Question on when a catch is completed.

[Mike Simonds]

Yesterday in our semipro game there was a pass over the middle of the field. The HL and SJ (6 man crew) ruled complete but from my umpire position I had the best view as the defender was coming back towards the ball. What I saw was the defender making a diving effort to catch the ball when his hands first made contact with the pass the ball was also touching the ground. Then he pulled it towards his chest with one fluid motion. So I can see that because he was coming back towards me I had the best view. I ran up and signaled incomplete pass and the HL and SJ were cool with that.

Is it true (because thats what we were told last season) that once the player first makes contact with the pass he also has to demonstrate control of the ball by doing something with it, such as pulling it towards his body, etc.? My belief is that if the ball touches the ground in any way before he has demonstrated ability to control it then we have an incomplete pass.

I'd like to get some input on this one. Thanks!