Recording Stats
How to record football statistics correctly, including corner cases and official rules.
ℹ️Official Sources
This guide is based on the NCAA Football Statisticians' Manual (2022), NFL Guide for Statisticians, and NFHS Statisticians' Manual. The same core rules apply at all levels (NFL, NCAA, NFHS/high school) with minor differences noted where applicable. PDF copies of the official manuals are available in the docs/stat-manuals/ folder of this project.
The Golden Rules
He's not a passer until the ball leaves his hand
A QB who is tackled while trying to pass is charged with a rushing loss (sack). He has the option to run at all times.
Yards are measured from the line of scrimmage
All rushing and passing yards are net from the scrimmage line, not from where the ball was caught or the snap was received.
Laterals are not passes
An incomplete lateral (backward pass) is a fumble, not an incompletion. Lateral recipients get yards but no attempt/reception.
Penalties can erase plays entirely
When an accepted penalty nullifies a play, no stats are recorded for that play. Only the penalty yardage counts.
Fumble yards go to the fumble point
Credit the ball carrier with yards to where the fumble occurred, not where the ball was eventually recovered.
Intent determines the stat
Was the QB trying to pass? Then a tackle is a sack. Was it a designed run? Then a tackle is a TFL. Context matters.
61 rules
Rushing
Basic Rushing Play
All offensive running plays are termed "rushing plays." Rushing yardage is measured from the line of scrimmage to the point where the ball is declared dead. The rushing total is a net figure — all rushing losses must be recorded.
Example
Ball on the 30. RB carries to the 22. Credit RB with a rush of 8 yards.
Ball Carrier Charged with Losses
The ball carrier is charged with the loss of yardage regardless of the reason — fumble, loss of footing, tripping over a teammate, missed blocks. Exceptions: errant pitches/handoffs, losses while attempting to pass (sacks), QB kneeling (team rush), and wild snaps (team rush).
QB Scramble
Any loss by a player apparently intending to pass, but downed behind the line of scrimmage, is recorded as a rushing loss (sack). He is not a passer until he has thrown the ball, since he retains the option of running. If the QB scrambles past the line of scrimmage, it is a rushing attempt with yards gained.
Example
QB drops back to pass, can't find a receiver, scrambles to gain 6 yards past the line of scrimmage. Credit QB with 1 rush for 6 yards. If he scrambles but is tackled 3 yards behind the line, credit 1 rush for -3 yards (this is also a sack).
QB Kneel Down
When a QB kneels to run out the clock, it is recorded as a TEAM rush, not charged to the individual QB. This prevents the kneel-down from negatively impacting the QB's rushing stats.
Example
QB kneels at own 35, losing 1 yard. Charge TEAM with a rush of -1 yard. Do not charge the QB.
Option Play Pitch
On a basic run-option play when the QB pitches to a trailing back, credit the trailing back with a rush attempt and total yardage from the line of scrimmage. Exception: if the QB keeps past the line of scrimmage (beyond a 1-yard cushion) before pitching, credit the QB with a rush to the pitch point and the trailing back with yardage from the pitch point (no attempt).
Example
Option play: QB pitches at the line to RB who gains 10 yards. Credit RB with 1 rush for 10 yards. But if QB keeps to the +7 then pitches to RB who scores from the +13, credit QB with 1 rush for 7 yards and RB with 13 rushing yards and a TD (no rush attempt).
Errant Pitch or Handoff
If an errant pitch or handoff prevents the intended receiver from advancing (or results in no gain/loss), charge the ORIGINAL ball handler (usually QB) with a rush attempt and yardage lost. An errant pitch is one that cannot be handled with ordinary effort.
Example
QB pitches behind RB. RB recovers at the -6 yard line. Charge QB with 1 rush for -6 yards and team with a fumble.
Lateral Beyond the Line of Scrimmage
The recipient of a lateral is credited with yardage from the point he received it, but no rush attempt. The original ball carrier gets credit for yardage to the point of the lateral.
Example
Ball at the 40. RB1 gains to the 20 and laterals to RB2 at the 22, who scores. Credit RB1 with 1 rush for 18 yards. Credit RB2 with 22 rushing yards and a TD (no rush attempt).
Passing
Basic Completed Pass
Passing yards are measured from the line of scrimmage to the point where the ball is declared dead — this includes both the length of the pass AND any yards after catch (YAC). All yards are credited to both the passer and receiver.
Example
Ball on the 40. QB completes to WR at the 30, who runs to the 20. Credit QB with 1 attempt, 1 completion, 20 yards. Credit WR with 1 reception, 20 yards.
Loss on a Completed Pass
A completed forward pass that does not advance the ball to the scrimmage line results in negative passing yardage charged to both passer and receiver.
Example
Ball on the 40. QB completes a screen pass to RB at the 42 (behind the line). Credit QB with -2 passing yards and RB with a reception for -2 yards.
Intentional Grounding
When a QB is called for intentional grounding, he is NOT charged with a pass attempt. Instead, credit him with a rush attempt and yards lost to the spot of the foul. The defender who pressured him gets credit for a sack. The team is charged with a penalty of zero yards (the loss is already accounted for in the rushing loss).
Example
Ball on the 20. QB drops to the 28 and intentionally grounds a pass under pressure. Credit QB with 1 rush for -8 yards. Credit the defender with a sack of 8 yards. Team penalty: 0 yards.
Pass Interference (Defensive)
When defensive pass interference is called and accepted, the passer is NOT charged with a pass attempt. The penalty yardage is charged to the defense, and the offense gets a first down by penalty. No completion or yards are recorded.
Example
Ball on the 40. QB throws toward WR at the 30 but DPI is called. Do NOT charge QB with an attempt. Charge defense with a penalty, credit offense with a first down by penalty.
Spike to Stop the Clock
When a QB throws the ball into the ground to stop the clock, do NOT charge the individual QB with a pass attempt. Instead, charge the TEAM with a pass attempt.
Shovel Pass
A shovel pass is considered a forward pass if it meets all criteria of a forward pass (ball moves forward past the release point). Yards are credited to both passer and receiver. If it goes backward or parallel, it is a lateral and recorded as a rushing play.
Deflected Pass Caught by Passer
When a defender deflects or bats a forward pass and the passer catches it himself, credit the passer with an attempt, a completion to himself, and passing yardage gained or lost. Only one forward pass can be credited per play.
Example
Ball on the 40. QB's pass is batted by a defender and caught by the QB at his own 35. Credit QB with 1 attempt, 1 completion to himself, -5 passing yards.
Pass Completed After Lateral
When a receiver catches a pass and then laterals to a teammate, credit the original receiver with the reception and yardage to the point of the lateral. Credit the teammate with receiving yards (no reception) from the lateral point to where the play ends.
Example
Ball on the 40. WR catches at the 30, laterals to RB at the 32, RB scores. QB gets 1 attempt, 1 completion, 40 yards, 1 passing TD. WR gets 1 reception, 8 yards. RB gets 32 receiving yards, 1 TD (no reception).
Illegal Forward Pass Beyond Line of Scrimmage
When a QB throws a forward pass from beyond the line of scrimmage and the penalty is accepted, do NOT charge a pass attempt. Credit the QB with a rush attempt and yards gained to the spot of the foul. Team is charged with a 5-yard penalty and loss of down.
Example
Ball on the 40. QB runs to the 38 and throws forward. Penalty accepted. Credit QB with 1 rush for 2 yards. Team gets 5-yard penalty + loss of down.
Receiving
Reception Yardage
A receiver is credited with yardage from the line of scrimmage to the point where the ball is declared dead. This includes yards after catch. The same total yardage is credited to both passer and receiver.
No Reception on Penalty First Down
A gain through pass interference is a penalty, not a reception. The receiver is NOT credited with a catch or receiving yards. The offense gets a first down by penalty only.
Sacks
What is a Sack
A sack occurs when a passer is tackled behind the line of scrimmage while intending to throw a forward pass. The passer is charged with a rush attempt and yards lost. The defensive player is credited with a sack. The key question is INTENT: was the QB trying to pass? If the play is a designed run, it is a tackle for loss, not a sack.
Example
QB drops back to the -8 and is tackled. Credit QB with 1 rush for -8 yards. Credit defender with 1 sack for 8 yards.
Sack vs. Tackle for Loss
If the play is a designed QB run and the QB is tackled behind the line, it is a tackle for loss (NOT a sack). Sacks are only for plays where the QB intended to pass. Look at the blocking scheme and play design to determine intent.
Example
QB draw play: QB takes the handoff and runs into a defender at the -3. This is a tackle for loss, not a sack.
Sack with Fumble
When a defender hits the QB's arm before it goes forward (strip sack), causing a fumble: Credit the defender with a forced fumble, a sack, a tackle, and a tackle for loss. Charge the QB with a rush attempt, negative rushing yards, and a fumble. If the ball goes forward (arm was moving forward), it is an incomplete pass — no sack, no fumble.
Example
QB at -7, defender strips ball before arm goes forward, offense recovers at -7. Defender gets: sack (7 yards), forced fumble, tackle, TFL. QB gets: 1 rush for -7, 1 fumble.
Intentional Grounding as a Sack
When intentional grounding is called, the defender who pressured the QB receives credit for a sack. The QB is charged with a rush (not a pass attempt) for the yards lost to the spot of the foul.
NCAA vs. NFL: Sack at the Line of Scrimmage
In the NFL, a QB tackled at the line of scrimmage (0 yards lost) on a pass attempt IS credited as a sack. In the NCAA, a sack requires a loss of yardage — a 0-yard tackle on a pass play is NOT a sack at the college/high school level.
Fumbles
What is a Fumble
A fumble is an act that results in loss of possession or failure to handle a properly centered/handed ball. A muff (on kicks) is an unsuccessful attempt to catch a ball that is touched in the attempt. Fumbles are tracked as "lost" (opponent recovers) or "not lost" (own team recovers).
Fumble on a Gain
When a runner gains yardage and fumbles, the rushing yards are measured to the point of the fumble (not where the ball is recovered). If the opponent recovers, it is a fumble lost. If the runner's team recovers, it is a fumble not lost.
Example
Ball on the 40. RB gains to the 30 and fumbles. Defense recovers at the 28. Credit RB with 1 rush for 10 yards and a fumble lost. (Yards are to the fumble point, not recovery.)
Fumble on a Pass Play
When a receiver catches a pass and fumbles, credit the passer with a completion and the receiver with a reception. Yards go to the fumble point. The team is charged with a fumble lost if the defense recovers.
Backward Pass / Lateral as Fumble
An incomplete lateral (backward pass) is scored as a fumble, NOT an incomplete pass. The team losing possession is charged with the fumble. An intercepted backward pass is also scored as a fumble lost.
Aborted Snap
A wild pass from center (bad snap) is credited as a TEAM rush with negative yardage. If the QB recovers a bad snap and continues the play (pass or run), the play is scored based on what happens next. If the ball goes out of bounds or the defense recovers, it is a team fumble.
Penalties
Recording Penalty Yardage
Record the actual distance lost by penalty, NOT the nominal amount. Example: 10-yard holding penalty at the 8-yard line results in only 4 yards assessed (half the distance to the goal). Record 4 penalty yards.
Offsetting Penalties
When both teams commit live-ball fouls and they offset, the down is replayed. No penalty yardage is recorded for either team. No play stats are recorded — it is as if the play never happened.
Declined Penalties
When a penalty is declined, the play stands as executed. Record the play stats normally (rush, pass, completion, etc.). No penalty yardage is recorded for the declined penalty.
Example
QB completes pass for 15 yards, but defense commits holding. Offense declines penalty, keeps the 15-yard gain. Record the completion normally, no penalty yardage.
Penalty Nullifies a Play
When a penalty is accepted against the offense and the play is nullified (down replayed), do NOT record any play stats from the nullified play. Only record the penalty yardage. Exception: if the penalty involves loss of down, the play stats may still count.
Penalty After the Play (Dead Ball)
Dead-ball penalties (after the whistle) are recorded separately. The play stats count normally. Then the penalty yardage is applied. This can result in additional first downs (one by play, one by penalty).
Example
RB gains 12 yards for a first down, then the defense commits a personal foul. Record: 1 rush for 12 yards, 1 first down by rushing, 15-yard penalty, 1 first down by penalty.
First Downs
First Down on a Rush or Pass
A first down is recorded whenever the yardsticks are moved forward and/or when a touchdown is scored from scrimmage. The first down is categorized as "rushing" or "passing" based on the play type.
First Down by Penalty
A first down by penalty is recorded when the offensive team is awarded a first down because of a penalty (e.g., defensive pass interference, roughing the passer, defensive holding). The yardsticks may even be moved backward in some cases.
No First Down on Change of Possession
A first down is NOT recorded when a change of possession occurs on the play, even if the gain was sufficient for a first down.
Example
Second and 5: RB gains 10 yards and fumbles, defense recovers. Credit 10 rushing yards but NO first down and charge a fumble lost.
Special Teams
Punt Yardage
Punts are measured from the line of scrimmage to the point where the receiving team first gains possession. If untouched, to where the ball is downed, declared dead, or goes out of bounds. A punt into the end zone (touchback) is measured to the goal line.
Blocked Punt
A blocked punt is charged to the TEAM, not the individual punter. Record 0 punt yards for the team. The player who blocked the punt gets credit for a punt return measured from the line of scrimmage. The blocking team may recover and advance.
Fair Catch
A player making a fair catch is NOT charged with a return. But if he muffs the fair catch, he IS charged with a return (and the team is charged with a fumble).
Kickoff Return Touchback
A player who catches a kickoff in the end zone and downs it for a touchback is NOT charged with a return. If he attempts to return it, yardage is measured from the goal line.
Field Goal Attempt Distance
Field goal distance is measured from the spot where the ball is kicked to the goalposts (goal line + 10 yards). A field goal from the 27-yard line is a 37-yard attempt.
Fake Punt/FG Pass
A fake field goal/punt where the holder or punter throws a forward pass is credited as a passing play — attempt, completion (if caught), and yards. If the ball is handed forward or passed laterally, it is a rush.
Scoring
Touchdown Credit
Credit the player who actually carries or catches the ball into the end zone with the touchdown. On a pass play, the passer gets a "passing TD" and the receiver gets a "receiving TD." On a rush, the runner gets a "rushing TD."
Safety
Starting in 2014, individual defensive players can be credited with safety points when they tackle an opponent in the end zone or cause them to go out of bounds behind their goal line. If the safety results from a penalty (e.g., holding in the end zone), it is a TEAM safety.
Extra Point (PAT)
Extra-point attempts are NOT recorded as plays from scrimmage. A kicker is credited with the kick attempt. On a 2-point conversion, the runner or passer/receiver is credited under "Scoring" but NOT charged with a rush attempt or pass attempt.
Defensive
Solo vs. Assisted Tackle
A solo tackle is credited when one player brings down the ball carrier. An assisted tackle is credited when two or more players combine. Total tackles = solo + assisted. For sacks and tackles for loss: solo + (1/2 x assisted) = total.
Pass Breakup
Credit a pass breakup when a defender deflects, bats, or otherwise prevents a pass from being completed. This includes tipped balls that fall incomplete.
Forced Fumble
Credit a forced fumble to the defensive player who directly causes the ball carrier to lose possession — by stripping the ball, punching it out, or hitting the ball loose.
Interception Return Yardage
Interception returns are measured from the point of interception to the point where the ball is declared dead. A player who intercepts in the end zone and downs it gets 0 return yards. Circling backward before advancing results in net yardage from the interception point.
Example
Player intercepts at his own 20, circles back to his 10, then advances to his 30. Credit interception return of 10 yards (net from interception point).
Edge Cases
QB Scramble: Rush or Pass?
A QB scramble is ALWAYS a rushing play. The QB is not a passer until the ball leaves his hand. If he drops back to pass but decides to run, it is a rush. If he is tackled behind the line while trying to pass, it is a sack (counted as a rushing loss). The key distinction: once the QB crosses the line of scrimmage running, it is a rush regardless of original intent.
QB Scramble Then Throws
If a QB scrambles behind the line of scrimmage and then throws a forward pass, it is a passing play (attempt, completion/incompletion, passing yards). If the QB crosses the line and throws forward, it is an illegal forward pass penalty (see pass-9).
Aborted Play Followed by a Pass
When an aborted rushing play occurs behind the line of scrimmage and is followed by a forward pass, score the play as a pass. The fumble on the aborted play is also recorded.
Example
RB runs to the -5, hemmed in, laterals but it bounces free. QB picks up at the -6, throws a forward pass completed at the -9. Charge team with fumble not lost. Credit QB with 1 pass attempt, 1 completion for -6 yards.
Forward or Lateral? (Judgment Call)
The official statistician determines whether a pass to a flanker or man-in-motion is forward or lateral. If lateral, the play is recorded under rushing. If the pass is incomplete, officials' actions reveal the ruling: they return the ball to the scrimmage line only for an incomplete forward pass.
Scoring Drive Yards Exceed Field Length
No scoring drive should exceed the total yards from the initial line of scrimmage to the goal line. Penalty plays (where the down remains the same) are not included in the play count of a scoring drive.
Penalty That Results in a First Down AND Play Gains First Down
When a play gains enough yards for a first down AND a dead-ball penalty awards additional yardage for another first down, credit TWO first downs: one by rushing/passing, one by penalty.
Example
Third and 5: RB gains 8 yards (first down), then defense commits personal foul (+15 yards). Record: 1 first down by rushing + 1 first down by penalty = 2 total first downs.
Fumbled Snap on a Passing Down
If a QB fumbles a shotgun snap but recovers and then intentionally grounds a pass, charge the QB with a rush attempt and minus yards. Charge the team with a fumble not lost and a penalty of 0 yards. If a defender pressured the QB, credit the defender with a sack.
Strip Sack vs. Incomplete Pass
The critical question: was the QB's arm going forward when the ball came loose? If YES (arm moving forward), it is an incomplete pass — no sack, no fumble. Credit the defender with a pass breakup. If NO (arm not going forward), it is a sack and fumble. Credit the defender with a sack, forced fumble, tackle, and TFL.
Punt Returner Muffs Then Returns
When a return man muffs a punt, he IS charged with a return (measured from the muff point). The team is charged with a fumble. The punt distance is measured to the muff point, not to where the ball is eventually recovered.
How to Record a Play When a Runner's Knee Was Down
If replay reveals the runner was down earlier than the original ruling, adjust all yardage to the point where the knee was down. Any subsequent fumble, lateral, or scoring that occurred after the knee was down is nullified.
Third Down Efficiency on Penalties
If a first down is obtained by penalty on third down (accepted penalty against defense), do NOT charge the offense with a third-down attempt. If the offense makes a first down on the play and then an additional penalty occurs, charge a third-down attempt and conversion (the first down was earned by the play). If the offense commits a foul (accepted by defense) on third down, do not charge a third-down attempt.
Time of Possession After Turnover
After a change of possession (fumble, interception, punt), consider the original team in possession until the ball is next declared dead. Then start the new team's possession on the next scrimmage play. "Transition time" (returns on punts, interceptions, fumbles) is counted toward the team that had the ball before the change.
Official Manuals
The following official manuals are the definitive references for recording football statistics. PDF copies are saved in this project's docs/stat-manuals/ folder.
NCAA Football Statisticians' Manual (2022)
The most comprehensive guide. Covers all 16 sections: first downs, rushing, forward passing, lateral passing, total offense, punts, blocked punts, kick returns, free kicks, field goals, extra points, safeties, fumbles, penalties, wild pass from center, and defensive statistics. Includes 100+ approved rulings (A.R.) with specific game scenarios.
NCAA Manual (PDF) →NFL Guide for Statisticians
The NFL's official guide used by stadium statisticians. Covers the same categories with NFL-specific rulings (e.g., 0-yard sacks count in the NFL but not NCAA). Access may be restricted to authorized personnel.
NFL Guide (PDF) →NFHS Statisticians' Manual (2003)
The high school version from the National Federation of State High School Associations. Based on the NCAA manual with high school-specific adaptations. Covers football, basketball, baseball/softball, and volleyball statistics.
NFHS Manual (PDF) →NFHS Online Course: Collecting Statistics (Football)
An online course that instructs users on how to correctly record rushing, passing, first downs, kickoffs, fumbles, punts, field goals, and more. Includes printable stat worksheets.
NFHS Learn Course →💡Tips for This App
- The Play Tracker records the core fields (down, distance, formation, play call, result, yards) — you make the judgment calls on how to categorize each play.
- When in doubt about a corner case, record the play as best you can during the game. You can always edit it later in the play-by-play table.
- For QB scrambles: record as a RUN play type with the QB as the ball carrier.
- For sacks: record as a PASS play type with negative yards and "Sack" as the result.
- For intentional grounding: record as a PASS play type with negative yards and "Grounding" as the result.