A difficult call to make, and more difficult to explain

[PSU213]

Originally posted by hab_in_exile
Earlier someone said that if it goes backwards at 5mph, the net is a forward of 13mph. Nope. If it is going backwards at 5mph, then it is going backwards at 5mph. You are mistaking the application of force with the velocity I think.

I don't want to turn this into a debate over physics, but it appears it is turing out that way. All velocity is relative. When a running player releases a ball it has a velocity relative to the player, relative to the ground, and relative to some fixed point in outer space. Even if the ball is just sitting on the ground it has a velocity relative to that point in space because the earth is racing through the solar system.

If the player is running forward, he may release the ball with a velocity that is backwards in relation to him, but it could be forward in relation to the ground. Assuming no outside forces, at no point does the velocity switch directions (as per Newton's First Law). If it has a forward velocity (relative to the ground) when it leaves his hand, it has a forward velocity when a player catches it.

All that having been said, from an officiating standpoint, I am obviously not going to measure the velocity of the player, the ball, etc. I would have to be even with the player, and clearly see him release it forward to rule it a foward pass.