In the PFL, both teams can wear their coloured shirts- providing they do not clash.

It started off as a kind of rugby variant ‘touchdown rugby”, I deemed it originally. Then as my understanding of the NFL grew, so did the similarity with the game too.

Of course, it became easier to play the game american style, once the Madden series had come to the UK. I played it on the Megadrive, SNES and PS1/2. Finally, I got the PC version Madden NFL 05 and that’s when the game really took shape. Games are now played/simulated on Madden NFL 08, from EA Sports. It really is a great game!

Main Differences :

• The field is 60 yards wide, not the US 53 1/3 yards. A slightly wider field and slightly wider goalposts are used.
• The WHOLE of the ball must go ten yards to make a first down, not the nose of the ball. Similarly, the WHOLE of the ball must cross the line for a touchdown to be scored.
• Conversions (Extra Point, Try for point) are taken from the three yard line- and the nearest spot where the touchdown is scored. For example, scoring a touchdown wide to the right, means the right hashmark is where the ball is spotted.
• Onside punts are allowed, meaning the kicking team can recover an up-and-under style kick without being charged for interference. However, only two players can be eligible and must be onside (in-line or behind the kicker) up to and including when the kick is taken.
• Penalty Kicks are also awarded. A non-scrummage kick, just with a holder present and kicked from the deemed penalty line. The deemed line depends on the infraction. A successful kick is worth two points AND the Kicking team has the option to receive a kick-off instead of kicking the ball off as normal. Useful late in a game. Penalties worthy of a free penalty kick attempt include personal fouls and flagrant pass interference, unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Catches! The defininition of a catch is defined as having posession of the ball with no foot out of bounds. No completion of the catch as in the NFL. We let the referees decide if they had posession. For example, having posession in the End Zone and then it batted out of the hands after is a touchdown- the play stops right there.
• The Coaches challenge is called by  ‘coaches challenge time-out’ and they request the review.
• Providing they do not clash, both teams can wear their normal team colours, whether playing home or away. The League has the final say on any potential kit-clashes.
• Discipline- Yellow flags are used for minor penalties and Red flags for major penalties.
• Yellow card/Red card. A yellow card is awarded to a major fouler on certain criteria. He must sit in the sin bin for a series of plays in his roster category (Attack/Defence/Kicking). Persistent foul play or a major foul or palpable act can result in expulsion with a red card being shown.

Position Names

Terminology:

Player Numbering System

The player numbering system has evolved from the early days of 1-11, now with 50 players on a roster, the following system is used. Numbers 80-89 used to be for defensive Forwards until lobbying by American players (Wingers/Anchors) who wanted to wear a number in the 80s led to the change.