Quote:
Originally posted by MJT
I called another guy on my crew, and he says A's forward pass was illegal cuz possession changed when A punted the ball, so they cannot pass it after possession has changed. I disagree! He also says that team possession must have changed on the muff by R beyond the NZ, otherwise why would K get the ball if they were in possession at the end of the down. I disagree with that as well. Team possession did not change because team B never gained player possession. I told him the rules simply says if B muffs it beyond the NZ, 1st down for whoever, but if muffed by B in or behind the NZ, A must reach the LTG. He is on vacation, and has no rule book, so just winging it. I say is wrong on both counts, but would see what you all thought.
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REPLY: I'm with you here...your crew member needs a little bit more grounding in the fundamentals!
Now, for the original play, do you think that NF 5-1-2b might play a part in the ruling? NF 5-1-2b:
"After a fourth down, a new series shall be awarded only after considering the effect of any act during the down, other than a non-player or unsportsmanlike foul." The touching by B/R must be considered prior to determining who to award a new series to. Right?
Also, take a look at Case Book Play 5.1.3 Situation C, part (b) (abbreviated): 4th and 10 from K's 45-yard line. K1 punts the ball beyond the NZ, R1 muffs it back behind the NZ where K1 recovers and throws a forward pass to K3 which is complete and the 50 and R1 interferes with K3.
Ruling: Since R1touched the locl beyond the NZ, it will be first down for the team in possession. The pass is legal, as there has been no change of possession. If K accepts the penalty for interference, it will be K's ball at R's 40-yard line.
Unfortunately, they don't say what the result would be if K declined the penalty. The reason for this omission is that it's obvious K will accept, since declination would give K a first down at the 50. K gains 10 yards by accepting the penalty.
[Edited by Bob M. on Mar 9th, 2005 at 09:25 AM]