BAT
BBW
Blocked into
CLP
Designating the spot
DOG
Down errors
DQ
FG/PAT
First down
FKO
Forward progress
FST
FWE
Game clock
Goal line as enforcement spot
IBB
IDP
Illegal forward handing
IFP
ILB
ILF
ILK
Illegal kick
Illegal kicking
ILS
ILT
Impetus
IW
Incomplete forward pass
ING
Interlocked blocking
Jumping fouls
KCI
Domino effect
Legal forward pass
LOD
Momentum
NZI
Oreo cookie
Patio
Penalty Enforcement
Basic Spot
Penalties declined automatically
PF
PI
OPI
DPI
Pre-game talk with the coaches
Pre-OT List
Pre-PAT List
Pre-snap list
Back judge
Field judge
Referee
Side judge
PSK
Recovery of loose bal l
Roughing
RNK or RTK or holder
RTP
Sideline contro l
Live bal l
Dead bal l
Special rules for OT and PAT
Special rules for OT
Special rules for PAT
Differences between OT and PAT
Similarities between OT and PAT
Stepped out of bounds
SUI
Tackle box vs. Blocking zone
Timeout
Touchdown
UNC

BAT

Rule 9-4

Definition: A loose ball can be either:

• a forward pass,
• a backward pass,
• a kick
• a fumble.

Classic situation: Batting a loose ball forward, or at all in the EZ is illegal. The penalty is 10 yards from the basic spot and LOD.

Exceptions:

1. Passes in flight (forward and backward) may be batted in any direction by all eligibles. See no. 5.
2. Blocking a scrimmage kick in the field of play or in the EZ. “Blocking” can only happen behind the extended LOS.
3. 6-3-11. K batting the ball in the EZ before the kick touches B or the grass in the EZ. This is a violation = TB.10 yards but no LOD:
4. Illegally batting a scrimmage kick beyond LOS. For example if A bats the kick backwards to keep it out of the EZ after B has touched the ball.
5. Batting a backward pass forward by passing team to gain yardage.
6. Batting a ball in player possession forward by a player of that team.

BBW

It is curious that the rules allow the defense to block below the waist against a receiver behind the NZ in position to receive a forward pass, and since there is no such thing as DPI behind the NZ, there is no foul.

Rewrite this section.

Blocked into

Basically, if you are blocked illegally, then you are not responsible for your actions.
Within reason, of course.

Ball

Rule 6-3-4
A player blocked by an opponent into a scrimmage kick that has crossed the neutral zone or a free kick shall not, while inbounds, be deemed to have touched the kick.

However, if a fumble comes to rest and for example B is blocked into the ball, which subsequently is declared dead in B’s EZ, the result is a Safety. Touching a ball at rest creates new impetus.

Play: A loose ball, (a) a scrimmage kick that has crossed the NZ, (b) a scrimmage kick that has not crossed the NZ, (c) a free kick, (d) a fumble, not 4th down, hits some water on the B-5 and comes to rest. A81 blocks B41 into the ball and the ball rolls into the EZ where B53 jumps on it.
Ruling: 8-7-2-b-2 says this creates new impetus, so now B is responsible for the ball being the EZ, but Exception 1 clears (a) and (c). In (a) and (c) the result is a TB. In (b) and (d) the result is a Safety.
Also, keep in mind that impetus is never changed in the EZ.

Kick returner

Rule 6-4-1-b
If a K player is blocked by an R player (legally or illegally), the K player cannot be deemed to have interfered with the opportunity to catch the kick.

If an R player is blocked by a K player into the potential returner, there is no foul for KCI.
So basically, if a player is blocked by an opponent there cannot be KCI.

CLP

Legal clipping inside the blocking zone only applies to linemen. Not even backs lined up inside the blocking zone at the snap can legally clip.
Also, clipping is only allowed above the knees. Even in the zone, below the knees is illegal.

Designating the spot

These are the situations where the captain may designate where to spot the ball:

• For a free kick
• After a TB
• For a PAT
• To start OT

For free kicks the privilege remains even after a foul by A.
For a PAT, the ball can even be placed behind the B-3.

DOG

After DOG by A in a scrimmage kick formation, start the clock on the snap.

In a Hurry-Up Situation, A does not have to give B a chance to complete substitutions.

Rule 3-5-2-e.

If the kick returner advances the ball after an invalid signal it is a foul for DOG.

Down errors

Once the ball is legally snapped it is too late to make a correction as per 5-2-9

The down box fails to change after 1st down or it goes from 1 to 3. If the mistake is discovered before the next snap, it can be corrected. If the ball is snapped, it is too late even if the mistake is discovered later in that series, even before the next 1st down.

The ultimate situations:

• Team A is allowed to play 1st down twice. After 3rd down, the error is discovered, but we will have to give A the 5th down anyway.
• Team A is cheated out of 2nd down. The box goes directly from 1 to 3.  After 3rd down (which really was 2nd down) the error is discovered, but we cannot give A another 3rd down (the real 3rd down).  They will have to go directly to 4th down.

DQ

Even if the penalty is declined, the DQ’ed player must still leave the game.
One example of a flagrant foul is spitting on an opponent.

FG/PAT

If the kick touches a K player, (for example ricochets off the center’s butt) it does not score.
It is still possible to kick even after the ball has been beyond the NZ as long as B hasn’t touched the ball beyond.

First down

Anything done to an eligible receiver when a legal forward pass is first touched beyond the NZ carries with it an automatic first down.
However, the foul also has to occur beyond the LOS.

FKO

Five yard penalty from the previous restraining line, or the ball 30 yards from the A restraining line.

Be sure to place the ball at the hash and not in the middle of the field.

However, it is not an FKO if the B player steps on the sideline, jumps, catches the kick while airborne and lands inbounds. It is FKO if a B player jumps from inbounds, catches the ball and lands OOB.

Forward progress

Rule 5-1-3-a

Forward progress is where the ball is, when anything but the hand or foot touches the ground.

Two exceptions.

• If an airborne receiver is driven back. Then the progress is given at the point of the catch. However, the receiver has to come down inbounds to complete the catch and then get the catch and the FP. Only exception is if the receiver is held (caught by the opponent) and carried out of bounds.
• Also, if the runner keeps running after coming down with the catch, then the FP disappears. 5-1-3 says specifically “and the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch”. If this is not the case, i.e. if the runner keeps running, then progress is given where the runner ends up on his own.

If the runner is hit and driven out of bounds at a 90 degree angle to the sideline, then progress is stopped inbounds. So, when in doubt… progress was stopped inbounds.

FST

It is a FST if a covered WR/TE in a three-point stance moves. Even if it looks like a shift/motion.
A TE with a lineman number (50-79) is restricted the same way an interior lineman is. He cannot move, once he is in a three-point stance.
If A is still shifting out from the huddle when the ball is snapped, it is a FST and not an ILS.

FWE

Call it as a DB foul.
If this is not possible, it is a live ball foul, penalized as a DB foul. The play counts.

Game clock

During free kicks, if the ball is touched by B in its EZ, the clock will start when the ball is carried into the field of play or it crosses the goal after a muff or fumble.

The clock starts on the snap if Team B will next snap the ball (3-2-5-e). However, it will not start on the snap if the clock was stopped to award B a new series that is subsequently canceled by penalty.

Goal line as enforcement spot

The goal line is used as the enforcement spot when the actual enforcement spot is in the EZ and the penalty is enforced into the field of play.

Situation 1: B intercepts the pass on the B-6 and runs into his own EZ where he is downed. A tackles him by his facemask. The result of the play is a safety and the enforcement spot is the end of run, which is in the EZ. Rule 10-2-2-f-1 dictates that this foul be enforced from the GL.  It will be B’s ball, 1/10 on the B-15.

Situation 2: B intercepts the pass in the EZ and the ball is fumbled into the field of play, where it is recovered and downed. A fouls in the EZ after the interception. If B chooses to accept this penalty it would be enforced from the GL. Again, the “normal” enforcement spot is the spot of fumble, which we can’t use. Rule 10-2-2-f-3 dictates ……

Situation 3: A scores a TD. During the play A-66 commits OH in the B EZ. This foul is enforced from the basic spot which is the B GL.

Please note that in the examples above A and B merely indicates the team in possession and the team not in possession. These rules apply to both teams.

IBB

Defensive players are allowed to push an opponent in the back above the waist if they are trying to get to the runner (9-3-3-c-exc 3).

Players from either team may push in the back above the waist if trying to get to a loose ball, such as a fumble, a backward pass, a kick that they are eligible to touch, or a tipped forward pass. Eligible players are also allowed to push in the back above the waist if they are behind the LOS and trying to get to a forward pass (9-3-3-c exc 5).

IDP

A lineman can establish contact with an opponent and drive him 3 yards beyond the LOS.

However, he has to establish this contact within 1 yard of the LOS and he has to do it immediately after the snap.

With no contact both eligible and ineligible A players can go up to three yards downfield.

Illegal forward handing

It is a foul if either player is beyond the NZ.
The penalty is 5 yards from the spot of the foul + LOD.

IFP

Rule 7-3

• To stop the clock, if the ball has been on the ground
• If thrown beyond the NZ
• Second forward pass
• By B, or by A after COP during the down
• If by A at the end of the half, and A doesn’t spike the ball right after the snap. Here the clock starts again on the RFP by 3-4-3.
• If by A after the ball has been beyond the LOS in player possession.
  If a loose ball has been beyond the LOS it is still possible for A to throw a legal pass from behind the LOS.

Five yards from the spot and LOD.

It is not illegal for A to muff the snap, gain possession and then spike ball.

ILB

Here, there are three different situations.

• If a B player makes a fair catch signal – valid or invalid – he cannot block an A player until he (the B player) himself touches the ball. If he blocks, it is an illegal block.
  Free kick enforcement: 15 yards from the spot of the foul. Scrimmage kick enforcement: 15 yards PSK or basic spot. 6-5-4
  Note that any type of foul by the signaler results in a 15 yard penalty.
• The second situation is if a K player makes an otherwise legal block before he is eligible to do so on a free kick.
  He becomes eligible when B touches the ball (not forced touching) or when the ball travels beyond (and stays beyond) B’s restraining line.
  Five yard penalty. Basic spot.
  If the block is illegal on its own, then the penalty is for that foul.
• The third situation is if the free-kick kicker is blocked before he moves more than five yards downfield or the kick is touched by a player/official/the ground.
  15 yard penalty, previous spot.

Hitting the long snapper in a scrimmage kick formation is a standard PF.

ILF

If there is a numbering exception, when the snapper first touches the ball, then the ineligibles must remain as ineligibles and they must stay in a scrimmage kick formation until the snap unless A shifts into a formation, where there is no numbering exception.
The ineligibles stay ineligible until the ball is touched by B or an official.

ILK

Illegal kick

4/3@A-37. The punter muffs the snap, and has to scramble. He gets to the A39 and punts the ball. The ball is blocked, picked up by a B player and run in for a TD.
Ruling: 5 yards from previous spot (A-37) plus LOD: B’s ball 1/10 at B-32.
Also, the ball dies when an illegal kick is made.

Illegal kicking

The ball’s status does not change following an illegal kicking.

ILS

Unless it is done by two RBs in the backfield, leave this call to the wings. Don’t call it as a referee.

ILT

Forced touching of a loose kicked ball is considered as no touching.

By ineligible receiver, who stepped OOB.

Illegal touching can be intentional or unintentional. That doesn’t matter.
Eligibility is regained if the pass is touched by B or an official, and the eligibility remains for the remainder of the down.
A85 steps out, comes back in, the ball is tipped by B or an official and A85 steps out again before he catches the pass. Legal play.

By Lineman

Has to be intentional.

By K player

If a K player on a free kick steps OOB, comes back and touches the kick, it is not considered ILT.
If K recovers the ball, R has to accept the OOB foul to force a rekick or tag on the foul.
ILT is only cancelled by live ball fouls, not DB fouls. Offsetting fouls also cancel ILT.
If B has touched the ball and A, subsequently, bats it backwards to keep it out of the EZ it is BAT.

Ignored in the EZ

6-1-3-d and 6-3-2-d.

Play. (a) A free kick after a Safety, or (b) a punt from the A-20. The kick is high and short and bounces on the A-25 and rolls into the A EZ where A17 picks it up and returns it to B’s EZ for an apparent TD.
Ruling: 6-3-6-a says that the ball becomes dead when recovered by Team A. Safety.

Since ILT is ignored in Team A’s EZ, there is no additional provision for Team B to “take the ball at the spot of violation”, which would be a TD for Team B.

So, if the ball had been recovered on the A-1 by A17, it would be B’s ball at the A-1. If A17 had touched it at the A-1 and then recovered it at the A-5, B could chose between the A-1 and the A-5.
If A17 had touched it in the EZ and then recovered it at the A-5, B would have to take the ball at the A-5 because “the ball has not been touched in the EZ”.

Impetus

Impetus only deals with a ball going from the FOP into the EZ.

After intercepting the ball in the EZ, B20 fumbles the ball which rolls to the B-2 and back into the EZ = Safety.

Impetus is never changed in the EZ.

Impetus is changed if the ball is kicked or batted after it has touched the ground, or there has been any contact to a ball at rest.

Impetus does not change the status of the ball. 8-7-2-c.

Impetus is not a factor when a backward pass or fumble is declared dead in the opponent’s EZ with no player in possession. The ball is awarded to the passing/fumbling team.

IW

In player possession

The team in possession can chose replay or take the ball at the DB spot.
When there is an IW and a FOUL and the foul is accepted, the penalty enforcement takes precedence over the options relating to the IW. In other words, the IW is ignored.

When a foul occurs during a down which ends with an inadvertent whistle, the offended team is given the option of accepting or declining the penalty. If the penalty is declined, then and only then do the IW rules kick in.

If the penalty is accepted we go with the spots we have. If, for example we have a PSK foul and an IW before the end of the kick, we would have to use previous spot enforcement, because we never had an end-of-the-kick-spot.

Loose ball

Due to a fumble, backward pass or illegal pass, the team in possession can chose replay or take the ball at the spot where possession was lost.

During legal pass or kick

Replay.

3/12@A-30. A14’s untouched legal forward pass is airborne over the A-48 when there is an IW. B55 holds A88 on the A-36 during the play.
Ruling: IW is disregarded because the penalty is accepted. 10 yards from the previous spot, but no automatic first down, as the pass was never touched beyond the LOS.

If a foul is also involved, penalize from the previous spot, unless it is a spot foul by rule (ex., illegal forward pass, DPI, KCI).

Keep in mind that there is no end of kick with Team B in possession of the ball, so there can be no PSK enforcement – only previous spot.

B possession on PAT or in OT

Play over.

Incomplete forward pass

Tug Rule:

2-19-2-b key phrase is “any intentional forward movement” of the arm. At some point, if the potential passer decides to not release the ball and starts to bring the ball back in and loses control, or gets hit and loses control, it is then a fumble. This is the main difference between the NCAA and NFL rule. When in question – it is still an intentional forward movement of the arm.

Also, this rule only applies to A and only when the pass is supposed to go towards the NZ. If the passer is hit in the middle of a backward pass, it is a fumble.

ING

Note that the pass does not have to be incomplete to meet the requirements for ING.

If the pass is caught by an ineligible lineman, the pass can still have been thrown to an area where no eligible receiver had an opportunity to catch it.

Also, ING is not a legal forward pass, so there can be no PI, ILT or IDP.

The penalty is LOD at the spot of the foul. It works just like the sack, the QB was trying to avoid.

Late in the game/half, the penalty includes 5 yards if ING is to stop the clock.

As soon as the QB rolls out of the tackle box, this box disappears.

Interlocked blocking

Teammates of the runner cannot hold on to each other while blocking opponents.

5 yards from the basic spot.

Jumping fouls

Normally an accepted foul is administered on a replay (LOD excluded). DB (and UNC) are administered on the next (succeeding) play.

In a few situations, fouls have the ability to “jump” to a following play.

1. During/after (until the RFP) a TD play.  PF/UNC by the non-scoring team can jump to the PAT/KO.
2. PAT w/o COP. PF by B during successful PAT may jump to KO/OT.
3. In OT, flagrant fouls can jump to the next play if the series ends.
4. During a PAT, flagrant fouls can jump to the next play when the PAT is not replayed.
5. On KOs, fouls that would push A’s or B’s restraining line behind the B-5 jump to the next succeeding spot. For instance the 5th DBPF or UNC.

If the UNC is a live ball foul it cannot jump.  Only if it is penalized as a DB can it jump.

Regarding no. 1. FWE (when all TOs have been used up) also jumps to the next play.
However, 1-4-6-a-3 says that it is a succeeding spot enforcement, so it can only jump to the PAT and not the KO. This also applies to DOG/SIF.

Regarding no. 2. The jump-rule is specifically mentioned under PAT without COP (8-3- 3-b-1) and not under PAT with COP (8-3-4).

This means that If A fouls after a COP during a PAT where B scores, the foul cannot jump unless it is flagrant.

KCI

Rules 6-4 and 6-5

The kick has to cross the LOS for these rules to apply. Also, the ball has to be untouched. If for example the ball hits a B player, then another B player does not have KCI protection.

Please note that there are three different situations here.

With no fair catch signal
“The donut is toast”. In general, if A gets close, and the kick is dropped, then we probably have KCI.
KCI is a spot foul, which means it is enforced from the spot of the A foul. See below with fair catch and muff.

With valid fair catch signal
Team A cannot interfere with the receiver OR ball. If the ball carooms several yards away from the receiver where he could not possibly get to it before touching the ground – Team A can legally touch the ball or the receiver – judgment call. Also, only the signaler gets protection — and only the signaler has the unimpeded right to catch the muffed kick.
Also, if the kick is muffed, and then caught, say, two yards from the spot of the muff, the ball must be brought back to the spot of the muff. This is also the enforcement spot for any PSK fouls.

With invalid fair catch signal
The ball dies when recovered. The returner only has deal-ball protection.

KCI in the EZ: Award a TB and enforce from the B-20. It doesn’t matter if the ball dies in the EZ or not. (Rule 6-4-1-Pen)

Domino effect

Rule 6-3-4 (forced touching disregarded) only talks about being blocked into the ball.

This means that if B1 blocks A2 and A2 hits B3 and B3 subsequently is touched by the ball, the touching still counts. There is no Domino effect.

Legal forward pass

The following fouls demand a legal forward pass. If the pass is illegal, these fouls cannot be committed.

• PI
• ILT
• IDP
• RTP
• Fouls against eligibles with auto 1st down (also, the foul has to occur beyond the LOS)

LOD

A loss of down is a shortened term for “loss of the right to repeat the down”. In an illegal FP play, FIRST mark off the penalty (5 yards) THEN see if the line-to-gain has been reached. If not, the down counts. If so, 1st down. So, an IFP made from less than 5 yards beyond the line-to-gain will have the down count. This is no different than any other Team A foul. The term “when there is no neutral zone” applies to after a change of possession or fumble return(2-25-10-c).

Momentum

Keep in mind that it has to be an interception or recovery of an opponent’s pass, kick or fumble for the momentum rule to take effect.

NZI

B can only threaten A players, who are legally on the LOS. If the tackle does not break the center’s waist, there can be no NZI.
It is B’s position in the NZ that dictates who and how many A linemen he can threaten and not his initial position before he moved into the NZ.

Oreo cookie

I get easily confused. I might as well admit that. When I’m a deep official in a punting situation I very easily get confused about who is on the kicking team and who is on the receiving team. There are just too many players coming from too many different directions. I have tried to concentrate on the punt returner’s jersey color and that sometimes works, but not always.
In the big leagues they often talk about identifying players in the so-called “chase position” but when you see the head-hunter and the cornerback running down the field, it is easy to get confused about who is beating who and who is supposed to be blocking who.

This is why I have started using the punt returner to help me out. If the headhunter has beat the cornerback (placing the cornerback in the chase position) you’ll see three players that are easy to recognize. The punt returner, the head hunter, and the cornerback, or in other words: B – A – B.
Color wise this creates an Oreo cookie in the sense that the middle player is a different color than the other two, and this is a very easy image to recognize.

So as soon as you see the oreo… watch out.

Patio

Situations, where the period is extended for an untimed down.

Penalty accepted.
Touchdown.
Inadvertent whistle.
Offsetting penalties.

However, the period is not extended if the accepted penalty is a UNC penalized as a DB UNC or a DB PF.
And not if LOD is included in the penalty text.

Penalty Enforcement

Basic Spot

Each type of play has a designated basic spot. The basic spot is the 3 and 1. Offensive fouls behind the basic spot is the 3 and 1. This means that a basic spot is actually two different spots.

Group 1 – Fouls simultaneous with the snap

Basic spot: Previous spot.
Exceptions

• Offensive fouls behind the basic spot are administered from the basic spot.

Group 2 – Runs that end behind LOS

Basic spot: Previous spot.
Exceptions

• Offensive fouls against opponent behind LOS = previous spot (safety)

Group 3 – Runs that end beyond LOS

Basic spot: End of related run.
Exceptions

• Illegal kick beyond the NZ (previous spot)
• Offensive fouls against opponent behind LOS = previous spot (safety)

Group 4 – Runs without NZ

Basic spot: End of related run.
Exceptions

• Momentum rule.
• A steps OOB and comes back in after a scrimmage kick. (previous or tag on)

Group 5 – Passes

Basic spot: Previous spot.
Exceptions

• DPI
• RTP with run ending beyond LOS
• ILT
• Offensive fouls against opponent behind LOS = previous spot (safety)

Also, fouls against eligible receivers before the pass, which crosses LOS is touched, include auto 1st down provided the foul happens beyond the LOS.

Group 6 – Kicks

Basic spot: Previous spot.
Exceptions

• KCI
• Block by signaler of fair catch, who hasn’t touched the ball
  Free kick – spot foul
  Scrimmage kick – PSK spot
• PSK – (not on successful FG)
• Any A foul except KCI if B has the ball at the end of the down. Not on FG.
• A foul can be enforced from the ILT spot if this spot is the same as the DB spot.
• Offensive fouls against opponent behind LOS = previous spot (safety)

Group 7 – Fouls during TD

PFs by non scoring team enforced on PAT/KO. DB UNC enforced on PAT/KO.
If time expires during the down, see Group 14.

Group 8 – Fouls after TD

(From DB until RFP)
On PAT or KO.
If time expires in a quarter, penalize on PAT or following KO in the next quarter.

Group 9 – Fouls during PAT

Indsæt tabel

W/COP

• If B fouls before the COP – here we go again
• If B has clean hands, the PAT is over
• If the PAT is over, only flagrant fouls can jump

Group 10 – Fouls after PAT

From succeeding KO or succeeding spot in OT.

Group 11 – Fouls during FG

A has to decline penalty to get the points.
Accept penalty to replay or get 1st down.
There is no PSK on FG. Rule 10-2-2-g-4.
DB UNC on succeeding spot.

Group 12 – Fouls after FG

On succeeding spot.

Group 13 – Fouls when time expires

10-2-2-g-1 & 3, 3-1-3-g, 8-3-3-b

Live ball fouls and live ball fouls penalized as DB fouls during a scoring play, in which time expires are penalized on the PAT only. They cannot carry over to OT.
Live ball fouls during a non-scoring play, in which time expires, cannot carry over to OT.
Live ball fouls penalized as DB fouls (UNC) during a non-scoring play in which time expires can carry over to OT.

Group 14 – Fouls in OT

indsæt tabel

W/COP

• If B fouls before the COP – here we go again
• If B has clean hands, the possession series is over
• If the PAT is possession series, only flagrant fouls can jump

Penalties declined automatically

• 5 and 10 yard penalties committed by the team, which is scored upon. (The penalties can be accepted)
• Distance penalties after COP in OT. (Flagrant PF are administered from the succeeding spot).
• Distance penalties after COP on PAT when the down is not replayed. (Flagrant PF are administered from the succeeding spot).

PF

If a B player runs forward from 1 or more yards beyond the NZ and leaps in the NZ in an attempt to block a field goal or a PAT, and lands on any player, it is a personal foul.
Blocking the ball does not excuse this foul.
Note that this foul does not apply to punts, only PAT and FG.

If A commits a live-ball foul as time expires and B commits a dead-ball foul after the play, B can accept A’s foul in which case both fouls will be administered in an untimed down. If B declines A’s foul, then only B’s foul will be administered in OT or the next quarter.

PI

PI only applies when a legal forward pass crosses the LOS.
If the pass is touched/tipped before it crosses the LOS, the pass is considered not to have crossed the LOS.

OPI

1. Blocking downfield
2. Pushing off
3. Running through a DB, who has established his position

Only ineligible players can push a defender 3 yards down the field. For instance the TE can only block at the LOS before releasing into a pattern. If the TE continues his block any further than the LOS, it is OPI.

DPI

Rule 7-3

Remember the six categories:

1. Not playing the ball
2. Playing through the back of the receiver
3. Grabbing an arm
4. Arm bar
5. Cut off
6. Hook and turn

Make sure all the provisions for DPI are in place.

• Contact beyond the NZ.
• Intent to impede an eligible receiver.
• During untouched legal catchable forward pass.

2nd and 10 on the B-45. A pass to the Wide Receiver, who is at the B-25, is intercepted by the Linebacker (5 yards in front of him) at the B30 and returned to the A20. Prior to the interception while the ball was in the air, the DB made contact with the WR at the B-25.
Not DPI.

To summarize: the timing of the contact, trajectory of the pass, direction of the receiver and interceptor, and distance between the receiver and interceptor all play a part in determining whether the pass is catchable or not. There are situations where this could be catchable as well as uncatchable. We resolved the “discussion” by agreeing that if the contact could have prevented the receiver from making a play on the ball, WHERE it was intercepted and WHEN it was intercepted, there is DPI.
Otherwise, uncatchable.

Also, the half-the-distance rule does apply to DPI on a try that begins at the 3 yard line.

Pre-game talk with the coaches

QB/K/P lefty or righty?
Special numbers on FG/PAT?
Kicker’s number?
Formations or tricks?

Pre-OT List

1. Coin toss w/o the option to defer.
2. Team A can decide where (laterally on the B-25 yard line) to put the ball in play provided they make the request prior to the RFP. If A has committed a foul or there has been offsetting fouls, A no longer has this option. FST and then TO. A is not allowed to have the ball moved.
3. After a double COP, A does not get a new series.
4. Beginning with the 3rd OT period, 1-point trys will not score 1 point.
5. If a TD determines the winner, the PAT is canceled.
6. 1 team-TO per team per OT-period.
7. Fouls
1. First, distinguish between W-O/COP and W/COP.
2. W-O/COP.
1. No live ball fouls carry over to the next series if A scores. Enforce on the succeeding play.
2. If A commits UNC before scoring, the score counts. ?????
3. W/COP.
1. Flagrant PF, DB PF and UNC can be penalized on the succeeding play. All other distance penalties are declined by rule.
2. If B fouls before COP, replay.
3. If B fouls only after COP, no replay.
4. Any foul (including UNC) by scoring team negates the score.
8. No PSK in OT. Basic spot is the previous spot.

Pre-PAT List

1. The PAT starts with the RFP. No foul after the RFP can jump.
2. If the TD was scored as time expired in the game, the PAT is only played if relevant.
3. Team A can decide where (laterally on or behind the B3 yard line) to put the ball in play, provided they make the request prior to the RFP. If team A has committed a foul, or there have been offsetting fouls, team A no longer has this option.
4. Fourth down fumble rule is in effect.
5. Fouls
1. First, distinguish between W-O COP and W/COP.
2. W-O/COP.
1. PF by the non-scoring team can jump to the KO/OT.
2. If A commits UNC before scoring, the score counts.
3. W/COP.
1. Flagrant PF, DB PF and UNC can be penalized on the succeeding play. All other distance penalties are declined by rule.
2. If B fouls before COP, replay.
3. If B fouls only after COP, no replay.
4. Any foul (including UNC) by scoring team negates the score.
6. The PAT is only replayed in the following situations:
1. A fouls on a successful attempt
2. B fouls on an unsuccessful attempt
3. B fouls on a kick, and A wants to go for 2 points.
4. B fouls before COP.
7. DPI in the EZ is administered half-the-distance to the GL if the previous spot was the three yard line. (10-2-2-g-2) If the LOS has been moved to, say, the eight yard line (FST) DPI is administered as usual.

Pre-snap list

Back judge

7-man crew

1. Pinch (dead ball officiating)
2. Check the clock. (Should it stop? If yes, when should it start again?)
3. Check what down it is.
4. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
5. Communicate status of clock to R, if necessary.
6. Get into position.
7. Find your key.

Punt situation (only for 7 man BJ)

1. Get back to your key, the PR.
2. Count the defense and communicate.
3. Talk to the PR about fair catch signals vs. shading for the sun.
4. Get out a beanbag.
5. Notice the color of the PR’s shirt. If that color shirt touches the kick first, all h… breaks loose.
6. Bean bag any touch by a non-PR-colored shirt.
7. Line up behind the PR, and as he moves laterally to catch the kick, move the other way into position.

5-man crew

1. Pinch (dead ball officiating)
2. Check what down it is.
3. Check the clock. (Should it stop? If yes, when should it start again?)
4. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
5. Communicate status of clock to R, if necessary.
6. Get into position.
7. Find your key.

When there is a flag (only for 5 man BJ)

1. Pinch (dead ball officiate)
2. Stop the clock. Note when it should start again.
3. Note the time and which official threw the flag.
4. Get into position to see the Referee’s signals.
5. Note the rest on your penalty card.
6. Communicate status of clock to R.
7. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
8. Get into position.
9. Find your key.

Punt situation (only for 5 man BJ)

1. Get back to your key, the PR.
2. Count the defense and communicate.
3. Talk to the PR about fair catch signals vs. shading for the sun.
4. Get out a beanbag.
5. Notice the color of the PR’s shirt. If that color shirt touches the kick first, all h… breaks loose.
6. Beanbag any touch by non-PR-colored shirt.
7. Line up opposite the LJ.

Field judge

7 -man crew

1. Pinch (dead ball officiating)
2. Check the clock. (Should it stop? If yes, when should it start again?)
3. Check what down it is.
4. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
5. Communicate status of clock to R, if necessary.
6. Get into position.
7. Find your key and your secondary key if your key goes in motion.

6-man crew

1. Pinch (dead ball officiating)
2. Check the clock. (Should it stop? If yes, when should it start again?)
3. Check what down it is.
4. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
5. Communicate status of clock to R, if necessary.
6. Get into position.
7. Find your key.

When there is a flag

1. Pinch (dead ball officiate)
2. Stop the clock. Note when it should start again.
3. Note the time and which official threw the flag.
4. Get into position to see the Referee’s signals.
5. Note the rest on your penalty card.
6. Communicate status of clock to R.
7. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
8. Get into position.
9. Find your key.

Referee

Announcing penalties

• Free kick out of bounds. No. xx. Kicking team. The receiving team elects to take the ball 30 yards from the spot of the kick. First down.
• Pass interference. No. xx. Defense. The penalty puts the ball at the spot of the foul. Automatic first down.
• Stepping out of bounds during a kicking play, number xx, kicking team. 5 yard penalty from the previous spot. Replay 4th down.
• After the interception, block below the waist, number xx, offense. This penalty is declines by rule. Dead ball, personal foul, number xx, defense. This penalty is enforced on the kick off. The extra point is no good.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct, number 22 offense, dead ball, unsportsmanlike conduct number 2, offense. Both penalties will be enforced on the kick off. The TD stands.
• Illegal formation, kicking team. The 5 yard penalty will be tagged on to the end of the play. First down.
• During the kick, holding, number 22, kicking team. The 10 yard penalty will be tagged on to the end of the play. First down.

Thought process when someone has a flag

1. What down was it?
2. What is the result of the play?
3. Which type of play was it? (run/run-run/pass-run/run-kick-run)
4. Info from the crew.
5. Signals (final or prelim)
6. Captain + options
7. Final signals.

5-6-7-man crew

1. Dead ball officiating
2. Check what down it is
3. Will 5 get me 1?
4. Check that the crew is in position
5. Blow ready for play
6. Count A players
7. Check numbers on the line
8. Check crackback suspects
9. Look at where we are on the field, down/distance. What can happen?

Side judge

7-man crew

1. Pinch (dead ball officiating)
2. Check the clock. (Should it stop? If yes, when should it start again?)
3. Check what down it is.
4. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
5. Communicate status of clock to R, if necessary.
6. Get into position.
7. Find your key and your secondary key if your key goes in motion.

6-man crew

1. Pinch (dead ball officiating)
2. Check the clock. (Should it stop? If yes, when should it start again?)
3. Check what down it is.
4. Count the defense and communicate to your colleagues.
5. Communicate status of clock to R, if necessary.
6. Get into position.
7. Find your key.

PSK

PSK can only be used if B is in possession of the ball at the end of the down. If A recovers the rolling ball after a punt where B never touches the ball, it could be argued that the ball belongs to A when the play ends, but in this situation PSK is applicable.

PSK does not apply in OT, during PATs and if the FG is good.

Recovery of loose ball

It’s ok to push an opponent (from the front, and from the back, provided it is no lower than the buttocks) if you are trying to catch/recover a fumble, muff, backward pass, forward pass behind the LOS, kick or touched forward pass, provided you are eligible to touch the ball.

A scrimmage kick

If the ball never crosses the LOS, anyone can recover and advance. (4th down fumble rule)

If the ball is blocked by B within 3 yards of the NZ, by rule, it never crossed the NZ.

If the ball crosses the NZ, A cannot be the first to touch the ball. This also applies if the ball goes one yard beyond the NZ and bounces back behind the NZ. A still cannot be the first to touch it.

This also applies to a kick, which is tipped by B at the LOS, goes one yard beyond the LOS and bounces back. A can still not be the first to touch it, as it was untouched by B beyond the LOS.

As soon as there is a legal kick, blocked/tipped or whatever and recovered by whoever, the clock starts on the snap.

If A kicks the ball legally, and the ball goes OOB, the ball belongs to B, regardless of where the ball went OOB in relation to the LOS.

However, A only gives up the ball, if they kick it legally. If they commit illegal kicking, the result of the play is not necessarily B’s ball.

Roughing

Mnemonic device:

The passer is (usually) bigger and stronger than the feeble kicker/holder, so roughing can still be called if a legally blocked B-player hits the kicker/holder but not if he hits the QB after being blocked.

RNK or RTK or holder

Rule 9-1-3

Illegally blocked into the kicker is not roughing by the B-player.
Legally blocked into the kicker may be a foul by the B-player.

RTP

There can only be RTP if there is a legal forward pass and only until the pass ends. If in doubt, go with RTP and not PF.
Penalize from the end of the last run if it is over the LOS and if there was no COP during the down.

If A doesn’t make the line to gain on 4th down or if the ball is fumbled out through B’s EZ, A still has possession at the end of the down and the penalty should be enforced from the end of the run.

Sideline control

It can easily become confusing to remember the rules that are relevant for controlling the sideline. It helps, however, if you break it up into different scenarios.

Live ball

Rule 9-1-6 says that coaches and substitutes cannot be in the white (between the sideline and the coaching box) or on the field. It doesn’t matter if he interferes with anybody or anything.

The play counts, but the team is penalized 5 – 5 – 15 for DOG/SIF and then UNC/SIF.

Rule 9-1-5 doesn’t care where the coach or substitute is. If he interferes with the ball, a player or an official it will cost him an UNC.
The penalty may include anything the referee finds equitable.

Dead ball

Rule 9-2-1-b-1 states that coaches or substitutes may not be on the field or inside the 25 yard lines “during the game”. This is the only rule that deals with coaches on the field when the ball is dead. This also means that they can be in the white between plays.
The penalty is 15 yards for UNC.

Special rules for OT and PAT

Special rules for OT

First there is a coin toss w/o the option to defer.
1/10 @ B-25. The ball can be snapped anywhere between the inbounds lines.
Team A can decide where (laterally on the B-25 yard line) to put the ball in play, provided they make the request prior to the RFP (or prior to the RFP after a team TO). If A has committed a foul or there has been offsetting fouls, A no longer has this option.
Team A false starts, and then calls a TO. They are not allowed to have the ball moved.
If A recovers a B fumble or backward pass, (double COP) A does not get a new
series. Their only option is to score on that play.
Beginning with the 3rd OT period, 1-point trys will not score 1 point.
If a TD determines the winner, the PAT is canceled.
1 team-TO per team per OT-period. Any TO between periods counts towards the following period.
W/O COP. No live ball fouls carry over to the next series, if A scores. Enforce on the succeeding play.
However, during trys, any PF carry over to the next series if the try is not replayed. Live ball fouls penalized as DB fouls (UNC) carry over to the succeeding series.
If A commits UNC before scoring, the score counts, but only if there has been no COP.
W/ COP, flagrant fouls, DB PF, UNC after B gains possession can be penalized on the succeeding play. All other distance penalties are declined by rule.
Any foul by scoring team negates the score.
If ANY two fouls can offset prior to change of possession the play is replayed. If B first fouls after the COP, the penalties offset but the down is not replayed.
No PSK in OT. Basic spot is the previous spot.

Special rules for PAT

The clock is stopped.
As soon as the ball is blown ready for play, any DB foul before the snap can only be penalized on the try.
If the TD was scored as time expired in the game, the PAT is only played if it can influence the outcome of the game.
Team A can decide where (laterally on or behind the B3 yard line) to put the ball in play, provided they make the request prior to the RFP (or prior to the RFP after a team TO). If A has committed a foul or there has been offsetting fouls, A no longer has this option.
Team A false starts, and then calls a TO. They are not allowed to have the ball moved.
Fourth down fumble rule is in effect.
The PAT is only replayed in the following situations:
• A fouls on a successful attempt
• B fouls on an unsuccessful attempt
• B fouls on a successful kick, and A wants to go for 2 points.
• B fouls before any COP.
W/O COP, PFs may be enforced on succeeding play (KO or OT) but only if the try was good. If the try was no good, A will have to enforce any penalty on the PAT. Including leaping.
W/COP, Flagrant fouls, DB PFs and UNC can be penalized on the succeeding play.
Any foul by scoring team negates the score.
If B fouls prior to change of possession the try is replayed.
Any PF can be penalized on a repeat PAT or carry over to the next play (KO or OT). Live ball fouls penalized as DB fouls (UNC) carry over to the succeeding KO or OT. All other fouls can only be penalized on the PAT.
DPI in the EZ is administered half-the-distance to the GL if the previous spot was the three yardline. (10-2-2-g-2) If the LOS has been moved to, say, the eight yardline (FST) DPI is administered as usual.

Differences between OT and PAT

In OT the PAT is automatically cancelled if the winner has been found.
On a PAT, A can decide to move the ball not only laterally but also backwards prior to the RFP. Not so in OT.

Similarities between OT and PAT

The ball can be moved laterally, by A, prior to the RFP. Also, prior to the RFP after a team-TO. If A commits a foul, or there are offsetting fouls, A loses this option.
If B fouls prior to COP, the play is repeated.
If B has clean hands and there is a COP, the down is not replayed.
If the down is not replayed, the only true live ball foul to jump is a flagrant one.

Stepped out of bounds

A kicking team player who steps out may not came back in.
5 yard penalty. Previous spot or tag on.

A WR on a pass play may step back in, but may not be the first to touch the ball.
LOD.

SUI

A has to allow B to adjust to late substitutions if A comes in from the sideline. A cannot rush the snap. R has to decide if B is attempting to adjust. If B immediately tries to adjust, R/U has to hold the snap. This might result in DOG on A. It could also result in a DOG on B if they deliberately stall their substitution.
After he has enforced the five-yard penalty against either team, the referee will tell the Team A head coach that there will be a 15 yard UNS if this happens again.

When the huddle breaks, a replaced player must be at least 10 yards from the huddle and a substitute must not be within 10 yards of the huddle.
A substitute becomes a player when he enters the field and communicates with a teammate or official, enters the huddle, is positioned in a formation, or participates in a play.

In other words a substitute can run 10 yards onto the field, turn around, and run out again – legally – if he did not communicate with a teammate or an official.

Tackle box vs. Blocking zone

The tackle box deals with ING and HCT. It is defined around the snapper.

The blocking zone deals with illegal crack back blocking. It is defined around the middle lineman in the formation.

Usually, the snapper is the middle lineman, but for example, in a swinging gate formation, this is not the case.

The QB rolls out and double back back. He is now right behind the original position of the ball.

HCT is now possible as if he never left the box because it is safety foul.

ING is like he is still outside the box.

Timeout

The HC cannot designate another coach as the HC to call TOs.

If there is an injury timeout after a play where a period ends, the injured player does not have to leave the game for one play.
Only the Referee can stop the clock for a HC conference.

UNC

A B player using team mate to get leverage to block a kick. It is not illegal to use an A player.
15 yards previous spot.

Only 9-2-1-a fouls carry automatic DQ after second offense.

Unfair tactics are penalized as a live ball foul from the previous spot.