Spotting the ball after 4th down

[CT1]

Originally Posted by yankeesfan

A runs the ball on 4th down and come up a ball length short after a measurement. When sporting the ball for the change of possession do u rotate the ball so the front of the ball is now the back and vice versa and then set the chains? Or leave the ball where it was at the end of the play and set the chains? 5.3.3 is the rule but just a little unclear with it. Thanks

The reason you can't do a flip is because if it's the goal line, you'd then have the ball in the end zone. Spot the ball as it lies & set the chains on the front of the ball.

[BIG UMP]

Normally I move the ball to the nearest line and move the chains. That being said however, if inside the 20, inches matter, I move the chains, the ball stays put.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by CT1

The reason you can't do a flip is because if it's the goal line, you'd then have the ball in the end zone. Spot the ball as it lies & set the chains on the front of the ball.

Or put it on a yard line if the goal line isn't threatened.

[jblowery]

Originally Posted by CT1

The reason you can't do a flip is because if it's the goal line, you'd then have the ball in the end zone. Spot the ball as it lies & set the chains on the front of the ball.

Wouldn't that be a safety anyway, before the change of possession?