When does a down end during a football game?

A down in football ends when the ball next becomes dead. This includes various scenarios such as a player being tackled, the ball going out of bounds, a penalty being called, or an incomplete pass. It’s crucial to understand that the term "dead ball" refers to the moments when the game clock stops and the ball is no longer in play. As soon as the ball is declared dead, the current down is over, and the next down will then take place.

While a player being tackled can lead to the ball becoming dead, it does not cover all situations that cause the end of a down. The clock running out is also not a definitive factor, as it only indicates the end of a half or game and not the conclusion of a down. Additionally, the referee’s discretion plays a role in various officiating aspects, but the determination of when a down ends is specifically based on defined rules governing when the ball becomes dead, rather than subjective judgment.