TD, or spot of ball please

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by Mark Dexter
Bob M., doesn't the goal line extended rule also apply to catching a pass that is outside of the inbounds line while standing in the EZ?

REPLY: I'm assuming you meant 'sideline' as opposed to 'inbounds line' and NO, I really don't think so. The definition of goal line (NF 2-25-3) includes the definition of the extension, but it refers to it solely in the context of a ball in a runner's possession. In a pass play into the endzone such as the one you describe, where the ball does not cross the plane of the goal line in a player's possession, the position of the ball itself is not really important. All that's important is whether the catch is completed, i.e. receiver's first contact with the ground is inbounds.