[rdodom]

In reference to the federation plays of the week, I want to take issue with the 1st rule.

"Play: Team A's kickoff lands at the six-yard line and bounces high in the air. Receiver B81 gets possession of the ball at his three-yard line and his momentum carries him into the end zone where he is tackled.

Ruling: Safety; the momentum rule does not apply because the ball was recovered, not caught (8-5-2a Exc.)."

I agree the rule book says that momentum involves "catching" a kick and the word "catch" means to secure possession of a ball in flight. The question is still whether a kick that has bounced high in the air should be considered to be a "ball in flight". Notice I said "should"!

I feel the federation rules committee needs to look at this one and define it more clearly. My opinion (which is like, well we know everybody has one) is that the purpose of the rule is to give the receiver protection from a safety when he can't stop from going into the endzone while he is trying to secure possession of a kick. I've had screaming line drive kicks towards the corner that have hit the ground and while trying to retrieve the kick, the receiver's momentum has forced him into the endzone where he has slipped trying to come out. I can't give him a safety and so far, our state has backed up this call.

It's definitely one to discuss, maybe make it a little more clear and let's review the definition of this "catch".

Would love to have everyone's thoughts!

Now when you comment, think about what you think it should be, not necessarily how you think the rule book reads!

I remember my 1st game as a referee (many years ago) before the momentum rule was in affect and a kid caught the ball, backing up, on the 2, slipped and fell on his knee in the endzone and I had to give him a safety. Happened at the big jamboree in Williams Brice stadium in Columbia, S.C. I was scared to death about making the right call when I held up my safety signal! At the time, it was the right call, the momentum rule started a couple of years later. I felt then that it was a tough call to give him a safety and I feel it's a tough one to give on a line drive bouncer too. I was glad to see them change that rule then and I'd love to see them clear it up now!!

Thanks