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Have at it boys....

NCAA Football Rules Committee Interpretations

The committee met via conference call on August 23 and approved the following interpretations. It should be noted that these interpretations are not rules changes, but are being provided after the committee received several questions regarding its rules.

Rule 3-2-5-e, When to Start the Clock.

Interpretation: When Team B is awarded a first down, the clock will be stopped and will start on the ready for play signal when Team B will snap the ball.

Approved Ruling Clarifications:
3-2-5-II: Fourth down and six yards to go. Team A’s running play, which ends inbounds, gains five yards. B1 is offside on the play. Ruling: Team A’s ball. Fourth and one. The clock starts on the snap because there was no change in possession.

3-2-5-III: Fourth down and four yards to go. Team A’s running play, which ends inbounds, gains three yards. B1 is offside during the play. Ruling: Team A’s ball. First and 10 after accept-ing the penalty. The clock starts on the snap because there was no change in possession.

3-2-5-IV: Third down and four yards to go. Team’s pass is intercepted by B1, who is downed inbounds. B2 was offside during the play. Ruling: Team A’s ball. First and 10. The clock starts on the snap.

8-7-2-IX: Fourth down and five yards to go on Team B’s 20-yard line. A30 fumbles at team B’s 16-yard line. The ball rolls to the 10-yard line (either at rest or still rolling), where (a) B40 bats the loose ball backward and out of bounds at Team B’s five-yard line or (b) forward and out of bounds at Team B’s 18-yard line. Ruling: (a) The bat is legal and it is Team B’s ball first and 10 at Team B’s 16 yard line, the clock starts on the ready for play signal. (b) This is illegal batting, penalize Team B from the spot of the fumble. Team A’s ball first and goal, the clock starts on the snap.

10-1-4-I: Team A punts and is illegally in motion at the snap. The untouched ball goes out of bounds between the goal lines, after which Team B commits a personal foul. Ruling: If Team B elects to replay the down, Team A will be penalized five yards at the previous spot followed by a 15-yard penalty against Team B. Team B’s foul shall award an automatic first down. The clock starts on the snap.