Quarterback throws forward pass that hits umpire in the head. Ball is caught by an offensive linemen off officials head before touching the ground and then runs up field eight yards before being tackled.
Is this an illegal pass because it was not deflected by a defensive player?
If eligible receiver had caught it off the officials head is this a catch?
Is official part of the field or is it incomplete once it is touched by an official?

[Edited by collinb on Oct 12th, 2004 at 11:06 AM]

Under NCAA this is a legal catch. Once the ball hits a Team B player or an official all players become eligible.

[Edited by JasonTX on Oct 12th, 2004 at 08:26 PM]

Touching by an official is ignored. Your 2nd sentence doesn't make sense. Did he catch it or not. It sounds like a catch, fumble, and recovery. I have illegal touching unless it was touched by offensive lineman beyond neutral zone, then it's OPI.