian football. Unlike the main version of the game, called tackle football, players only need to touch the person with the ball to end a play, instead of tackling them. This simple rule change gives the game its name and makes it a bit safer and easier to play.

The rules are mostly the same as in tackle football, which helps keep things familiar for players. Touch football is often played in backyards, parks, or at school, where people can enjoy the game without needing special equipment or a large field. It is similar to another casual version called street football, but in street football, players are allowed to make full contact, making it a bit more like the official game.

Because it is easier to play and needs less space, touch football is a great way for friends and families to have fun together while learning the basics of football.

Rules

Touch football has rules that can change based on how many players there are, the size of the field, and what the players want to do. Teams can be as small as two players or as large as twelve, but most games have four to seven players on each side. Players usually all act as receivers, and there are often no running backs. Sometimes there is a special player called a snapper, but other times the quarterback starts the play by holding the ball near the line where the play begins.

Some games have a rule where the defense must wait a little while after the play starts before they can try to tag the quarterback. This helps the quarterback throw the ball when there are not many players on the team. In these games, the quarterback cannot run across the line too early. Because of these rules, throwing the ball is more common than running with it.

The size of the field can also change. Many games are played in yards that are only ten to thirty yards long. On smaller fields, teams sometimes get a new set of plays after two passes instead of moving ten yards. Or they might get several chances to score instead of needing to move far. On bigger fields, like in parks, the regular rules about moving ten yards might be used.

If there is an odd number of players, one might always be on the team throwing the ball and never on the team trying to stop them. This player is called a "Steady Quarterback". In these games, there is usually no waiting period for the defense.

Sometimes games do not include kicking the ball through goal posts or trying to score extra points after a touchdown. Instead, after a touchdown, the next play might start from a certain spot on the field. Scoring in touch football is often simpler, with each touchdown worth one point, and the game ending when one team scores ten touchdowns.

Variable rules

Different groups playing touch football have their own special rules, especially for how the game starts after a score. Some groups decide the rules before the game starts, calling these "Auto-" rules. Common Auto- rules include Half Court and In Hands, which help both the team kicking off and the team receiving the ball.

Other rules change how the quarterback can throw the ball. In some games, a defender must touch the quarterback to stop them from moving forward. This can mean the quarterback can run or just walk before being touched and throwing the ball. Some groups also have a "two-man touch" rule, where if two defenders touch the quarterback, they both have to stay close to them for a little while.

Rules also change based on the size of the field. In shorter fields, players might not need to reset the downs, while longer fields might need markers to reset them. Some games count touchdowns as 1 point each, but if there are no goal posts, teams can choose to automatically earn extra points after a touchdown or try for more points with a conversion. If there are no goal posts, teams can also create a special area to score 3 points without trying for a touchdown. These different rules help make touch football fun and safe for everyone, no matter their skill level or size.

Touch football organizations

The National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association has a rule book for touch football since 1983.

In 1988, the United States Flag & Touch Football League started in Cleveland, Ohio.