NFL Catch Rule vs. NCAA & NFHS

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Yes, and you have to complete a catch to have a TD.
All interesting references, but nothing says when possession is on a catch. Simply having the hands on the ball does not complete possession.

There are many that feel we should use the same standard in NF games and many do. I was always taught not to have cheap fumbles or catches.
Peace

That's why I specified NFHS, which also describes both a "Catch" (of a pass) and "possession", with definitions that have been constant for decades.

NFHS 2-34-1: "A ball in player possession is a live ball held or controlled by a player after it has been handed or snapped to him, or after he has caught or recovered it."

NFHS 2-4-1: "A catch is the act of establishing player possession of a live ball which is in flight, and first contacting the ground inbounds while maintaining possession of the ball (recently expanded to include) or having the forward progress of the player in possession stopped while the opponent is carrying the player who is in possession and inbounds.

NFL rules are designed for extraordinary talented and experienced professional athletes, who are grown men in a profit centered environment, with unique objectives, whereas NFHS rules cover Interscholastic and "sandlot" athletic development level programs. Each rule code is designed for it's specific participants.