Encroachment, False start, Holding (defensive/offensive), Offside, Pass interference, Personal foul, Roughing the kicker, Roughing the passer These are a handy list of common penalties in a football game.

A timeout is called by either team to stop the clock. Each team have three timeouts per half. The clock is also stopped after an incomplete pass or if the ball carrier runs off the field of play.

If a coach believes an official has made an incorrect decision he can throw a red flag to challenge it. If his challenge is successful the original ruling is overturned, but if the challenge is unsuccessful the team lose one timeout.