[KWH]

Once again Referee supplies the wrong answer to their own play. It is funny that they provided this play as an example to accompany their own article "RULE 5: THE FORGOTTEN RULE!"
Why is it funny you ask?
Because the answer to this play is found in Rule 5. Specifically 2004 NFHS 5-2-5. Also see 2004 NFHS Case Book 5.2.2 SITUATION B

The proper ruling on this play is as follows:
The only foul on this play is an Illegal Forward Pass by A.
Therefore;
B can deline the penalty and the result of the play is a touchdown for A, Final Score A12 - B7 and Game Over.
OR,
B can accept the A foul, the five yard penalty places the ball on the B10 yard line and the period is extended for one untimed down. The down and distance is first and goal for A. (No clock - untimed down)
My crystal ball says the likely final score will be: A9 - B7

Remember: The loss of down part of the penalty has no significance since the succeeding spot is beyond the line to gain and a new series is awarded.

Message to ljudge:
1) Don't believe everything printed in REFEREE Magazine. Their proofreaders have gone down hill and in this case their incorrect ruling effected the outcome of a game.

Message to Uncle Ernie:
I believe the result is exactly the same in NCAA. I will have to reasearch to find the correct rule and AR.

[Edited by KWH on Jul 23rd, 2004 at 11:51 AM]