The Neutral Zone

Football, Chess, War. 3 separate activities that on the surface could not be more different. One is an ultra-violent, take no prisoners affair. One has over time torn families apart. One is a mentally grueling marathon which tests the sheer will of oneself against an adversary. Perspective is probably the only thing that separates the 3. While football is more of a game than actual warfare, all games tend to borrow aspects of war. One aspect is a neutral Zone. Chess boards have a neutral zone in the center prior to the game beginning. Boxing rings have neutral corners where a fighter is sent after a knockdown. Football is special as every play has a unique neutral zone. In this article, I will define what the Neutral Zone is and its purpose in the game of football.

Please refer to the What is the Neutral Zone? (video) for more detail.

THE NEUTRAL ZONE

The neutral zone is an area in which no member of either team may be prior to the ball being put in play. The only exception is the potential snapper in a scrimmage play formation. Note that the neutral zone only exists in dead ball situations. The neutral zone also disintegrates once a ball is legally put in play. Though it may be referenced in regard to play situations (i.e. ineligible players downfield), there is a new neutral zone established prior to every play. This happens when the snapper puts his hand on the ball and the snap is imminent.

AREA OF THE NEUTRAL ZONE

The area of the neutral zone covers the distance between both lines of scrimmage. On scrimmage plays, that area is the length of the football as that separates the offensive line of scrimmage from the defensive line of scrimmage. On free kick plays, the distance between the kicking team’s line of scrimmage and the receiving team’s line of scrimmage is 10 yards. Remember that the width of the neutral zone spans the field of play and the height of the neutral zone spans to the heavens creating a three-dimensional plane.

NEUTRAL ZONE INFRACTIONS

Neutral zone infractions are straight forward. On scrimmage plays, no player, other than the snapper, may break the plane of the neutral zone prior to the snap. On free kick plays, no player may break the plane of the neutral zone prior to the kick. Any infraction is a dead ball penalty as it prevents a legal snap from taking place.

PURPOSE OF THE NEUTRAL ZONE

The purpose of the neutral zone is for the safety of the players and to make sure no player has an unfair advantage prior to the ball being put in play. It establishes a clear buffer between both sides of the ball. It also creates a clear lane for officiating in between both teams at the initial snap or kick.

CONCLUSION

The neutral zone is a clear area that separates and contains two opposing forces trying to impose their will upon each other. Think of it as the eye of a hurricane that is the calm in the middle of a violent storm. It is one of the more beautiful and peaceful things to witness prior to the snap.