How to Keep Score in Football
American football combines several scoring plays. The scoreboard total matters more than the number of scores, so record the exact point value after the ruling on the field.
Start a football scoreboard- Touchdown
- 6 points
- Field goal
- 3 points
- Safety
- 2 points
How football scoring works
- 01
Add six points for a touchdown.
- 02
After a touchdown, add one for a successful kick or two for a successful scrimmage try.
- 03
Add three points for a field goal and two points for a safety.
- 04
Play four quarters. If the competition requires a winner and regulation ends tied, follow its overtime procedure.
Choose the rules your event uses
Governing bodies, age groups, and tournament directors can use different formats. Confirm the format before play.
Professional scoring uses 6, 3, 2, and 1-point plays, with league-specific overtime.
NCAA overtime uses alternating possessions rather than a timed extra period.
State associations may add local timing and overtime rules.
Touchdown and conversion values can differ. Confirm the event rules before kickoff.
Keep the scoreboard clean
- ✓Record the touchdown first, then record the conversion as a separate score.
- ✓Wait for the officials to signal a field goal or safety.
- ✓Use the quarter control at the end of each period.
Read the complete rules
This guide covers scoreboard essentials, not every playing rule. Local competition rules take precedence.