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I worked umpire for the first time ever last night. I'm normally a back judge or referee, but I am thinking of starting a varsity crew and feel I should have a working knowledge of all the positions, so I'm going to work umpire when I can during the week.
My question involves the thought processes on passes into or near the line -- ones that are first touched by an ineligible receiver.
In NFHS rules, what questions do the officials need to ask themselves in determining whether or not there is a penalty?
The play that got me thinking happened last night. 2-point try from the 8 yard line. A4 drops back to pass and is hit as he releases the ball. I was unsure if the ball was tipped, and the hit definitely affected the pass.
The ball hits ineligible A56 in the helmet (it was not a muff, bat, etc.). I stepped up but wasn't entirely sure whether A56 was behind the neutral zone.
Please guide me through the thought processes of the officials involved and how you would sort out this play.
Rich
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