[MD Longhorn]

In NCAA, B has the option of declining A's original foul, as they got the ball with "clean hands". I understand now that this is not the case in NF.

In thinking about the NF version, I'm wondering if this ruling is fair (not questioning the accuracy under the rules as stated - just the fairness). B has gained possession of the ball on a fumble, having done nothing wrong on their own. In your rules, if B holds during the run after the fumble, they retain the ball, but because A cheated and caused a fumble in the process, now B no longer has a right to the ball? That seems wrong and against the spirit of the rules. It allows A to cheat in order to gain advantage (i.e. forcing an offsetting penalty and getting the ball back).

Simpson raises a good point about the USC. It should have been illegal interference - a live ball foul. I wonder now if the "the referee shall enforce any penalty he considers equitable, including awarding a score" clause would allow us to penalize 15 yards from the succeeding instead of previous spot in this particular case. Another consideration is that even before he contacted the player, he violated 9-2-1-b "...coaches... shall not be on the field of play..." - which allows 15 yards from the succeeding spot.

Now I get to discuss this part of the play at the meetings.