Ineligible Receiver--NFHS

[fredhjr]

R1 is on the LOS. R2, outside of this one, is also on the LOS. We know R1 cannot go past the LOS and catch a pass. If R1 steps back from the LOS, is there any circumstance when he could legally catch a forward pass behind said LOS?

[Rich]

Only if he establishes himself as a back before the snap.

As described, he's ineligible by position and he can't catch a forward pass anywhere on the field.

[fredhjr]

Thanks for the quick response! Where can I find that in NFHS documentation?

[Rich]

He's an interior lineman by position. Rules apply no differently to him than any other lineman. Look at the illegal touching foul/penalty.

[Altor]

Originally Posted by fredhjr

is there any circumstance when he could legally catch a forward pass behind said LOS?

7-5-6-b

[HLin NC]

There is one scenario where R1 can legally catch a pass; if the pass is backward.

My son's HS team runs this formation and 99 times out of 100, it is a run play. However, the QB can check off and R1 moves back behind the LOS to a point the pass will be backward.

[Altor]

The question was specifically about a forward pass. And I cited the only rule that would allow him to catch a forward pass after being "covered up."

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by Rich

Only if he establishes himself as a back before the snap.

As described, he's ineligible by position and he can't catch a forward pass anywhere on the field.

Or if R2 establishes himself as a back before the snap.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by BoomerSooner

Or if R2 establishes himself as a back before the snap.

Or if an opponent touched the pass first.

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Or if an opponent touched the pass first.

This is the reference Altor previously provided (7-5-6b). It is the only rule that allows for R1 to catch a forward pass if he was not eligible at the snap.