Incomplete pass reversed to touchdown

[starbury]

We were watching an NFL playoff game and there was a pass to end zone which was initially ruled incomlete. Right away I yelled 'challenge it'. However my friend started arguing that any incomplete pass could be challenged and overturned but not in the end zone, not for a touchdown. This really surprised me because he knows all about football but apparently not this rule. We went on arguing about this one and finally had a bet for 12-pack of beer.

Do you know where I could find an official NFL rule book on the internet??? I tried but couldn't find it on NFL.com. I'm pretty sure about this one having seen it happen a few times ...for example in Super Bowl a couple of years back with Bucs and Raiders. Joey Porter caught a long pass which was first ruled incomplete but reversed for a toucdown.

[mcrowder]

Your friend needs to lay off the medication. He's wrong.

See http://www.nfl.com for their rule set.

[ABoselli]

The Porter "catch" was never changed in that game. He caught the ball near the end line and was pushed OB but then the ball came out when he hit the ground. Mike Carey's brother was the BJ and emphatically signaled incomplete when the two other deep guys came over to consult.

And, you're friend is on crack. There are no provisions for possession of a pass that differ in the end zone vs. the field of play.

I just picked up this year's NFL rulebook at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago. My last one from the 2000-2001 season and was pretty dated. $9.95, I think.

[Dommer1]

Here's the NFL rules on replay (sorry for the ugly format):

Rule 15, Section 9

Section 9 Instant Replay

For the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons, the League will employ a system of
Referee Replay Review to aid officiating for reviewable plays as defined below. Prior to
the two-minute warning of each half, a Coaches’ Challenge System will be in effect.
After the two-minute warning of each half, and throughout any overtime period, a
Referee Review will be initiated by a Replay Assistant from a Replay Booth comparable
to the location of the coaches’ booth or Press Box. The following procedures will be
used:

Coaches’ Challenge. In each game, a team will be permitted two challenges that will initiate Referee Replay reviews. Each challenge will require the use of a team timeout. If a challenge is upheld, the timeout will be restored to the challenging team. A challenge will only be restored if a team is succesful on both of its challenges, in which case it shall be awarded a third challenge, but a fourth challenge will not be permitted under any circumstances. No challenges will be recognized from a team that has exhausted its timeouts. A team that is out of timeouts or has used all of its available challenges may not attempt to initiate an additional challenge.

Penalty: For initiating a challenge when all of a team’s timeouts have been exhausted or when all of its available challenges have been used: Loss of 15 yards.

Replay Assistant’s Request for Review. After the two-minute warning of each half, and throughout any overtime period, any Referee Review will be initiated by a Replay Assistant. There is no limit to the number of Referee Reviews that may be initiated by the Replay Assistant. His ability to initiate a review will be unrelated to the number of timeoutsthat either team has remaining, and no timeout will be charged for any review initiated by the Replay Assistant.

Reviews by Referee. All Replay Reviews will be conducted by the Referee on a field-level monitor after consultation with the covering official(s), prior to review. A decision will be reversed only when the Referee has indisputable visual evidence avilable to him that warrants the change.

Time Limit. Each review will be a maximum of 90 seconds in length, timed from when the Referee begins his review of the replay at the field-level monitor.

Reviewable Plays. The Replay System will cover the following situations only:
(a) Plays governed by Sideline, Goal Line, End Zone, and End Line:
1. Scoring Plays, including a runner breaking the plane of the goal line.
2. Pass complete/incomplete/intercepted at sideline, goal line, end zone, and end line.
3. Runner/receiver in or out of bounds.
4. Recovery of loose ball in or out of bounds.
(b) Passing Plays:
1. Pass ruled complete/incomplete/intercepted in the field of play.
2. Touching of a forward pass by an ineligible recevier.
3. Touching of a forward pass by a defensive player.
4. Quarterback (passer) forward pass or fumble.
5. Illegal forward pass beyond line of scrimmage.
6. Illegal forward pass after change of possession.
7. Forward or backward pass thrown from behind line of scrimmage.
(c) Other Detectable Infractions:
1. Runner ruled not down by defensive contact.
2. Forward progress with respect to first down.
3. Touching of a kick.
4. Number of players on field.
Note: Non-reviewable plays include but are not limited to:
1. Status of the clock
2. Proper down
3. Penalty administration
4. Runner ruled down by defensive contact
5. Forward progress not relating to first down or goal line
6. Forceouts
7. Recovery of loose ball in the field of play
8. Field goals

[starbury]

Thanks for the answers. Looks like I'll be having some free beer when broncos and steelers take the field.