[Bob M.]

REPLY: I'm with ljudge agreeing that the case book is correct. There are basically two (2) types of errors that can be corrected: (1) errors in timing where you can go back one play and fix the timing error [see NF 3-4-6], and (2) errors that result from a misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule. This latter error must be corrected before the ball next becomes alive following the play in which the error occurred and prior to the ending of the period. [See NF 3-5-11] That means that once the referee holds the ball aloft at the end of the period, it's too late to correct any misapplication error occurring on the final play of the prior period. Now, between you and me, if I had spotted the ball incorrectly as described in the original post, and then ended the period, I would certainly fix it if brought to my attention before we switched ends of the field. Technically, I'd be wrong, but common sense should prevail IMHO.