I realize it is probably a simple thing that I should know but here is my question.

Youth Football Game

The offensive team throws a backwards pass and the receiver completely misses it. The ball is lying on the ground. Can the defensive team pick up the ball and advance it?

Would the answer be the same if the receiver had touched the ball but not caught it?

Geoff

Yes and yes, its a live ball.

It's a fumble.

See NFHS Rule 7-4-2
 

7-4-2...If a fumble or backward pas is caught or revoered by <b>any player,</b> he may advance.

Youth differences
 

Just to annoy everyone, I think I should point out that some youth leagues do not play standardized rules of NF or NCAA...
Under accepted rules the answers given are true, but for instance the leauge for the smallest players where I ref (7-10 years), ANY loose ball that touches the ground is a dead ball.
Either incomplete forward pass - ball returned to previous spot, or fumble/backwards pass - ball is dead at the spot it touched the ground.

They put it in to keep the little kids labelling each other as they were picking up the ball. There is also no return on kicks - R gets the ball where it is recovered, if it was caught, they get +5 yards.


James

Re: See NFHS Rule 7-4-2
 

Also consider 4-2-2-e-2...the ball is dead if it "Is on the ground motionless and no player attempts to secure possession." Possession is retained by the team in possession.

Canadian Ruling
 

Yes and yes... the ball is live and the spot of release of original pass should be bagged. We could have a potential last touched situation.