Case book- Rule 7: Snapping, Handing and Passing the Ball
Pass interference- 7.5.10 Situation C: A1 or B1 is in a position to catch or intercept a forward pass beyond the neutral zone. An opponent, who is in the vicinity, turns his back to the ball. The opponent directs his attention to A1 or B1 and waves his arms to block the vision of the potential receiver or interceptor.
Ruling: Hindering an opponent's vision without making an attempt to catch, intercept or bat the ball, is pass interference even though no contact was made.
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- 7.5.2 Situation D: Runner A1 advances 5 yards beyond the neutral zone to B's 3-yard line where he is tackled. As he is going down, A1 simulates a fumble by tossing the ball forward into the end zone where A2 downs it.
Ruling: Illegal forward pass by A1. The penalty is 5 yards from the spot of the pass, plus loss of down. If A1 is contacted after releasing the ball, it is not roughing the passer since he lost that protection when he threw the pass from beyond the neutral zone. (9-4-4)
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- *7.5.2 Situation E: A1 throws a legal forward pass: (a) which is tipped by B1 behind the expanded neutral zone and A1 catches the pass and then throws a second pass which is completed to A8; or (b) to A5 who is behind the line of scrimmage and who in turn throws another forward pass to A11 who advances the ball for a first down.
Ruling: Illegal forward pass in (a) and (b). (7-5-2e)
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- 7.5.2 Situation C: Quarterback A1 drops back to pass and while under a good defensive rush, he throws the ball forward: (a) at the feet of two onrushing defensive linemen; or (b) 15 yards behind A3 who has run a deep post pattern; or (c) 5 to 10 feet over the head of eligible A3 who lined up near a sideline.
Ruling: Illegal forward pass in (a). In (b) and (c), the referee will have to judge whether the pass was intentionally thrown incomplete or whether A1 was simply unable to throw the ball close to A3. Comment: Some factors to look for in making an intentional-grounding decision are absence of eligible offensive receivers in the area and the "dumping" to avoid loss of distance. The ability and skill of the passer and the pressure of the defense are also factors to consider. (7-5-2d)
Illegal shift- 7.2.6 Situation B: Backs A1 and A2 simultaneously move to new backfield positions prior to the snap. In less than one second after both are stationary: (a) A3 goes in motion and is in motion at the snap; or (b) the ball is snapped.
Ruling: Illegal shift in both (a) and (b). Following a huddle or a shift, all 11 players of A must come to a complete stop and must remain stationary simultaneously for at least one second before the snap or before a player goes in motion. (2-39)
Illegal shift- 7.2.6 Situation C: After A has been set for more than one second, back A1 goes in motion. While A1 is in motion, back A2 takes one step forward and then resets. A1 is still in motion when the ball is snapped two seconds after A2 reset.
Ruling: Illegal shift. A2's movement was a shift and the failure of the entire team to set for at least one second after the shift and before the snap is a foul at the snap. (2-39)
Restrictions end- 7.5.7 Situation C: A1 throws a pass that is touched behind the neutral zone by B7. The pass touches ineligible A2 beyond the neutral zone and falls incomplete.
Ruling: Illegal touching has not occurred since B touched the ball in or behind the neutral zone.
Pass interference- Ineligible downfield- 7.5.11 Situation A: A11 is running a deep post pattern and B11 (a) contacts A11 knocking him off his intended path or (b) grabs A11's jersey. In both situations, the pass has already crossed the neutral zone and the pass is clearly away from the intended receiver.
Ruling: In (a) there is no foul for pass interference, and (b) there is a foul for illegal holding.
Locking legs- 7.2.2 Situation: Following the snap on a kick try, the offensive linemen "step down" and interlock feet.
Ruling: Legal. However, prior to the snap only the linemen next to the snapper are permitted to lock legs with the snapper.
Lineman becomes eligible- 7.5. 13 Situation B: A1's forward pass is deflected by B1 and then caught by interior lineman A2 behind the neutral zone.
Ruling: No foul has occurred as A2 became an eligible receiver after B1 touched the pass.
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- *Note: and *7.5 Comment: *Note: With the present catch definition, there can be confusion concerning interceptions of a pass or fumble, catching or recovering a kick and recovering a backward pass or fumble. To make a catch, recovery or interception, the player must first come down inbounds (including forward progress being stopped inbounds). To make a catch, a player must return to the ground inbounds or have forward progress stopped inbounds. To make an interception, the player must make a catch.
*7.5 Comment: The following chart should help game officials distinguish between the various possible fouls that can occur when an ineligible receiver touches or is touched by the ball, including accidentally striking, muffing or catching, and with basic fouls regarding ineligibility. ENZ refers to expanded neutral zone. Answers are "Is it?".
Pass interference- 7.5.10 Situation D: B3 gets in the path of a receiver, A4, without making contact. B3's presence results in either: (a) A4 slowing down to avoid contact or, (b) A4 initiating contact in an effort to reach the ball.
Ruling: No foul in (a), but in (b) a foul by A4 for offensive pass interference. (7-5-10a)
Numbering exception- 7.2.5 Situation E: It is fourth and 6 for A from its own 40-yard line. A initially sets in a scrimmage-kick formation with Number 83 as an interior lineman and four other linemen numbered 50-79. Prior to the snap, B1 encroaches. The penalty is administered leaving A only 1 yard to go for a first down. A now lines up with Number 83 on the end of the line and through substitution has five interior linemen numbered 50-79. Number 83 goes downfield and catches a touchdown pass.
Ruling: A legal play. The dead-ball encroachment foul allowed A to cancel the use of the numbering exception and to use Number 83 as an eligible receiver. The numbering exception is canceled, or must be renewed, following a dead-ball foul, a charged time-out or TV/radio time-out, the end of a period or an official's time-out. Comment: If a place kick is used for a try, it is a scrimmage kick and the numbering exception may be used. (7-2-5b Exceptions)
False start/No false start- 7.1.7 Situation D: Prior to the snap, A has eight players on the line of scrimmage. A1, who is on the end of the line, shifts and becomes a back. A2, who prior to A1's change of position was an interior lineman, is now on the end of the line. A2 rises from his three-point stance and moves to a new position 5 yards farther out on the line of scrimmage where he again assumes a three-point stance.
Ruling: A legal shift by A2. Restrictions that apply to interior linemen no longer apply to A2 after A1 moved off the line and assumed a position as a back, thus making A2 an end. (2-39)
Pass interference- Ineligible downfield- 7.5.12 Situation A: At the snap, interior lineman A1 moves about 3 yards downfield and finding no one to block, retreats behind the neutral zone and blocks for A2 who eventually throws a forward pass which crosses the neutral zone.
Ruling: A1 is an ineligible illegally downfield. The prohibition against ineligibles downfield for A starts at the snap, and the fact A1 was no longer downfield when the pass was thrown has no bearing on the ruling.
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- 7.5.2 Situation A: Quarterback A1 drops back to pass, but is unable to find a receiver and: (a) throws the ball to the ground; or (b) throws the ball to the ground in an area occupied by only defensive players; or (c) deliberately throws the ball at the legs of onrushing defensive linemen.
Ruling: An illegal forward pass in (a), (b) and (c). Penalize A 5 yards from where the run ended and count the down in each situation. (7-5-2b, c, d)
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- 7.5.2 Situation B: Quarterback A1 is in position for a direct hand-to-hand snap. (a) A1 muffs the snap, but is able to take the ball from the ground and spike it forward; or (b) A1 receives the snap, but his spike attempt hits snapper A2's leg and ricochets into the air. A1 catches the ball and immediately spikes it forward.
Ruling: An illegal forward pass in both (a) and (b). Once the ball touches the ground, a player or a spike attempt is unsuccessful, it may not be grounded legally thereafter using this exception. In order to be a "direct snap" and therefore meet the allowance within the exception, the ball must go immediately from the snapper to the person in position to take the hand-to-hand snap without being muffed, fumbled or otherwise mishandled.
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation E: B1 leaps in the air over his 2-yard line and has A's pass in his grasp. He returns to the ground in his end zone inbounds.
Ruling: B1's interception was not completed until he returned to the ground inbounds. He now possesses a live ball in his own end zone and may attempt to run it out or down it in the end zone for a touchback. Momentum is not involved.
Encroachment- 7.1.5 Situation: Following the ready-for-play signal, but before A has taken any positions on the line of scrimmage, B1 is either in or beyond the neutral zone facing his teammates while giving defensive signals.
Ruling: Encroachment by B1. (2-8)
False start/No false start- 7.1.7 Situation A: A is on its line of scrimmage with A1 directly and immediately behind the snapper in a position to receive the ball. As the count is started, but before the ball is snapped: (a) A1 steps backward from the line of scrimmage and while so doing he fakes throwing a forward pass. B1 then charges across the neutral zone and contacts A2; or (b) A1 quickly withdraws his hands from under the snapper and goes in motion. Reaction on the part of B2 causes him to charge across the neutral zone and contact A3; or (c) A1 lifts the heel of one foot as a signal to start A2 in motion.
Ruling: False start by A1 in both (a) and (b). These are acts interpreted to cause an opponent to encroach and, therefore, are infractions. It is the intent of the rules to prohibit such acts. Whether or not the action by A1 draws B into the neutral zone should not be the determining factor in ruling a false-start foul. The action by A1 in (c) is legal. (7-1-7b)
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation H: A pass from A1 is thrown near the intersection of the sideline and the goal line. A2, running toward the goal line, leaps and possesses the pass at the 3-yard line and is forcibly: (a) contacted from the front by B1 so that A2 contacts the ground out of bounds opposite B's 4-yard line; or (b) contacted from the side by B1 and A2 first contacts the ground out of bounds opposite the 3-yard line; or (c) tackled from behind by B1 so that first contact with the ground by A2 is out of bounds 1 yard beyond the goal line; or (d) tackled from behind by B1 so that A2 first contacts the ground in the end zone.
Ruling: In (a), (b) and (c), it is an incomplete pass. In (d), it is a touchdown. (2-4-1, 2-15-1, 2; 8-2-1)
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation I: Airborne A1 jumps high in an attempt to catch a legal forward pass. While still in the air, he is tackled by B1 and held momentarily without touching the ground before he is carried (a) backward toward A's goal line, or (b) forward toward B's goal line. He then lands out of bounds with the ball.
Ruling: In (a), completed pass as forward progress was stopped. The ball is dead at the yard line where the forward progress of the receiver was stopped. In (b), it is an incomplete pass. (2-4-1, 4-2-2a)
Forward pass-Legal/illegal- 7.5.1 Situation: Quarterback A1 runs wide and while near the neutral zone, decides to throw a forward pass. As A1 releases the ball: (a) his foremost foot is touching the ground in the neutral zone, or (b) his foremost foot is breaking the plane of B's side of the neutral zone.
Ruling: In (a), it is a legal forward pass. In (b), it is an illegal forward pass because the location of the passer's foremost foot was beyond the neutral zone. (7-5-2b)
Planned loose ball- 7.2.8 Situation: Between downs, quarterback A1 informs the referee via a "prearranged" confidential signal that during the next down A will run its trick play involving a planned loose ball. (a) Snapper A2 does not release the ball and guard A3 takes it and begins to advance; or (b) A1 takes the snap and places the ball on the ground after which guard A3, who has legally turned and faced his own goal line, scoops it up and advances; or (c) A1 takes the snap and hands the ball to guard A3, who has legally turned to face his own goal line.
Ruling: In (a), it is a snap-infraction, dead-ball foul whether or not the referee was informed. In (b), it is an illegal planned loose ball play even though the referee was notified (7-2-8). In (c), it is a legal play. (7-2-4) Comment: In all cases, the referee should inform A1 immediately that a planned loose ball play is not legal and thus attempt to prevent a foul.
Encroachment- 7.1.6 Situation A: When A comes to the line of scrimmage, the linemen assume their final positions such that: (a) five linemen penetrate the vertical plane through the waistline of the snapper while the head of the sixth penetrates the plane drawn through the waistline of the nearest teammate who is on his line of scrimmage; or (b) one interior lineman has his head penetrating the neutral zone while the other linemen are all penetrating the vertical plane of the snapper's waistline.
Ruling: In (a), it is illegal formation which is a foul simultaneously with the snap. The offended team will be given the option of taking the result of the play or accepting the penalty and replaying the down. In (b), it is encroachment for a player to have any part of his body penetrating the plane of the neutral zone after the ready and the snapper has placed his hand(s) on the ball. This is a dead-ball foul and the ball will not be permitted to become live. (2-8; 2-25-2; 2-32-9; 7-1-5; 7-2-3)
Illegal motion, shift- 7.2.7 Situation: The quarterback by voice command has signaled his teammates to assume a set position while he is standing upright behind the center. The quarterback steps forward and places his hands under the center to receive the snap: (a) at the instant the snap is made; or (b) which is made after he is motionless, but prior to one second having elapsed; or (c) which is made after he is motionless for one second; or (d) which is made after he is motionless for one second, but while he is stepping backward with one foot as the snap is made.
Ruling: In (a), it is illegal motion. In (b), it is an illegal shift. In (c), it is legal. In (d), it is legal unless a teammate is also in motion at the snap. Comment: If the quarterback drops his hands under the snapper without stepping forward, it is a shift and not motion. (2-39; 7-2-6)
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation A: Airborne A1 and B1 simultaneously gain possession of a legal forward pass near the goal line and return to the ground where: (a) they alight in the field of play inbounds; or (b) they alight in the end zone with the ball; or (c) A1 lands in the end zone and B1 in the field of play inbounds; (d) B1 comes down in the end zone and A1 lands in the field of play; or (e) A1 lands in the end zone and B1 lands out of bounds.
Ruling: In (a), the ball is dead and belongs to A at the yard line through the foremost point of the ball when A1 and B1 contacted the ground inbounds. It is a touchdown in (b). In (c) and (d), the ball becomes dead and the pass is complete at the yard line through the foremost point of the ball when the players contacted the ground inbounds. If the ball has penetrated the plane of the goal line in either (c) or (d), it is a touchdown. In (e) incomplete pass. Comment: In order for there to be a simultaneous catch, opposing players must have simultaneous joint possession, and both must be in contact with the ground inbounds. The players' contact with the ground does not have to be exactly simultaneous. If A1 and B1 jointly possess a forward pass while airborne and both land inbounds, it is a completed pass, the ball is dead at that point and belongs to A. If there is simultaneous recovery of a fumble, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the team which last had possession. If there is simultaneous recovery of a free kick or scrimmage kick, the ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team. (4-2-2c; 7-5-4; 8-2-1
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation B: A pass from A1 is possessed by A2 while he is in the air above B's end zone. A2 loses control when he is contacted by B1 while in the air. The ball: (a) falls to the ground; or (b) is caught by eligible A3 in B's end zone; or (c) is intercepted and downed by B2 in the end zone.
Ruling: In (a), the pass is incomplete. In (b), it is a touchdown and in (c), it is a touchback. (8-2-1b; 8-5-3c)
Pass interference- Ineligible downfield- 7.5.10 Situation E: A1 throws a screen pass behind the neutral zone. The pass is touched by B1 and continues in flight beyond the neutral zone: (a) A2 has gone downfield and blocks B2 before the pass is touched; or (b) ineligible A3 is downfield beyond the neutral zone before A1's pass is in flight.
Ruling: Legal in both (a) and (b) because B1 touched the pass in or behind the neutral zone. (2-31-3; 7-5-6b,12)
Pass interference- 7.5.10 Situation A: During a forward-pass play in which the ball crosses the neutral zone, A1, an ineligible receiver, is illegally downfield and: (a) B1 illegally contacts him with an elbow; or (b) A1 blocks B1.
Ruling: In (a), the personal foul by B1 and A1's foul for being downfield combine to make a double foul and the down will be replayed. The contact by B1 is not defensive pass interference because A1 was an ineligible receiver. Defensive pass interference may occur only against eligible receivers. Had there been no contact and had ineligible A1 touched such a pass, the result would have been illegal touching. In (b), it is a multiple foul for an ineligible illegally downfield and also offensive pass interference. (7-5-6a; 7-5-13; 10-2-1,3)
Illegal touching- *7.5.13 Situation A: Ineligible receiver A2 is behind, in or beyond his neutral zone and has committed no act against a defender that could be considered interference when a forward pass by A1: (a) accidentally strikes him in the back; or (b) is muffed by him; or (c) is caught by him.
Ruling: In (a), there is no foul for illegal touching. In (b) and (c), it is illegal touching and if beyond the line of scrimmage, would also be offensive pass interference. The acts in both (b) and (c) are intentional and not accidental as in (a). Comment: Game officials should be very clear in explaining penalty options if the same act constitutes more than one foul as listed above, as each of the fouls has a different penalty.
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation C: B1 attempts to intercept a pass while in the air and: (a) the ball touches one hand and then deflects to the other without securing possession, after which B1 lands with his first step inbounds and second out of bounds; or (b) deflects the ball into the air, but is able to catch it after he comes down inbounds; or (c) is juggling the ball as he takes two steps inbounds and then out of bounds.
Ruling: Interception in (b), but not in (a) and (c).
Pass interference- 7.5.10 Situation B: Eligible receiver A1 blocks an opponent 10 yards downfield while the pass is in flight. The pass is completed to A2 who is: (a) beyond the neutral zone; or (b) behind the neutral zone when he catches the ball. When the covering official observes the block by A1 during a forward pass, he immediately drops a flag to indicate an infraction.
Ruling: It is a foul for pass interference in (a), and a legal block in (b). It was proper for the covering official downfield in (b) to indicate a possible infraction because he had no way of knowing whether the pass was beyond the neutral zone. (7-5-7)
Encroachment- 7.1.6 Situation D: Following the ready signal, snapper A1 positions over the ball and immediately places his hands on the ball and adjusts it. The rest of the team then take presnap positions. The coach of B realizes his team has only 10 players on the field and he sends B1 into the game. The ball is located at one end of the field so that B1 is on A's side of the neutral zone when he enters the field. He crosses through the neutral zone, but is onside prior to the snap.
Ruling: It is not encroachment for the substitute to cross through the neutral zone. An entering substitute cannot encroach until after he has established himself as a player on his team's side of the neutral zone. If B1 is unable to get onside prior to the snap, it will be a foul for illegal substitution. This foul occurs simultaneously with the snap and if penalized would be administered from the previous spot. Similarly, it is not encroachment when a replaced player crosses the neutral zone in leaving the field. (2-32-15; 3-7-2, 6; 7-1-2; 10-4-2a)
Restrictions end- *7.5.6 Situation: Quarterback A1 drops back and throws a forward pass toward the sideline to A2 who is behind the neutral zone. A2 then throws a forward pass to A3 15 yards downfield. (a) B1 blocks A2 behind the line prior to A2 touching the ball; or (b) B1 tackles A2 prior to A2 touching the pass; or (c) B1 pushes A3 prior to A3 touching the pass, and B1 intercepts.
Ruling: Legal block in (a) since interference restrictions for B do not apply to a forward pass that does not cross the neutral zone. In (b), it is a holding foul by B1. Legal contact in (c) since there are no interference restrictions on an illegal forward pass. It should be noted that A2 has also committed a foul for an illegal forward pass.
Restrictions end- 7.5.9 Situation: On second down, quarterback A1 drops back and throws an underhand shovel pass forward to back A2 who is behind the neutral zone. A2 throws the ball back to A1. A1 then throws the ball forward beyond the neutral zone to A3. B1 blocks A3 away from the ball and intercepts A1's pass.
Ruling: Legal contact by B1 and an illegal forward pass by A1. Pass interference restrictions for B players ended when the shovel pass was touched by any player. B will likely decline the penalty and keep the ball. If the foul for illegal forward pass is accepted, it is 5 yards and a loss of down from the spot of the pass, but A retains the ball.
Illegal handing- 7.3.2 Situation: Quarterback A1 takes the snap and hands the ball forward to back A2. The handing is done: (a) behind; or (b) in; or (c) beyond the neutral zone.
Ruling: Legal in (a) and (b), but a foul in (c). Comment: The position of the ball determines whether it is behind, in or beyond the neutral zone, however, the position of the player recovering the ball determines whether or not it is forward handing. (2-19-2, 3)
Snap infraction- 7.1.3 Situation: A's linemen take their positions and snapper A1 has made preliminary adjustments. Prior to the snap A1: (a) tilts the ball to an angle of 90 degrees; or (b) lifts the ball and pushes it forward in order to make a deep snap or; (c) rotates the ball end for end; or (d) removes both hands.
Ruling: Legal in (a). It is a snap infraction in (b), (c) and (d). The covering official will sound his whistle immediately, signifying the ball remains dead. A snap infraction is a dead-ball foul and the penalty of 5 yards is administered from the succeeding spot. (2-40-2; 4-1-6; 7-1-2, 3; 10-4-4b)
Restrictions end- 7.5.7 Situation A: A1 throws a screen pass behind the neutral zone. The pass is touched in or behind the neutral zone by B1 and continues in flight beyond the neutral zone: (a) A2 has gone downfield and blocks B2 before the pass is touched; or (b) ineligible A2 is downfield beyond the neutral zone before A1's pass is in flight.
Ruling: Legal in both (a) and (b) as B1 touched the pass in or behind the neutral zone. Comment: The key to whether the action in (a) or (b) is legal is determined by the fact that the pass was touched by B in or behind the neutral zone, even though it went beyond the neutral zone. In both (a) and (b) A2's being downfield and blocking is not restricted because the pass was touched by B in or behind the neutral zone. Therefore, A2 is not an ineligible downfield illegally.
False start/No false start- 7.1.7 Situation C: On third and 10 from A's 40-yard line, all team A players are set. While quarterback A1 is calling signals, defensive back B1, starting from a position eight yards behind his line of scrimmage, runs toward the neutral zone. B1 stops directly in front of tackle A4 but does not enter the neutral zone. In response to B1's charge, A4 (a) does not move, or (b) flinches.
Ruling: No foul in (a). In (b), A4 is guilty of a dead-ball foul for false start. If in the covering official's judgment the action by B1 was for the purpose of disconcerting or hindering A, it is an unsportsmanlike conduct foul. In this case, the covering official should sound the whistle before the snap. (7-1-7; 9-5-1d)
Encroachment- 7.1.6 Situation C: A1 takes his position over the ball and places both hands on the ball. The ready-for-play signal has not been given. B1 breaks the plane of the neutral zone.
Ruling: No foul. Encroachment restrictions are not in effect before the ready-for-play signal has been given.
Encroachment- 7.1.6 Situation B: Snapper A1 is positioned over the ball following the ready signal, but has not yet placed his hand(s) on it. Either: (a) A2; or (b) B1, breaks the plane of the neutral zone. Both players adjust their position and get behind the neutral zone; or (c) A1 has a hand on the ground and then stands erect to call out a blocking assignment.
Ruling: No infraction in either (a), (b) or (c). In (c), the snapper is not restricted as are other linemen after placing a hand on or near the ground. (7-1-7c)
Player numbering requirements- 7.2.5 Situation C: Substitute A1 comes in to replace A2. Both are wearing Number 88.
Ruling: No violation unless both participate at the same time. (1- 4-3; 7-2-5c)
Pass interference- Ineligible downfield- 7.5.12 Situation B: Before A1 throws a pass beyond the neutral zone, A2 contacts lineman B1 on his line and drives him back 4 yards.
Ruling: Offensive pass interference by A2 because he has driven B1 beyond the expanded neutral zone. (2-28-2)
Numbering exception- 7.2.5 Situation D: With fourth and 6 from the K20, Team K lines up with A21 as the left end; A34, A66, A25, A64 and A86 in the traditional five tackle-guard-center-guard-tackle spots; and A11 on the right end. All are on the line of scrimmage. Players A10, A20 and A5 are in the backfield with A79 lined up in the deep, position as a potential kicker. A25 places his hand on the ball. Prior to the snap, (a) A20 shifts to the line of scrimmage on the right of A86 and left of A11 and sets for one second before the ball is snapped; or (b) A11 steps back off of the line and A20 shifts to replace him as the end, where both are set for a second before the ball is snapped. Who are the eligible receivers prior to the ball being touched by B?
Ruling: Once A25 placed his hands on the ball, all players in between the ends (A34, A66, A25, A64 and A86) become ineligible and remain ineligible throughout the down. In (a), once A20 assumed a position on the line of scrimmage, A20 became ineligible as he was covered up by A11. A79 is ineligible by number. Only A21, A11, A10 and A5 are eligible on the play. In (b), because A11 stepped back off of the line first, A20 becomes eligible as he would be the end. A21, A20, A11, A10 and A5 are eligible. Comment: When A is in scrimmage-kick formation, it does not have to kick and may kick when it is not in this formation. (2-14-2; 2-32-9; 2-39; 7-2-5b(2); 7-5-6)
Restrictions end- 7.5.7 Situation B: A1 drops back and throws a screen pass to flanker A2 who is behind the neutral zone. B2 has come across the line and deflects the pass so that its flight is altered and the pass goes beyond the neutral zone. Ineligible A8 has gone beyond the expanded neutral zone before the pass is released.
Ruling: Since B has touched the forward pass in or behind the neutral zone A8 is not downfield illegally.
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation F: B1 leaps in the air over his 2-yard line and has A's pass in his grasp. He returns to the ground on his 1-yard line and his momentum carries him back into his end zone where he is downed.
Ruling: Since B's interception was made in the field of play and his momentum carried him into his end zone where he is downed, the momentum exception is in effect and the spot of the interception, B's 1-yard line, is the spot from which B will start its series.
Fouls prior to "spike"- *7.5.2 Situation F: In the last few seconds of a half, A1 completes a pass to A2 at B's 20-yard line. The ball is properly spotted and the referee marks it ready for play and signals the clock to start. In the rush and confusion to stop the clock, A's snapper and quarterback A1 are the only A players in legal position when the ball is snapped and legally "spiked" by A1. A foul for illegal formation occurs at the snap.
Ruling: The "spike" is legal. Since the spike is legal, the only applicable foul is for illegal formation. The reason for the clock stoppage was the incomplete forward pass; therefore, the clock shall start on the snap. Comment: The determination by the referee as to whether or not the act was intended to illegally conserve time must be applied using Rule 3-4-6. (7-5-2 Exception)
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation D: A passed or fumbled ball is near a sideline. B1 gets the ball in his hands while his foot is on the sideline.
Ruling: The ball becomes dead when touched. Since touching precedes player possession, there is no "catch" or "recovery." (2-36-2)
Joint possession of pass, kick or fumble- 7.4.3 Situation: An offensive and defensive player simultaneously gain possession of a live ball which is a: (a) legal forward pass and both players are touching inbounds; or (b) scrimmage kick muffed by R beyond the neutral zone; or (c) fumble by A1 on a running play.
Ruling: The down is ended in each situation. In (a), complete pass and the ball belongs to A at the spot of completion. In (b), the ball belongs to R at the spot of recovery, and in (c), the ball belongs to A at the spot of recovery. (6-2-6; 7-5-4)
Player numbering requirements- 7.2.5 Situation A: Team A comes to its line of scrimmage with: (a) ends 80 and 71, tackles 70 and 81, guards 60 and 61, and center 50; or (b) ends 80 and 81, guards 72 and 75, tackles 62 and 63, and center 50 and one halfback numbered 76.
Ruling: The formations in both (a) and (b) are legal because there are at least five players numbered 50-79 on the offensive line. In (a), a player at tackle wearing 81 and the end wearing 71 are both ineligible receivers; 81 because of his position and 71 because of his number. In (b), number 76, a halfback, is not an eligible receiver because of the number he is wearing. (7-5-6a)
Position at the snap- 7.2.3 Situation B: At the snap, A1 is in a position which is neither on the line of scrimmage nor clearly in the backfield. A1 is not on the line because neither his head nor his foot is breaking the plane through the waist of the snapper, and he is not a back because he is penetrating the plane through the waist of his nearest teammate, end A2, who is on the line. The position of A1 is inside that of end A2, who is clearly on the line of scrimmage. When the ball is snapped, both A1 and A2 go downfield and A1 catches a pass.
Ruling: The position of A1 is illegal when the ball is snapped. A1 is an ineligible receiver because he was not clearly a back. His advance beyond the neutral zone is illegal and when he touches the pass, it is illegal touching. This is a multiple foul and B has a choice of which penalty to accept. (7-5-6a; 7-5-13)
Player numbering requirements- 7.2.5 Situation B: Team A sets with five players on its line numbered 50-79, while two teammates, both on the same side, are numbered 89 and 41. Number 41 is on the end and 89 is inside and next to him. Number 41 shifts to the backfield and Number 32, on the opposite side of the ball, shifts so he is on that end of the line. A touchdown pass is thrown to Number 89.
Ruling: The touchdown counts. The fact that A lined up with a player wearing an eligible receiver's number in the interior line does not eliminate the possibility of this player being eligible to receive a pass following a shift. (7-5-6a)
Pass interference- Ineligible downfield- 7.5.11 Situation B: A11 runs straight up the field and after the ball has left the passer's hand, B9 illegally blocks A11 and throws him off his pattern. The pass is completed to A10 who was clearly on the opposite side of the field.
Ruling: There is no pass interference call on B9; however, a flag should have been dropped for the illegal block.
Illegal formation- 7.2.1 Situation B: With fourth down and 8 from K's 20-yard line and K in scrimmage kick formation, K1 kicks the ball, but at the snap, K had only six players on the line of scrimmage. After the play is over, R1 throws K2 to the ground and swings at him.
Ruling: These fouls would be enforced separately and in order. R will likely decline the penalty for the K foul so that R will get the football, and then R's dead-ball personal foul is then enforced (and R1 is disqualified) with the ball being placed 15 yards behind the end of the run.
Restrictions end- *7.5.8 Situation: A81 goes downfield and pushes off B22 (pushes him away from A81 to help him make his cut) and cuts toward the sideline and catches A1's pass. A81's push occurred prior to B4 tipping the pass.
Ruling: This contact can be ruled interference as restrictions for Team A begin at the snap.
False start/No false start- 7.1.7 Situation B: On fourth and four from A's 35-yard line, K comes to the line in a scrimmage formation. After calling a few signals, A1 says "shift." All 11 players then make a movement. Some players move to a new position for a scrimmage-kick formation, while four interior linemen remain in place and move from a hands-on-thighs position to an upright position and finally to a three-point stance.
Ruling: This could be ruled a false start if the covering official(s) determine that it was designed to cause B to encroach. In judging the offensive team's intent, the game officials should consider whether players move to a new position, the speed and abruptness of movement, down and distance and if any player pretends to have the ball or otherwise simulate action at the snap with the start of a play. (7-1-7; 7-2-6)
Illegal formation- *7.2.1 Situation A: Following a second down play, A89 comes onto the field as a substitute for A93 but A89 stops 5 yards from the sideline as his team is ready to snap the ball. Following the snap, A89 goes down field and catches A1's legal forward pass for a first down.
Ruling: This is an illegal formation and if the penalty is accepted it would be marked off from the previous spot. Depending upon the situation, this could also be illegal participation. (9-6-4d)
Position at the snap- 7.2.3 Situation A: Following the huddle, after A comes to its line of scrimmage, quarterback A1 is breaking the plane of the waistline of the snapper, and slot back A2 has a part of his body breaking the plane of the waistline of his nearest teammate who is on the line of scrimmage.
Ruling: This is an illegal formation foul at the snap. While quarterback A1 may be breaking the plane of the waistline of the snapper or nearest teammate legally on the line of scrimmage, it is illegal for any other back to break the plane of the waistline of his nearest teammate who is on the line of scrimmage. (2-32-3)
Catch/No catch/Simultaneous catch- 7.5.4 Situation G: A8, in B's end zone, leaps in the air to catch a pass and is contacted by B2 forcing A8 to come down inbounds on B's 1-yard line where he is downed.
Ruling: Touchdown, since A8's forward progress was stopped over B's end zone by B2's contact. Even though the catch was not made until A8 came down inbounds, his forward progress was stopped by B2's contact resulting in A possessing the live ball in its opponent's end zone, hence, a touchdown.
Illegal shift- 7.2.6 Situation A: A comes to its line of scrimmage with the quarterback A1 standing behind the snapper. Upon signal, A2 goes in motion and then A1 assumes his final position under the snapper.
Ruling: When the ball is snapped, it will be an illegal shift because A2 did not reset for one second along with the other A players after A1 shifted. Motion cannot be started legally until all 11 players of A have been set simultaneously for at least one second. (2-39)
