Forward handing or fumble?

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by Ed Hickland
This would not be a pass. By definition, a pass must be in flight.

A32 action was illegal forward handing, even though, it was not controlled by A78. The act of illegal forward handing as defined in 3-19-1 requires only touching. Then the ball was fumbled.

I remember this play. I threw the flag for illegal forward handing when the runner made contact with his teammate and the ball was fumbled and recovered by a B player. Of course, B wanted the ball and declined the illegal forward handing.

I would have to agree with you, Ed. That's why I asked the question.

Your statement is correct. This is not a muff. This is a fumble. A muff is the touching or accidentally kicking of a loose ball by a player in an unsuccessful attempt to secure possession. In this play, the ball is not loose until A32 fumbles it. A32 is considered to have fumbled the ball when A78 does not control and possess the ball. If A78 touches the ball after A32 fumbles it, then A78 has muffed it.

I think a case can be made that as soon as A78 touches the ball, we have illegal forward handing.