Quarterback goes under center to receive the snap. WR is on the line of scrimmage. QB takes the snap and a 1 to 2 step drop, and throws a quick pass out to the WR who is still in his position on the line. Quarterback throws what appears to be a forward pass, but by the time it gets to the wideout, a gust if wind is carrying it backwards, and the pass goes off the receivers hands and to the turf. Forward or backward pass?
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The intial direction of the pass determines whether it's forward or backwards. This is a forward pass. (2-29-2)
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Canadian Ruling
Interesting to know the South Canadian rule. ;)
Here, a pass' direction is determined by the originating location and by the terminating location. The originating location is that spot from where the ball is thrown. The terminating location is the Point of First Touching, or where the ball touches the ground, or where it goes out of bounds (in flight). In Canada, this is a had to be there sitch. Sounds like it would have been a lateral in Canada, and therefore a live ball. |
REPLY: NCAA rule is similar to the Canadian rule JR mentioned. But in Fed as BBR said, it's all determined by the initial direction of the pass.
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And we know that our wing officials are punching back if it's backward, right Bob?
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Y'all (Fed folks) have the WING make this decision? Isn't R in the best position to make that call? (And aren't the wings concentrating on a LOT of things other than the location of the QB when he throws it?)
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Fed
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WM |
Interesting play Sunday in the Rams - Titans game. Rams QB threw a pass that, from field level, was clearly forward. No whistle was blown and finally a Titan player picked it up and ran. The play was challenged but was not overturned. I don't know if it was the angle of the camera that made it look close or a deflection by a Titan tackle. During the replay, the Rams kept their offense in, the Titans kept their defense in and everybody moved back to the previous spot because they were sure it was going to be overturned.
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How can the R possibly know whether the pass has an initial direction of forwards or backwards? |
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by WyMike
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The rationale is that if it is a forward pass that falls incomplete, blow it dead once it hits the ground. If you aren't sure, don't do anything. That way if the wing punches back, but the R blows it dead incomplete, there are no mixed signals to the sidelines ("Hey! The wing said it was backwards, why did you blow the whistle?!?!"). No signal, and no whistle, should be enough to let the players know the ball is still live. |
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My reply wasn't directed at Bob M. personally, but was a comment on our chapter interpretation meeting. Just last we were instructed that our mechanic will be to have the wing officials punch back on this play. There is/was some discussion as to whether this is an 'optional' mechanic, as stated in the manual.
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