pass interference out of bounds

[don't move]

Had this last night: 2nd & 10 at B's 20. Deep pass to the back of the endzone. A80 and B20 are 3 yards beyond the endline (neither player was forced out) and B20 clearly interferes with A80. We did not throw a flag, (coaches, players and fans go nuts,etc) but I am not sure we got it right. The rule just says you cannot "interfere with an eligible opponent's opportunity to move toward, catch or bat the pass". While, by definition, A80 cannot "catch" the pass (because he cannot first contact the ground inbounds) he can still move toward the pass and was prevented from doing so by B20.

According to the rules, it looks like we blew it. Comments please.

[ljudge]

I expect some to disagree with me but I'd have difficulty calling this DPI but I guess you can say it is, technicaly. But, if A comes back inbounds to catch the pass you're going to have a 15-yard illegal participation foul against A any way which will be enforced from the previous spot.

Originally posted by ljudge
I expect some to disagree with me but I'd have difficulty calling this DPI but I guess you can say it is, technicaly. But, if A comes back inbounds to catch the pass you're going to have a 15-yard illegal participation foul against A any way which will be enforced from the previous spot.

I am with you LJ on this one. It was also my first thought! I can't see PI on an OOB play...

[Theisey]

While you did not say, the terminology you are using tells me your game was played using NCAA rules. Is that correct?
If it is, the answer is no, there is no DPI against this now ineligible receiver. Stepping OOB makes him inelgible.

Only after a B player touches the pass, will this receiver be allowed to touch it without a foul.

[Texas Aggie]

NCAA: pass isn't catchable, so no DPI.

What difference does it make whether he could "move toward the pass?" Unless he was blocked out of bounds, under NCAA, he won't be eligible to touch the pass until its touched by Team B or an official.

I guess technically you might have defensive holding if he used his hands or arms illegally, but I doubt I would flag it if they were OOB.

[Dale Smith]

Originally posted by Theisey
While you did not say, the terminology you are using tells me your game was played using NCAA rules. Is that correct?
If it is, the answer is no, there is no DPI against this now ineligible receiver. Stepping OOB makes him inelgible.

Only after a B player touches the pass, will this receiver be allowed to touch it without a foul.

Under NFHS rules, unlike under NCAA rules, a eligible receiver stepping out of bounds does not loose eligibility. However, as stated by ljudge, when he returns inbounds he has committed an illegal participation foul. Also like ljudge I would not call DPI on this play.

[booker227]

Good no call. Often common sense prevails. Let em scream.
Both players out of bounds, you've got nothing.