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Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

A Woman to Woman Football Guide

August 21, 2015 by Kim Dalferes

There are some basic truths about Kimba. She talks too much, laughs too loud, and gives of her opinion a bit too freely. She has an annoying habit of talking about herself in the third person. She’s superstitious to a fault and has been known to call out complete strangers for putting their hat on a table or splitting a post. Oh, and she LOVES football!

football with text

Image provided courtesy of morgueFile: http://mrg.bz/LQL9ya

It all began back in 1972 when I developed a somewhat serious crush on Larry Csonka, #39 for the Miami Dolphins. I credit my Uncle Tommy for introducing me to the fascinating world of pro football. As we spent Sunday afternoons watching our beloved Dolphins achieve perfection with an undefeated season, I became hooked. I was fascinated by a sport that few girls seemed to care about, and I worked to learn every aspect of the game.

In high school, as my gal pals chatted and socialized in the football stadium bleachers, I yelled passionately at the refs for missed calls; screamed at the quarterback when I perceived the approaching blitz; and cheered for the defense achieving a 4th and inches shut down. I did not dream of being a high school cheerleader, but I would have loved to have been the kicker.

It was very much by design that in 1981, when contemplating the daunting task of choosing where to attend college, I selected Florida State, home to the Seminoles. To note that I am a rabid FSU football fan is a serious understatement.

kimba luvs noles with website

Now, each August I wait impatiently for the month to tick down. I eagerly peruse the football season schedules and fill my weekend calendars with games to watch and attend. But here’s the thing: I want my gal pals to join me in this gridiron lovefest. I strongly believe that if you just understood the basics of the game, you too would bask in the sweet, sweet glow of a college game day victory celebration. Do not allow yourselves to be relegated to the half-time party snacks table.

I acknowledge that football can seem somewhat complicated. Provided here are some basic terms that, when mastered, will help you keep up with and enjoy the game:

  • Who’s the home team? The home team wears the dark jerseys, the visitors usually wear white or light colored uniforms. Figure out early on who you are cheering for; watching the game will be more fun if you pick a side. Tip: never cheer against the Noles.
  • Why do games last three hours?  There are four 15 minute quarters in a game, two quarters in a half. So why do games take so long to complete? Because each team receives 3 time outs per half. And, there’s a “halftime” between the second and third quarter when each team goes back to their locker room for a brief rest (and usually some sort of pep talk from the coach). The clock also stops for lots of reasons such as penalties (see below) or when a player gets injured. In televised games there can also be commercial time outs. This is always a good time for a bathroom break or to refresh your cocktail.
  • What’s a quarterback? The quarterback is the guy who stands behind the line of players. Another player called the center hikes the ball to him up through his legs. Yeah, I know, it’s funny. You get used to it. Once the quarterback has the ball he has a few options: he can throw the ball to a player called the receiver; he can give the ball to another player who will run with it until someone either knocks him down or pushes him off the field; or the quarterback can run with the ball. This last option can be a bit terrifying to watch–you never want your quarterback to get injured. By the way, the quarterback is often the cutest guy on the team, one more reason you don’t want to see someone knock the snot out of him.

football tackle

Image provide courtesy of Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/football-usa-sport-sports-tackle-102670/

  • How do teams score points? There a few ways teams can score points. A touchdown is when someone carries the football into the end zone (that’s the colorful turf at each end of the field). Teams receive 6 points each time they are able to get the ball into the end zone. If a team scores a touchdown, they have two options for additional points: they can kick the football through the goal posts for one extra point, or instead run the ball into the end zone again for what’s called a two point conversion. Note that for either the extra point or the 2-point conversion they’ve got one play, one shot. Consequently, the most stressed out player on the team is usually the kicker–the entire game often hangs precariously in the balance, dependent on the kicker’s ability to get the ball through the uprights (goal posts).  

If a team can’t reach the end zone, but they’re close–usually within 25 yards or less of the end zone, on a fourth down (see below) they can kick a field goal through the goal posts for 3 points. A team can also score 2 points from a safety, but we’ll cover that another day.

  • What are “downs”? When a team has possession of the ball, they are playing offense. When a team does not have possession of the ball, they are playing defense. When on offense, a team has four “downs” or plays to move the ball ten yards or more. Every time a team moves the ball ten yards or more, that is called getting a first down, and the count to move the ball another ten yards starts over again. Just remember, getting a first down is very important; it means the offense gets to keep possession of the ball.

baby in possession of football

Image provided courtesy of morgueFile: mage URI: http://mrg.bz/lfei9v

  • What’s a penalty? Football has a lot of rules, too many to be explained thoroughly here. Each time a referee determines that a player breaks a rule, the team is penalized. I know, the entire team! The severity of the penalty imposed depends on the importance of the rule that has been broken. For example, there are minor infractions, like when a defensive player moves into the offensive space before the center gives the ball to the quarterback – this is called off sides and the penalty is five yards. Then there are serious infractions, such as personal fouls which are usually penalized with 15 yard advancements or retreats. My advice is to not get too hung up on understanding all the penalties; I still have a hard time recognizing a penalty called “holding.”

Image courtesy: https://www.tumblr.com/search/group-hug-gif  

  • What’s with all the crazy terms? Football has its own lexicon. Mastering the language is part of the fun. Here’s a little homework for you: research these terms and get back to me on their true meaning–I promise you they are not as they seem:

Bad Snap

Putting up a Hail Mary

Achieving Good Line Penetration

Playing with the Pigskin

Reading the Blitz

Even I can be stumped by the football vocabulary. Recently a gal pal asked me: “why is a football field called a gridiron?”  I had to admit I didn’t know the answer, so I looked it up. Turns out that in the early 1900’s (yes, football has been around a long time) football fields were marked in a pattern that resembled a grid:

Syracuse-university_1910_archibald-stadium_oval

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syracuse-university_1910_archibald-stadium_oval.jpg

  • Last tip: when in doubt, it’s ALWAYS OK to yell this: GO NOLES!

Are you a gal who loves football? Any tips you’d like to share?

Cheers,

Kimba

PS: BONUS!!

My new book – MAGIC FISHING PANTIES  – is currently offered as a Goodreads Giveaway prize until August 26th.

Here’s the link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/150553-magic-fishing-panties

You don’t have to do anything to win a free signed paperback except provide your address so you can be mailed Magic Fishing Panties if you’re the lucky winner.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Filed Under: The Middle-Aged Cheap Seats Tagged With: Florida State, Football, gal pals, Go Noles, Kim Dalferes, Kimberly Dalferes, Miami dolphins, NFL, women and sports

Comments

  1. Molly Stevens says

    August 30, 2015 at 7:50 am

    I LOVE football. It’s my favorite sport. I didn’t grow up as a fan but my husband got me hooked on it 24 years ago and I’ve never looked back. My fav is pro football and I’m a Patriot’s fan. Tom Brady is not only a dream boat but innocent of all charges!!

    • Kimba says

      August 31, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      Snaps and hugs to another woman football fan! 5 yard penalty for being a Pats fan (Go PHINS) but I will offset that penalty with a confirmation that your QB is smokin hot.

  2. Ellen Dolgen says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    OMG….where have you been all my life. This is THE BEST football 101 ever. I am going to look so knowledgeable this football season. Thank you! However, I am still going to cringe and pray no one gets hurt when they hit each other so hard.

    • Kimba says

      August 26, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Call me any time if you need a little coaching Ellen. And for the record, I cringe all the time too!

  3. Tamara Minton says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:41 am

    There are few things I dislike worse than football. I think I had too much of it growing up!

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:18 am

      I know I can’t convert everyone – bu I’ll keep tryin! Thx for stopping by.

  4. Cheryl Nicholl says

    August 24, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    I never really ‘got’ football. You’ve helped me to the 3rd down on understanding.

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:18 am

      LOL, my work here is done.

  5. CAROL CASSARA says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    I’ll admit it. I know nada about the game. But I did bookmark this page so I can refer to it again when I’m back from vacay. Thank you for this!

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:19 am

      You’re very welcome Carol – call me any time of you need some coaching.

  6. Suzie Cheel says

    August 22, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    Kimba love this, I used to be a football fan and loved being there every week when i was in my teens. Now I occasionally watch a game
    Your passion is a joy thank you

    • Kimba says

      August 23, 2015 at 11:10 am

      LOL Suzie, maybe we can watch a game together some time!

  7. Jennifer Smith says

    August 22, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    Hello Kim
    As a Brit I have never understood the football rules even though I’ve been to a match over here! I hope you enjoy the football season 🙂 thanks for your guide.
    Jennifer

    • Kimba says

      August 23, 2015 at 11:11 am

      Hi Jennifer. My son played soccer and is a big fan of soccer now as an adult. I have to say that I loved to watch him play, but I never quite got how to figure out off-sides …

  8. Suzanne Fluhr says

    August 21, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    I was the oldest of three daughters. I became my father’s football daughter. Basically, if you wanted to spend quality time with Dad on the weekend, you had to watch football. Fast forward a few decades and there I was, a wife (married to a guy) and the mother of two sons. I was already a rabid Eagles fan. (Aren’t all Eagles’ fans rabid?) I had to convert my husband from being a Steelers’ fan. He finally switched when our first child was born. We didn’t want him to be “confused”. At one point, one son, insisted, “You are weird. You are the only mother in Lower Merion Township who watches football.” (This was excellent fodder to teach him the word “hyperbole”. ) I wonder how many people use the expression “It was a Hail Mary” without understanding the football reference.

    • Suzanne Fluhr says

      August 21, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      Um. I misstyped the URL of my blog above. 5 yard penalty.

      • Kimba says

        August 23, 2015 at 11:20 am

        LMAO – five yard penalty indeed! Kudos to you my dear from converting a Steelers fan over to the Eagles! My son too has greatly benefited from a mom who is a diehard football fan. Our children are indeed lucky souls.

  9. Marquita Herald says

    August 21, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I’m a HUGE fan of you, and I learned a few things from your post, but you still haven’t converted me to the wonders of football. However, I can TOTALLY relate to your passion because I’m a fan of – ready for it – boxing. Yep, it was one of the few things my ex and I had in common. We even paid the big bucks to fly to Honolulu to watch the matches in Vegas and I can still remember some of the odd looks I got with me usually the only woman in sight jumping up and down cheering for “my guy” in the ring. 🙂

    • Kimba says

      August 23, 2015 at 11:22 am

      Marty, I LOVE that you are boxing fan. What a surprise! You never cease to amaze and surprise me.

  10. Judy Freedman says

    August 21, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    This is a great quick football guide. I so need this, even after all these years of watching football, I feel like I still can’t completely follow the game.

    • Kimba says

      August 24, 2015 at 8:06 am

      Hi Judy. Yeah, even after all the years I’ve been a fan, sometimes I get confused.

  11. Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) says

    August 21, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    I bet you will have many happy and grateful readers — nice resource.

    • Kimba says

      August 23, 2015 at 11:21 am

      Thx Sue – I’m on a mission. 🙂

  12. Rena McDaniel says

    August 21, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I love football too! I grew up with 4 brothers so it was only natural to me. I love about 25 miles from the Clemson Tigers, but I love LSU and New Orleans Saints & Seattle. I’m originally from northern KY and there we had the Bengals…nothing there to brag about as you know!

    • Kimba says

      August 24, 2015 at 8:11 am

      My father-in-law went to LSU and is in their hall of fame! Beautiful campus. Oh, poor Bengals, but hey, I’ve been suffering with the Phins for years!!

  13. Estelle says

    August 21, 2015 at 7:53 am

    Thank you so much for this go-to guide! I don’t understand football at all–and now I can!

    • Kimba says

      August 24, 2015 at 8:18 am

      Yea Estelle! I love when women join in! I wish I could be there the first time you declare “that was such a BS off sides call!” 🙂

Hello!

Author photo #2 in colorI hope you enjoy your time here and that you come back often. Wondering what makes me tick? This favorite quote from one of the grand dames of writing, Erma Bombeck, might help: Hook 'em with the lead. Hold 'em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won't forget. This seems to be a good overall life goal, don’t you think?

Hello!

Author photo #2 in colorWelcome to The Middle-Aged Cheap Seats,  the blog of Kimba Dalferes: slayer of king salmon, estate sale junkie, sometimes writes books.
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Beaches, Bathrooms, and Books!

What kind of bum are you: beach or bowl?

Sahar bathroom picKimba’s books have been called both “beach reads” and “bathroom reads.” She prefers beach reads, but hey, if the size 11 shoe fits…Read More...

Kim Dalferes’ Latest Book…

Crazy Southern Irish Gal Two-Book Bundle

Humor writer Kimberly “Kimba” Dalferes dishes on a wide variety of topics–from days of her youth spent blissfully on the shores of Florida’s beaches to menopause and empty nests–in her nonfiction collection Crazy Southern Irish Gal Two-Book Bundle. In both titles: I Was In Love With a Short Man Once and Magic Fishing Panties, Dalferes’ crazy Southern Irish gal perspective inspires her illustrations of life’s quirky twists and turns. Together, these books offer descriptive and colorful essays on subjects such as getting a tattoo in midlife, unique uses for kitty litter, handling a rabid bat, public speaking gone wrong, and naked hot-tubbing in Vegas. Dalferes skillfully weaves what at first glance may appear to be dissimilar themes into a tapestry that invokes her life’s motto: live out loud, laugh often, and ‘occasionally’ drink tequila. Now available through Amazon Kindle.

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