Field goals (FGs) have been a part of football since the beginning of the game. The primary purpose of a field goal is to score points for a team and to provide a relatively easy way to do it. As the game has evolved, so too have the rules surrounding field goals. Today, the exact number of points awarded for a field goal varies based on the type of field goal, the distance of the kick, and the league in which the game is being played.
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What is a Field Goal?
A field goal is a kick through the uprights of the goal posts by a team’s placekicker. This kick is usually attempted on fourth down or when a team is close to the end zone and is unable to score a touchdown. A field goal is worth a certain number of points, depending on the league and the distance of the kick.
How Many Points is a Field Goal Worth?
In the National Football League (NFL), a field goal is worth 3 points. However, in college football, the NCAA has determined that a field goal is worth either 2 or 3 points, depending on the distance of the kick. A field goal of 20 yards or less is worth 2 points, while a field goal of more than 20 yards is worth 3 points.
The NFL also has a rule that a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points. This rule was introduced in 2015 and has been applied to a few games since then.
In the Canadian Football League (CFL), a field goal is worth 3 points.
In Arena Football, a field goal is worth 3 points, but a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points.
The Arena Football League also has a rule that a field goal of 60 yards or more is worth 5 points. This rule has only been applied to one game in the history of the league.
When is a Field Goal Worth 2 Points?
In college football, a field goal of 20 yards or less is worth 2 points. This is due to the fact that the conversion rate of such kicks is higher than those of longer distances. The NCAA has determined that the extra point is worth 1 point, so the value of a field goal of 20 yards or less is equal to that of a conversion.
In the NFL, a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points. This rule was introduced in 2015 as a way to encourage teams to attempt longer field goals.
In Arena Football, a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points. This rule was also introduced in 2015 as a way to encourage teams to attempt longer field goals.
In the CFL, a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points. This rule was introduced in 2017 as a way to encourage teams to attempt longer field goals.
Conclusion
Field goals are an important part of football and can provide an easy way for a team to score points. The exact number of points awarded for a field goal varies based on the type of field goal, the distance of the kick, and the league in which the game is being played. In the NFL, a field goal is worth 3 points, while in college football, a field goal of 20 yards or less is worth 2 points and a field goal of more than 20 yards is worth 3 points. The NFL and Arena Football also have rules that a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points. In the CFL, a field goal of 50 yards or more is worth 4 points.