[mikesears]

Originally posted by Theisey
Mike, I normally do not answer mechanics questions because I've learned over the years that you'll get at least four different responses for even the most trival play. I follow NFHS guidelines for NFHS 4 or 5 man games and CCA mechanics for 5 or 6 man for NCAA man games.

One thing, you mentioned that the passers arm may have been beyond the NZ when he released the ball. That's not a what one should be looking at, it takes the passers feet to be beyond to be an illegal forward pass under NFHS rules. I assume you are using NFHS rules as under NCAA rules, no part of the passers body can be beyond the NZ.

The "U" can assist the "R" in determining this, but it is most certainly not your primary job. You got your hands full as it is.

The LJ may or not be able to help as he has been slowly moving off the line. The HL (using CCA 6-man) is one step into B's side of the NZ and has a chance to see this. That being said, guess who really has the primary job.. Yep, it's good old Mr R. The wings have little chance in helping in 5-man games has we have moved downfield with receivers.

He can drop a bag or a flag and continue to officiate. A late flag is not a bad thing in this case. One thing, on a roll out where the QB is running towards the box. I'll retreat to A's side of the NZ and let the play go bye. That QB may be driving right at the forward stake and the HL is in harms way. Like I said, the HL now has a chance to see whether a pass if thrown is illegal.

[hr]

I agree with you.

I guess what I was trying to convey is that the R can sometimes have difficulty in ruling on this kind of play because he is trailing the action. My own philsophy is that if you have questions about the legality of the pass you can look to the U to see if you can get some help. If you still have questions, it was NOT a foul. Thoughts?