Quote:
Originally posted by kentref
NFHS rules. 2nd and 8 on A's 40 yard line. A12 throws a short pass over the middle and both A84 and B59 leap for the pass and appear to possess the ball at the same time while in the air. They both contact the ground with their feet at the same time on A's 49 yard line while still in apparent joint possession of the ball. The linesman recognizes the joint possession and sounds his whistle when the players contact the ground. At the time of the whistle both players are on their feet and moving towards B's end zone. The umpire, who was much closer to the play, indicates that B59 (only) had possession. The referee goes with the umpire's call.
Question: What is the next down, who is in possession, and where would the ball be spotted? Indicate if there is more than one potential outcome.
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Wow I really cannot see that happening as U, I am busy watching the line and to any extent would defer to the wing. Only way it would be different is if the U was the only one able to see directly into it, ie the pass was caught between the line and him and they turned so he could see the hands, which puts the players backs to the wings more. At that point as well I would be confirming with the back judge as he would have about the same look as the U. I would also somewhat consider calling it an IW on a pass play and replay the down if we could not come to an acceptable resolve on the catch. To have a catch you have to have control and you have crew members questioning who had control which could be looked at as the ball still being loose in a sense. To any extent to have a turnover there when you have crew members in doubt in not a good thing.
Really I would have to know exactly where "over the middle" the catch was being made and the angle of the officials to the play and players to fairly decide on what the "more correct" call would be.